Emilia - Romagna:
Articles

Q

Calabrese, how many people includes the Board of Directors?

A

There are 15 of us. We will coordinate a 30-scientist panel, divided into eight groups, that will be in charge of important research, on topics such as the effects of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, organic food, additives and preservatives, general health of flora and fauna and, obviously, about the health of the human race. We are ready. We started working in July 2002 and the EFSA was officially started in January of 2004. Parma lent us the historic the Palazzo Ducale as permanent seat and, by July the first, 70 managers, for whose children a European language school is being prepared.

Q

What are the changes compared with before?

A

We will have some of the best European and international scientists working for us. They are ready to take on hundreds of subjects that, up to now, have been the responsibility of each country alone. The Board orders the research, then the scientist will send the results for our evaluation, if needed, we will require extensions of the studies, then eventually refer them to the European Commission. At that point, the Commission will decide which new laws, if any, are needed, without the need, except in particular cases, to debate the technical or scientific aspect of the matter. The task for the Commission will be to decide if the solution proposed by the EFSA is feasible or not.

Q

What does this mean in practice?

A

All alimentary decisions will be streamlined at a European level. Up to now, in case of an emergency every state had to take steps individually, with the result of uncoordinated responses and poor efficiency. Now, in case of an emergency in Ukraine or Latvia for instance, we'll be able to provide a single instruction to avoid spreading the crisis to other states of the European Union. We now represent a single country comprised of 25 states or regions.

Q

Will the number of EFSA Board of Directors members grow with the entry of the new states into the European Union?

A

We will remain 15, as each of us do not represent a single state, but rather scientific specialties. The first of May the new "brother" states will join the Union. We welcome them with joy, but they would not bring new members to our Board. We should not forget however, half of the European Commission is in charge for four years and the rest for six years. In two years, when the first four-year period ends, it would certainly be possible that a Latvian, a Maltese or a Cypriot could become part of it. Bottom line, all 25 states will all be represented, at one time or another.

Q

What kind of information will you pass on to consumers?

A

We want to be completely transparent.Our web site, in fact, is constantly updated. The "public" part of tomorrow's meeting, for instance, will be streamed online, available to anyone who would like to connect. (Including translation)