Council Decision of 23 November 2021 appointing one member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority2021/C 512 I/03

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety⁽¹⁾, and in particular Article 25(1) thereof,

Having regard to the list of candidates submitted to the Council by the European Commission by letter dated 14 July 2021,

Having regard to the views expressed by the European Parliament by letter dated 18 October 2021,

Whereas:

1. It is vital to ensure the independence, high scientific quality, transparency and efficiency of the European Food Safety Authority. It is also indispensable to ensure the cooperation of that Authority with Member States.

2. Article 25(1) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 requires that four of the members of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority have a background in organisations representing consumers and other interests in the food chain. The term of office of one member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority with such a background expired on 30 June 2021. That member should therefore be replaced by a new member having a background in organisations representing consumers or other interests in the food chain.

3. The list of candidates submitted by the Commission has been examined with a view to appointing the new member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority on the basis of the documentation provided by the Commission and in light of the views expressed by the European Parliament. The aim is to secure the highest standard of competence, a broad range of relevant expertise and, consistent with those, the broadest possible geographical distribution within the Union.

4. Article 10(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1381 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁽²⁾ provides that the term of office of the members of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority who are in office on 30 June 2022 will expire on that date. The vacant position should therefore be filled for a term of office ending on 30 June 2022,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: