European countries lagged behind the United States and Japan in the initial stages of development, but Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are now working particularly hard to establish frameworks for the practical application of nanotechnology.

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Germany

In 1996, Germany initiated budget allocations to six specific areas of nanotechnology. It is actively developing its capabilities in scanning probe microscopy (SPM), a core field of nanoanalysis technology, establishing a Center of Competence in Nano-Scale Analysis, with coordinating offices in the universities of Hamburg, Munich and Muenster.

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Switzerland

Switzerland is noted for promoting basic research through the Swiss National Science Foundation's National Centers of Competence in Research (NCCR) program, which includes an NCCR for Nanoscale Science.

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United Kingdom

The United Kingdom was very quick to support nanotechnology, launching its National Initiative on Nanotechnology (NION) in 1986. However, it subsequently lost momentum to the United States, Japan and other leading nanotechnology countries, and in 2002 launched "Success in 2006," a medium-term plan for promoting development in priority areas.

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European Union

The European Union is forging ahead with efforts to establish an integrated development structure, launching the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) in 2002 (scheduled to end in 2006). FP6 has aims to unite research programs previously implemented independently in member countries into a single integrated EU program, and thus create a common market for research and technological innovation. In addition to Germany, France and the United Kingdom, such countries as Italy, Spain and Poland are expected to join the FP6.