All of EFSA’s activities are guided by a set of core values which are fundamental to the Authority’s operating principles. One of them is cooperation with EU Member States.

EFSA’s Advisory Forum is at the heart of EFSA’s collaborative approach to working with the EU Member States. Through it, EFSA and the Member States can join forces in addressing European risk assessment and risk communications issues.

The Advisory Forum members are supported by Focal Points acting as interfaces between EFSA and the national food safety authorities and facilitating outreach in the Member States.

Whilst EFSA’s Advisory Forum concentrates on the strategic issues related to co-operation and networking, national Focal Points support their Advisory Forum member in setting up a well functioning network in the Member States, for instance to exchange scientific information and to provide advice and support to EFSA on various scientific activities.

The EFSA Advisory Forum has a Working Group on Communications that works with the communications departments of the national food safety agencies.