Project Description

“Multiannual crisis preparedness exercises on food and feed safety in IPA beneficiaries”

Framework Contract NP/EFSA/ENREL/2023/03

This framework contract is implemented under supervision of  the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in coordination with the Knowledge, Innovation and Partnership Management (KNOW) Unit and the Engagement and External Relations (ENREL) Unit which support crisis preparedness training activities in IPA countries. The ENREL Unit, through the Preparatory measures for participation of IPA beneficiaries in EFSA 2023 – 2026 Action has the overall responsibility to coordinate the planning and execution of crisis preparedness activities under this procurement.

The aim of the contract  is to provide a multi-annual crisis preparedness training, by:

  • developing the annual training plans and materials, including measures of success of the training;
  • organising and executing the training on site, collection of feedback and measure its success;
  • advising EFSA and the IPA countries by making recommendations on areas that need further improvement for crisis preparedness.

The expected outcomes of the training are:

  • developed/enhanced urgent response capacities in both, risk assessment and risk communication;
  • improved incident response collaboration between IPA national coordinating institutions and IPA national stakeholders involved during incident/crisis situations within EFSA’s remit, and between IPA countries and, EFSA;
  • improved crisis preparedness procedures.

The overall objectives of the training are to:

  • increase IPA countries’ knowledge and understanding of general crisis handling concepts and specifically of EFSA’s crisis handling procedures;
  • improve preparedness and response planning for crisis situations through testing procedures in place at national (contingency plans) and EU level (e.g. the crisis general plan) and crisis handling procedures, helping IPA countries’ address crisis preparedness needs and reduce time for action;
  • improve coherence, interoperability and coordination at local level and between the local, national, regional and EU levels, to be prepared for communication and decision-making challenges in crisis situations.
    The training will also indirectly contribute to the harmonisation of risk assessment approaches and build trust amongst IPA countries’ authorities and EFSA in each other’s risk assessments.

Duration: 03/2024 – 03/2027