EFSA's Independence Policy

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In June 2024, EFSA’s Management Board approved a new Independence Policy, further strengthening the way in which the Authority manages the interests of its scientific experts and all professionals with whom it works. The new Policy builds on EFSA’s experience of managing interests over the last 20 years and is designed to strike the appropriate balance between attracting the best experts to work with EFSA while protecting it against undue influence.

Underpinning the Independence Policy is a set of implementing rules that define how EFSA applies the policy in practice. These rules provide clear guidance to scientific experts and other stakeholders on declaring relevant interests and explain how EFSA assesses them to prevent conflicts of interest.

Additionally, they outline enforcement measures in case of breaches and ensure transparency throughout the process. The implementing rules are formally adopted through a decision by the Executive Director, following endorsement by the Management Board, marking the official entry into force of the policy.