FSA Press release, 19 December 2006
At the last Management Board meeting of 2006, hosted in Helsinki by the Finnish Food Authority EVIRA, the Board adopted major decisions for EFSA 2007 Work Programme. As well as the cooperation strategy and Budget, the Board adopted the first list of organisations which may assist the Authority in its scientific and communications tasks, a first practical tool for closer networking, drawn from organisations designated as competent by the Member States.
EFSA Executive Director, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, said: “I am very pleased that the EFSA Management Board has adopted the 2007 Budget; the strategy on networking and cooperation with Member States; and the list of Art. 36 bodies. These are all crucial for the executive, providing us with clear directions, priorities and all important impetus for the coming year.”
Patrick Wall, Chair of the EFSA Management Board added: "During the past year, EFSA, acting on behalf of EU consumers, provided scientific evidence to inform food safety policies in the Member States and the Commission. I thank all the scientific advisors from throughout the European Union, and the EFSA Panels without whose assistance effective risk assessments could not be delivered. The entire food chain is covered from pesticides and animal nutrition to health claims on consumer products. In addition, EFSA is working in the areas of animal health and welfare and plant health. We have an ambitious and exciting work plan for 2007 and EU consumers can be assured that their interests remain paramount."
The activities outlined in the 2007 work programme reflect EFSA's future priorities, with special attention given to EFSA's scientific output, enhanced cooperation with Member States and an increase in Advisory Forum activities in science and communications, as well as strengthened relations with EFSA's institutional, international and stakeholder partners.
The 2007 Management Plan will be submitted for final adoption at their next meeting on January 23.
All documents relating to the Management Board meeting are available on the EFSA website at: http:/www.efsa.europa.eu/en/mboard/mb_meetings.html