68th Management Board meeting: Board adopts EFSA’s Strategy 2020, discusses new stakeholder engagement approach and EFSA’s independence policy
The Management Board adopted EFSA’s Strategy 2020, which charts the future course of the Authority, setting out the priorities of its work for the next five years. The Board also discussed the independence policy review and EFSA’s new approach to its engagement with stakeholders, which aims for more transparency and closer involvement of stakeholders in the scientific assessment process.
Charting a course towards 2020
EFSA’s new mission statement “Trusted science for safe food” reflects the essence of EFSA’s Strategy 2020. The strategy will steer the Authority over the next five years in carrying out its scientific assessment work to protect European consumers against risks related to the food chain. It will help EFSA use opportunities and respond to challenges it will face in this rapidly changing world. EFSA developed this strategy as a result of a thorough review and in close cooperation with its Management Board, its partners and stakeholders.
The strategy document identifies five overarching strategic objectives:
- Prioritise public and stakeholder engagement in the process of scientific assessment.
- Widen its evidence base and optimise access to its data.
- Build the EU’s scientific assessment capacity and knowledge community.
- Prepare for future risk assessment challenges.
- Create an environment and culture that reflects EFSA’s values.
Five fundamental values will drive the implementation of the five strategic objectives: scientific excellence, independence, openness, innovation and cooperation. EFSA has also identified the main operational tools that will help the Authority in the practical realisation of its strategic goals.
Welcoming the adoption of the Strategy 2020, the Chair of the Management Board, Sue Davies, said: “Central to the strategy is the evolution of EFSA's approach to stakeholder engagement and greater transparency throughout the risk assessment process - with a clear recognition that openness and collaboration are essential to effectively deal with the complexity of risks across the food supply chain.”
The Board adopted EFSA’s revised multi-annual workplan, which the Authority adjusted to ensure alignment with the new strategy.
More effective engagement with stakeholders
The Management Board discussed EFSA’s new stakeholder engagement approach, which addresses the first of the five strategic objectives. EFSA is developing this new approach in response to increasing societal expectations for greater transparency and public engagement in the scientific assessment process and in recognition that this will help enhance the quality and relevance of its work.
Updating EFSA’s independence policy
The Board also heard about EFSA’s initiative to revisit and update its policy on independence. EFSA will develop a new policy approach to ensure objectivity and independence of its scientific advice, in line with the Authority’s overall strive for greater transparency and openness in scientific risk assessment.
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Audiocast and documents
Welcome by the Chair
Adoption of the agenda
Board members’ Declaration of Interests
EFSA progress report
EFSA activity report 2015
EFSA Strategy 2020
EFSA programming document: extension until 2019
EFSA independence policy update: concept
EFSA stakeholder engagement approach
Renewal of ANS and CEF Panels
EFSA quality management system
Update on the fitness check of Regulation 178/2002
Amendments to Art. 36 list of organisations
2016 budget execution and transfers
Feedback from the Audit Committee
AOB