Nikolaus Kriz takes office as EFSA’s new Executive Director

EUROPE — Nikolaus Kriz has officially assumed the role of Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), marking a new chapter for the EU agency tasked with ensuring food safety, animal health, and environmental protection across Europe. 

His appointment, confirmed by EFSA’s Management Board, follows a rigorous selection process and reflects his extensive background in science, regulation, and European cooperation.

As a seasoned Austrian veterinary surgeon with more than three decades of international experience, Dr. Kriz brings a blend of scientific expertise and institutional knowledge to the position. 

He has spent the past eight years at EFSA, first as Head of the Animal Health and Welfare and Plant Health Unit and, more recently, leading the Risk Assessment Services (ENABLE) Department. 

Before joining EFSA, he held senior roles at the European Medicines Agency, where he focused on veterinary medicine regulation and EU-level risk assessment.

Speaking on his first day in office, Dr. Kriz outlined his vision for EFSA’s future, emphasizing the need to accelerate the delivery of scientific advice while embracing technological innovation. 

“My top priorities are to deliver high-quality scientific advice more quickly; to harness digital technologies and artificial intelligence for more streamlined risk assessments and enhanced data processing capabilities; and to strengthen the important partnerships we have with EU institutions, Member States, sister agencies, academia, and civil society,” he said.

He also highlighted the central role of EFSA’s workforce and expert community in delivering on its mission. 

“EFSA’s greatest strength is its people. I will invest in a culture that listens, empowers, and creates the conditions for excellence. A healthy, inclusive workplace is an essential asset,” he added.

Founded in 2002, EFSA has established itself as a global benchmark for transparent and independent science in food safety. 

In his introductory remarks at the European Parliament, Dr. Kriz reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining EFSA’s role as a trusted scientific authority. 

“I see EFSA as a house of open science: evidence-based, accessible, and trustworthy. Together, we will ensure Europe’s food safety system continues to be a global benchmark,” he said.

Dr. Kriz succeeds Bernhard Url, who served as EFSA’s Executive Director since 2014. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as Europe faces emerging challenges in food safety, sustainability, and global supply chain resilience.

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