Dr Robert Burmanjer is Head of Unit D-3: Specific International Cooperation Actions, at the European Commission.

Asked if international networks are making a difference in science? Dr Burmanjer replies that the European Commission invests quite a number of funds in international research networks. The scope is to get better policy dialogue with different regions in the world. As to the Mediterranean and wider Balkan areas, over time - at least in the last few years - we have seen a very good level of engagement of both, local scientists and policy makers.

on this subject: UNESCO Venice Office