04/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - In Europe, about 11 million animals are used for experiments and other scientific purposes each year. Although 30 years ago about three times as many animals were used, the numbers of animals used in tests remains high. To turn this trend and to replace animal testing by alternative methods, Commissioner Günter Verheugen (industry) and Commissioner Janez Potocnik (research) will present together with high level representatives of industry a “European partnership to promote alternative approaches to animal testing” during a conference to be held on 7 November at the European Parliament's premises in Brussels.