Learning from experience and procedures: New EU delegates build confidence for future Codex work

by the European Union Codex Contact Point

From 13 to 15 January 2026, the European Union (EU) hosted a Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) workshop entitled Supporting Effective Participation in Codex Activities for EU Member States. Designed for new and recently appointed EU Codex delegates and Contact Points, the training addressed a shared challenge across the Codex membership: how to enable newcomers to contribute effectively to Codex work from the outset?

Starting off with rules and procedures the workshop combined science-based decision-making with negotiation practice in role plays and simulations and drew on examples from more than six decades of Codex history. This approach helped participants understand not only how Codex works, but why it works the way it does – and how this supports consensus building.

An exceptionally well organised training that was surprisingly focused on practical aspects as well as theory. I have learned a great deal about Codex and what does it mean to participate in its activities

Josef Klabik, Czech Republic

Participants explored the special role of the EU in Codex, the organisation of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and its subsidiary bodies, and the practical use of the Codex Procedural Manual. Sessions on communication and adapting positions reflected real situations of Codex committees, where participation depends as much on process and dialogue as on scientific and technical expertise. These skills are relevant to all Codex members, regardless of region or committee.

This practical approach culminated in a mock Codex session on the second day. Participants prepared positions, negotiated in working groups, interacted with chairs and other delegations, and experienced the dynamics of decision-making under time pressure. The simulation offered a safe space to experiment, make mistakes and reflect—an opportunity rarely available before attending a first Codex meeting.

I will participate in CCFA and CCFL for the first time. I feel now much more confident to contribute to these meetings

Herodotos Herodotou, Cyprus 

The final day encouraged participants to place future work within the high-level strategic direction of Codex. Discussions highlighted how the “EU's commitment to an ambitious Codex Alimentarius” align with the new Codex Strategic Plan, which will guide the work of CAC until 2031. This framing helped participants understand how the day-to-day work between and during sessions contribute to long term aspirations and how these also shape proposals for new work. 

“It is essential that delegates from the EU and its Member States understand how Codex works and engage with the other members of the Codex family" said Sébastien Goux, EU "This is the very purpose of this training. I very much hope that participants of this training will actively participate in future committees including by chairing or co-chairing electronic working groups”. 

Participants left better prepared to represent their positions and contribute constructively to consensus-building.

About the workshop

The training forms part of a wider BTSF effort to support Codex participation. Following earlier training activities in Africa, the next BTSF Codex training at global level will take place in Uruguay and focus on Latin America and the Caribbean—continuing the investment in capable, confident and collaborative Codex delegates for the future.

Photo credit © European Union CCP