EU Researchers Launch Export Control Association

Several European research organizations and universities recently launched a group to share export compliance information and advocate on behalf of members. The ​​European Export Control Association for Research Organizations aims to “unite European Union research institutes, universities and their export control compliance officers with a view to address the specific character of export controls in a research context,” the group said on its website. Stephane Chardon, the European Commission’s chief export control official, said the group's formation is “welcome” news. “[I]t is essential to raise awareness -- and compliance -- within the research community considering their key role in sensitive technology transfers,” Chardon said July 26. The association said it hopes to be “open for membership soon.”