The activities detailed in the Work Programme for 2008 discussed by the Board are underpinned by three guiding principles; (i) prioritisation and streamlining of working practices, (ii) networking with Member States and, (iii) increasing the Authority’s presence at international level.

The Board also agreed the Budget and Establishment Plan for 2008. The Budget, amounting to Euro 65.9 million, represents a 27% increase compared to the 2007 budget, reflecting an increase in staff of around 35% and the strengthening of operational activities.

Dr. Patrick Wall, Chair of EFSA’s Management Board said: "The Work Programme agreed today will keep EFSA focused on its primary goal of providing objective science-based risk assessments to underpin EU food safety policies. EFSA has still a lot of challenges to face, it is the role of the Board to ensure EFSA attracts the top scientists from the EU and beyond and has the structures and process in place to operate both efficiently and effectively. "

The Management Board also agreed the list of Romanian and Bulgarian organisations which are now officially part of the Article 36 list of bodies nominated to assist EFSA in its scientific or communications tasks. This follows the strategy on networking and cooperation with Member States; and the establishment of the list of Art. 36 organisations already adopted by the Board in December 2006.

The 2008 Management Plan will be formally approved by written procedure in the coming weeks.