Focal Points

Focal Points act as an interface between EFSA and the national food safety authorities, research institutes, consumers and other stakeholders. The Focal Point network is made up of members from all 27 EU Member States, Iceland and Norway, as well as observers from Switzerland and (potential) EU candidate countries.

The Focal Points support their Advisory Forum Members in the practical implementation of activities related to networking and scientific cooperation, including:

• ensuring the exchange of scientific information between national authorities and EFSA, e.g. through the Information Exchange Platform (IEP);
• supporting competent organisations under Article 36 of EFSA’s Founding Regulation;
• promoting the Expert Database and cooperation at national level; and
• raising EFSA’s scientific visibility and outreach in Member States.

The foundation of the Focal Point network was laid with the signature of the Declarations of Intent by the Advisory Forum and the adoption of the Strategy for Cooperation and Networking by EFSA’s Management Board.

EFSA and Focal Points meet on a regular basis, usually three times per year. The meetings are chaired by EFSA. 

Focal Points regularly report to EFSA on their activities, which are summarised in an annual Focal Point Report. 

• Focal Point Activities report 2010
• Focal Point Activities report 2009
• Focal Point Activities report 2008 (0.1 Mb)

Thanks to the efforts of Focal Points the scientific cooperation and networking activities between and among Member States and EFSA have improved significantly during the recent years.