"The problems related to food security, health, marine ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change or energy go beyond the national boundaries. That’s why research in these spheres should be conducted on a European scale, not only nationally". Janez Potocnik, EU Commissioner for science and research, explains the reasons behind the proposal that has been submitted today by the EU Executive to the member states to "share resources and coordinate their efforts better" and achieve more effective scientific and application results. According to the EU Commission, a number of strategic fields should be outlined, in which scientific cooperation should be extended, not least through common investments in research centres, research workers and experiments. Such "joint planning" should be outlined and enforced from 2010. According to Potocnik, "the Strategic energy technology plan and the Strategy for marine research might be useful as pilot experiences to such end".
