Ahead of the Board session, members held a joint meeting with EFSA’s Advisory Forum which groups representatives of national bodies responsible for risk assessment in EU Member States, Iceland and Norway, to take stock of achievements to date and discuss cooperation issues, in particular on emerging risks, data collection and risk communication.

Speaking at the Board session, Executive Director Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle presented EFSA’s new organisation model, which enables the Authority to address its increasing workload, particularly in the area of applications. Many of these in the future will include assessments of environmental impacts, post-market monitoring and benefits or efficacy. As part of its new structure, EFSA will establish an Applications Desk to act as a contact point for clients and partners such as applicants, the European Commission and Member States.

EFSA will also focus resources on general health and safety risk assessments in such areas as chemical and biological contaminants and nutrition. A new directorate will coordinate scientific strategy and coordination across EFSA, and reinforce engagement with its stakeholders and international partners.

The Management Board appointed experts to the ANS and CEF Panels, which are due for renewal[1]. In a clear sign of interest in EFSA’s activities despite the heavy workload, 95% of members applied to be re-appointed to their positions on the Panels.

Board members also discussed proposals for an integrated policy on the independence of EFSA’s scientific advice and scientific decision-making. The new policy will include recommendations to strengthen EFSA’s Declarations of Interests policy and bring together other processes and procedures EFSA has put in place to safeguard its independence. In developing this policy, EFSA will seek the views of its Scientific Committee, partners and stakeholders.

Taking into account the Board’s discussion today, a revised document and a proposal for an integrated policy on independence and scientific decision-making processes will be prepared for consideration by members at their meeting in June following which a public consultation will be launched.