EFSA, the way forward
European Food Safety Agency board described the first presentation
of their newly elected executive director, Geoffrey Podger.
'A landmark meeting' is how Stuart Slorach, the chairman of the European Food Safety Agency board described the first presentation of their newly elected executive director, Geoffrey Podger. On the agenda? The way forward for the EFSA, the budget, the advisory forum, and the recruitment of scientists.
Podger highlighted the importance of the EFSA as the centre of a network, rather than being seen as a lone organisation. He stressed that this means effective cooperation between the Authority and the Member States, emphasising the role of the Advisory Forum, both in risk assessment and in risk communication. Constrained by a lack of budget, the executive director also highlighted the limited capacity of the EFSA, and presented his proposal for well-managed expansion in 2003 and 2004.
Turning to the budget, Podger said that a letter had been sent to the Parliament clarifying the adverse consequences of withholding the €8,249,252 which they have held in reserve. These include a slowing down of staff recruitment, delays in forming EFSA's Scientific Committee, and the resultant inability 'to meet the high expectations that consumers and others have on the Authority'. The Parliament's Environment Committee have apparently now examined the situation and will recommend to the Budget Committee that they should release further funds for EFSA, added Podger.
Commenting on the call for scientists for the new Scientific Committee the board were told that more than a thousand scientists had applied for the job. The evaluation of the applicants is under way, and a shortlist is due by 29 April. Whether to take on scientists with a connection to industry in the risk assessment process was also discussed - they agreed that there should be a clear declaration of interest in order to 'preserve the integrity of the panels'.
Other issues touched on - the role of the Advisory Forum in enabling earlier recognition, more efficient solutions, and enhancing cross-border co-operation in risk assessment and communication between the Member States.
Finally, in a bid to boost EU camaraderie, the board decided that meetings would be dispersed between Member States - starting Ireland in March 2004.
