title: Enhancing the role of science in the decision-making of the European Union.
abstract: Used well, science provides effective ways of identifying potential risks, protecting citizens, and using resources wisely. It enables government decisions to be based on evidence and provides a foundation for a rule-based framework that supports global trade. To ensure that the best available science becomes a key input in the decisions made by EU institutions, this abridged version of a working paper produced for the European Policy Centre, a leading, independent think tank, considers how science is currently used in the policy and decision-making processes of the EU, what the limitations of scientific evidence are, and how a risk assessment process based on scientific 'good practices' can be advantageous. Finally, the paper makes recommendations on how to improve the use of science by EU institutions.
authors.affiliation: The European Policy Centre, Résidence Palace, 155 Rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Allio
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ballantine
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meads
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D004777:Environment; D005062:European Union; D011050:Policy Making; D011634:Public Health; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012586:Science