Brussels, 11/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - Bruce Ballantine is the author of the European Policy Centre's new document (No. 17) on the role of science in European Union decision-making. His research aims to demonstrate the benefits of scientific opinion in areas as diverse as public health and protecting the environment and, without really taking account of the dangers which could arise from departing from certain scientific approaches, it suggests the creation in the short-term of bodies responsible for providing scientific expertise to EU institutions. The working paper's recommendations include: - a decision by the Commission on risk analysis in decision-making procedures; - an inter-institutional communication affirming that science has to play a major role in the adoption of policies and decisions; and - creating panels of scientists to ensure coherence in scientific advice. In the longer term, EPC also recommends creating a European Academy of Science, and believes an NGO should be set up to work as an independent observer of science (info@theepc.be ).