13/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - As part of the 6th EU framework research programme (FP) €1.4bn was invested in 550 dedicated nano-science and nano-technology projects. This means that the Union has become the world's number one in this domain, according to a report published on Thursday in Brussels. In the context of the 7th FP, annual average Commission funding for nano-technology and nano-science is expected to double by taking into account the transversal actions in the programme. The financial instrument with shared risks, set up by the Commission and European Investment Bank is expected to offer new sources of funding. (bc)