The group, called FOR-EMC, so far has 26 organizations from 20 countries among its members. All are involved in testing and measurement of EMC. The project coordinator is the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing in Poland.

All participants are in the process of implementing the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC), which motivates them to participate in the network and work toward reaching its objectives.

Those objectives are well thought out and practical. They include promotion of the EMC Directive, propagation of European practice and requirements, and promotion of the application of harmonized standards and the clarification of related ambiguities.

Other objectives are to eliminate problems with the implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 (General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories) and raising awareness among OEMs of the role of EMC labs and competent bodies. The network plans to promote the use of appropriate test setups and fully compliant equipment and to improve the qualifications of test personnel.

In the long run, the group hopes to consolidate the efforts of EMC labs throughout Europe and help them make the most efficient use of their resources. Member states will serve as a "source of knowledge and expertise" for associate and candidate states.

The network expects to make its biggest impact helping small- and medium-sized enterprises comply with international standards. The group believes that this sharing of knowledge and experience will strengthen national metrology, testing, and conformity assessment relations throughout Europe. The group also expects to reduce technical barriers to trade caused by multiple national requirements for electrical and electronic instruments.

Although the project is slated for just 27 months, it may well have some long-lasting effects, particularly in the development of new testing and measurement methods.