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In 2003 EFSA got off to a flying start and succeeded in establishing itself as an independent European agency dedicated to improving consumer confidence by providing scientific advice, information and communication on all matters related to food safety.
The Executive Director, Geoffrey Podger, took up his appointment in February and the Director of Science and Deputy Executive Director, Herman Koëter, and the Director of Communications, Anne-Laure Gassin, took up their positions in October. There has been substantia recruitment during the year - the staff grew from a very small team to a total of 72 employees by the end of the year.
The Advisory Forum, EFSA’s main channel for contact with the Member States, held its inaugural meeting in March and met six times during the year. In order to stimulate interest in EFSA and its work throughout Europe, the Forum has from its inception invited participants from the accession countries and also from Norway, Iceland and Switzerland and it has held most of its meetings in the Member States.
EFSA’s core activity is the provision of independent scientific advice in an open and transparent manner as
a basis for informed risk management decisions by Community Institutions and Member States, thus helping to restore and maintain consumer confidence in the safety of the food supply. The eight Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee were appointed in May and Professor Vittorio Silano was chosen as Chair of the Scientific Committee in July. The Committee and Panels began their work shortly afterwards and have already succeeded in provided valuable scientific opinions on a wide range of important subjects.
EFSA is strongly committed to a policy of openness and transparency in all its activities. During the year,
much progress was made in the task of establishing contacts with other European institutions, notably the Commission and Parliament, corresponding organisations in the Member States and representatives of stakeholders, in particular consumer organisations and food industry associations.
In addition, initial contacts were made with international organisations and organisations outside Europe working in the Authority’s area of responsibility.
The European Council decided on 13 December 2003 that the permanent location of EFSA will be Parma in Italy.
The Management Board and staff welcomed the decision, which means that the Authority has now a permanent seat where it can expand and develop its activities.
Under the leadership of Geoffrey Podger, EFSA has made an excellent start in 2003. However, 2004 will be a very
challenging year for all concerned, since it involves preparing for the move to Parma, whilst at the same time rapidlyexpanding the number of staff and, most important, providing an uninterrupted supply of high quality scientific advice andinformation. I am confident that this can be achieved through the efforts of the dedicated EFSA staff,Scientific Committeeand Scientific Panels and with the cooperation of the authorities in our future home in Parma.
