Commenting on this first meeting, the newly elected Chair, Patrick Wall, affirmed: “Board members look forward to the challenges ahead and to supporting and guiding EFSA to achieve its aim to enhance consumer protection. EFSA is a phenomenal resource for all EU citizens and it is an honour to be elected chair and help contribute to the next phase.”

The Board welcomed the conclusions arising from EFSA’s external evaluation, adopted by the previous Management Board on 30 June 2006, and which will serve as basis for EFSA’s future development. Members requested that EFSA’s progress in achieving these objectives be reviewed on a twice-yearly basis.

Members agreed on a renewed mandate of three years for the EFSA Stakeholder Consultative Platform, thereby confirming the establishment of the Platform as a consultative body and forum for exchange and discussion between the Authority and its stakeholders.

The Board also reviewed EFSA’s Communications strategy and plans in light of its recommendations to enhance the impact and effectiveness of EFSA Communications arising from EFSA’s external evaluation.