EFSA receives requests for opinions mainly from the European Commission and occasionally from the European Parliament. Member States can also request opinions. The request outlines what is being asked of EFSA: the issue, the terms of reference, the timeframe etc.
Upon receipt of a request, EFSA considers its contents, discusses it with the Commission and addresses any issues that need clarifying, such as the feasibility of the deadline. Following these discussions, EFSA and the Commission agree on a mandate, which includes the final terms of reference and a mutually agreed deadline.
A request normally results in the delivery of an opinion by one of EFSA’s Scientific Panels or its Scientific Committee.
Information about each request, including supporting documents and the current status, is available in the Register of Questions database.
