EFSA’s Management Board approved the updated policy at its meeting in June 2024. Pamela Byrne, chair of the Board sub-group responsible for supervising the review said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the independence policy review. This new policy reinforces our commitment to impartiality and transparency, which are the guiding principles of EFSA’s operations.”

The revised document includes several targeted updates to enhance EFSA’s independence measures and streamline the way in which the policy is implemented. It was developed under the supervision of a sub-group of EFSA’s Management Board, composed of members with diverse affiliations to guarantee a broad range of perspectives.

New features of the 2024 policy include requirements for individuals from partner organisations designated by Member States (Art.36 Organisations) to be subject to the same transparency and independence requirements as members of EFSA’s scientific Working Groups, when the activities are…