There is considerable preparatory work involved in getting the Authority up and running. Firstly, its Management Board of 15 members has to be chosen and appointed. This involves seeking nominees of interested parties, consultation of the European Parliament which must give its opinion within 3 months, following which the Council makes the appointments. The Executive Director must also be chosen, which will involve advertising this high profile position. Following a rigorous selection process, he or she will be appointed by the Management Board, after meeting with the European Parliament. In addition, a new selection process has to be undertaken to select and appoint independent scientists to the EFSA's Scientific Committee and Panels. These will replace the existing scientific committees dealing with risk assessment of food safety matters. Moreover, in-house managerial, scientific, technical, administrative and support staff have to be recruited.
The legislation establishing the new Authority has almost completed its passage through the European Parliament and Council of Ministers.