How EFSA works with EU Member States
The support provided to EFSA by EU Member States through the Advisory Forum, the Focal Points and Scientific Networks is critical for the effective functioning of the EU food safety system.
With the implementation of the Transparency Regulation, Member States will be represented on EFSA's Management Board alongside representatives of civil society, food chain interests and EU institutions.
The Management Board is EFSA's governing body and ensures that the Authority carries out its mission and performs in compliance with the EU legal framework. It does not influence the independent scientific work performed by EFSA.
Tasks
- Adopts the annual and multiannual EFSA work programme, annual activity report and budget.
- Draws up the list of EU competent organisations that may assist EFSA with its mission.
- Appoints the members of the Scientific Committee and Scienti c Panels, as well as the EFSA’s Executive Director.
The Advisory Forum is where EFSA and the Member States come together to exchange information and knowledge related to the risk assessment of food in Europe. The forum advises EFSA's Executive Director on EFSA's work programme and prioritisation of requests for scientific advice. It is supported by the Focal Points.
Tasks
- Promotes collaboration and avoids duplication of efforts.
- Addresses diverging scientific opinions.
- Identifies and characterises emerging risks.
- Focal Points act as connecting hubs for information exchange, networking and engagement.
EFSA scientific networks are composed of national organisations that collaborate with EFSA in specific fields such as data collection, emerging risks, pesticide residue monitoring and risk communication.
Tasks
- Facilitate a scientific cooperation framework by coordinating activities
- Exchange information.
- Develop and implement joint projects.
- Exchange expertise and best practices.
- Coordinate risk communication activities.
Who takes part?
Management Board
As of July 2022, EFSA's Management Board includes representatives of the Member States, European Parliament, European Commission, civil society and food chain interests and countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Advisory Forum and Focal Points
Representatives of the national food safety authorities of the Member States, Iceland and Norway, as well as observers from Switzerland, the EU candidate countries and the European Commission.
Scientific Networks
Representatives from designated organisations in the Member States with expertise or responsibility in the fields covered by each network.
How are they appointed?
Management Board
The representatives of the Member States are nominated by the Member States themselves and appointed by the European Council. The representatives of civil society and food chain interests are appointed by the European Council in consultation with the European Parliament from a list drawn up by the European Commission. The representatives of the EU Institutions and EFTA countries are appointed by the Institutions and countries themselves.
Advisory Forum and Focal Points
Members are appointed by the national food safety authorities of the Member States, Iceland, Norway and observer countries.
Scientific Networks
The scientific networks are established by the Management Board based on proposals submitted by the Advisory Forum and EFSA.
EFSA is the keystone of EU risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks.