The Advisory Forum maintains a close collaboration between EFSA and the national food safety authorities of the 27 Member States of the EU. The Forum also incorporates observers from Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and the European Commission. It is chaired by the Executive Director of EFSA.
The Forum is at the heart of EFSA’s collaborative approach to working with the EU Member States. Through it, EFSA and the Member States can join forces in addressing risk assessment and risk communication issues in Europe. Members use the Forum to advise EFSA on scientific matters, its work programme and priorities, and to address emerging risk issues as early as possible.
It is within this Forum that the Member States genuinely have an influence in their own right.
Members are currently implementing a strategy for closer networking which focuses on sharing scientific information, pooling resources and coordinating work programmes. They have committed to:
- Exchange scientific data;
- Coordinate risk communications activities and messages;
- Address contentious issues and diverging opinions;
- Set up working groups to focus collectively on specific issues;
- Coordinate work and avoid duplication.
The Forum also helps national authorities to share information and coordinate their activities. It promotes networking whereby a close cooperation is established between the Authority and the competent authorities in the Member States. This type of networking thus aims to promote a scientific cooperation framework by facilitating the coordination of action, information exchange and the development and implementation of joint projects.
The Belgian member of the Forum is Benoit Horion (Head of Unit Nutrition and Food Safety Policy).
