EFSA adopts strategic plan 2009-2013

In its Strategic Plan, EFSA outlines how it will maximise the benefits of the
scientific expertise at its disposal across Europe and strengthen its integrated
approach to risk assessment to provide Europe’s decision makers with relevant,
up-to-the-minute scientific advice.

EFSA’s 2009 priorities, set out in
the Management Plan, include the renewal of 8 of its 10 Panels and its
Scientific Committee.

It also plans to ensure the delivery and strengthen
the quality of its scientific advice, boost its strategy on cooperation and
networking by increasing the number of bodies that can help the Authority with
work such as data collection to 366 organisations through contracts and grants
worth €7.5 million.

Strengthening risk management
EFSA will in
2009 also strengthen its capacity to identify emerging risks and develop a
strategic approach to international activities while ensuring a stimulating and
rewarding environment for its staff.

Executive Director Catherine
Geslain-Lanéelle told the Board EFSA had almost doubled its scientific outputs
in 2008 compared to last year, while the number of staff had increased by
27%.

EFSA also demonstrated its ability to respond rapidly to urgent
events by assembling teams of experts to provide scientific advice and
assistance within days on such issues as the contamination of sunflower oil, the
discovery of melamine in imported Chinese milk products and of dioxins in Irish
pork.

Improving internal quality
Among other achievements, the
food safety watchdog began an internal review to assess the quality of its
scientific work.

It also established an online database for the
declarations of all staff and scientific experts to guarantee maximum
transparency. An external review will follow in 2009.

EFSA was helped in
its work by its strengthened cooperation with Member States, its ever-widening
network of experts, its dialogue with risk managers, its improvements in
efficiency and productivity and by the efforts of all of its staff,
Geslain-Lanéelle said.