The webinars will enable direct interaction between EFSA and interested parties through presentations and live question-and-answer sessions. Webinars can host up to 500 participants, and are therefore an effective way to reach large audiences, eliminating the usual logistical barriers.

The introduction of webinars is part of a multi-annual project to strengthen the customer-oriented approach of EFSA on regulated products, responding to stakeholder needs for more opportunities for dialogue.

Karine Lheureux, head of EFSA’s Application Helpdesk, said: “Webinars are a modern communication tool, enabling us to reach wide audiences and enhance direct communication with applicants and interested parties during the application process. This new initiative will improve the support we provide on regulated products, promoting a better understanding of the risk assessment process.”

The first webinar will take place on 19 November 2015 and will present practical scenarios using the calculation tool annexed to the pesticides guidance document on non-dietary exposure of workers and bystanders to pesticides.

EFSA will hold three more webinars in 2016 and six in 2017.