Forging stronger partnerships with member states

EFSA’s new Scientific Co-operation Roadmap intensifies collaboration with member states up to 2016, and marks a shift in focus towards increased knowledge sharing and intelligent use of expertise and resources.

The roadmap sets out a risk assessment agenda of shared priorities with member states.

The objectives are to share work programmes, create opportunities for scientific co-operation and build towards a coherent international voice.

The authority is also backing up its proposals with financial support; outsourcing through framework partnership agreements, thematic grants and twinning projects will increase opportunities for joint projects among member states, and between EFSA and member states.

The budget set aside for scientific cooperation under the roadmap tops €10.5 million in 2014, rising to more than €11 million in 2016.

The roadmap also takes on board the authority’s efforts to promote international scientific co-operation. EFSA is deepening joint action with other EU risk assessment bodies, risk assessors in third countries and international organisations to harmonise scientific assessment methods.

These efforts will pave the way for an EU risk assessment agenda that addresses common long-term needs and actions.