EPC PROJECT

1
EPC PROJECT

• Enhancing the Role of Science
• in the Decision-making Process
• of the European Union

2
EUROPEAN POLICY CENTRE

• Brussels-based, independent think tank
• Mission to promote European integration
• Rapid analysis of EU affairs
• Multi-constituency membership
• more than 360 members

3
EPC RISK FORUM

• Horizontal, non-sectoral character
• Recommendations on risk-related issues, incl.
  Precaution, Impact Assessments
• Responses to EU initiatives
• Research projects
• Expert meetings and networking

4
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE Advantages

• Better informed, more effective decisions
• Greater transparency and rationality
  evidence-based decisions
• Higher predictability and security

5
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE Limitations

• Gaps between scientists, regulators and
  decision-makers
• Lack of public trust (risk management)
• Independence and excellence
• Appropriateness contested

6
PROJECT OBJECTIVE

• To ensure that the best available science is a
  key input to the legislative and regulatory
  decisions made by the EU institutions responsible
  for risk management.
• Recommendations
• Briefings with EU officials / stakeholders

7
SCIENCE AT EU LEVEL Weaknesses

• No clear political commitment
• No single policy across institutions
• No clear responsibility
• No requirement to base risk management on
  evidence of risk (rather than hazard)
• No mandatory guidelines for
• Briefing and use of scientific advisers
• Information quality and interpretation of
  evidence
• Reporting (Expl. Memoranda / Impact Assessments)

8
RECOMMENDATIONS Short-term

• Formal, binding statement by EC
• New, coherent policy for all institutions, at all
  stages
• Independent Chief Scientific Adviser / Group
• Coordinated advisory system within EC
• Better provision of independent scientific advise
  to MEPs

9
RECOMMENDATIONS Long-term (I)

• New criteria and process for selection of
  scientific advisers
• Single set of mandatory operational guidelines
  for
• Briefing and use of scientific advisers
• Information quality and interpretation of
  evidence
• Reporting (Explanatory Memoranda / Impact
  Assessments)

10
RECOMMENDATIONS Long-term (II)

• Harmonisation of risk assessment at international
  level
• Creation of a European Academy of Science
• Creation of ascience watch, not-for-profit
  Organisation

11
EPC Working Papers

• Better Regulation / Risk at EU level
• New Regulatory Culture, 2004
• Risk Communication, 2003
• Regulatory Impact Analysis, 2001
• The Precautionary Principle, 2001
• The Politicisation of Science, 1999
• www.theepc.be
• l.allio_at_theepc.be for hard copies / information