Some changes to expect in the functioning and membership of Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The Decision of the European Commission on establishing Scientific Committees in the field of public health, consumer safety and the environment of 2008 has just been repealed and replaced by a new one, and a call for new experts has been launched.
It is 'for the sake of clarity and rationality' that Decision 2008/721/EC had been repealed and replaced by a new Decision of 7 August 2015 on establishing Scientific Committees in the field of public health, consumer safety and the environment.
Why a new Decision?
Among the reasons justifying this change
• The experience shows the need to introduce modifications and improvements in the current structure and working procedures of the Scientific Committees.
• The Scientific Committees should be allowed to invite external experts with the relevant scientific knowledge and expertise to contribute to their work.
• The activities carried out by the Committees are essential in order for the Commission to attain the relevant Union policy objectives. Therefore, it is appropriate to provide adequate financial support to the Scientific Committees, in the form of a special allowance for their members and external experts, beyond reimbursement of expense.
• The organisation of the Scientific Committees should provide flexibility to enable them to advise the Commission on matters falling under the established areas of competence as well as on emerging and newly identified health risks and matters not within the competence of other Union bodies, and to provide rapid advice when needed. …
