"European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik has officially opened a new research centre that will provide scientists from across south-eastern Europe with training opportunities and the chance to share knowledge.

Based in Maribor, Slovenia, The Slovenian-European Natural Sciences Research Centre (SENARC) will focus specifically on the chemical and bio-analytical measurements required for the implementation of EU legislation in areas such as environmental monitoring. It will act as a 'one stop shop', linking experts from the EU with those in neighbouring countries such as Croatia and Serbia.

SENARC evolved from the collaboration between the Institute for Reference and Materials and Measurements (IRMM) of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and seven Slovenian research partners. It is funded through a range of sources including the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance and the Structural Funds.

'Implementing EU legislation isn't just about having the right laws in place,' said Commissioner Potocnik. 'It's about having the know-how to ensure they are respected. The Commission has been working with countries in this region to help them develop the necessary expertise. SENARC is just one more example of our commitment to the future accession to the EU by countries in the Western Balkans.'"

Source: Cordis news article, based on a Commission press release (IP/06/1817)

Further information http://www.senarc.si/eindex.htm