THE HAGUE, 10/01/07 - Science institute TNO yesterday confirmed it is setting up a centre for strategic policy studies. The centre will build on the activities and the body of thought of the Clingendael Centre for Strategic Studies (CCSS).

CCSS was set up in 2003 and was successful, but on Monday, Clingendael (Netherlands Institute for International Relations) announced it was stepping out of this project.

TNO and Clingendael were partners in CCSS. "A number of considerations formed the basis for the decision. For example, the differences in the nature and goals of the parent organisations, Clingendael and TNO, played a role," said TNO.

The ending of CCSS does not mean that the need for research in the area of strategic studies will cease to exist. "For this reason TNO, in close consultation and with the approval of the directly involved ministries of defence and foreign affairs, decided to set up a centre in this area. TNO will shape the centre in close dialogue with other bodies and institutes, including Clingendael, who work in this field."

The new centre will be headed by Rob de Wijk, who previously headed CCSS. "Ongoing CCSS projects will be completed in cooperation between TNO and Clingendael." TNO will provide further information about the ultimate name and form of the new centre as soon as possible, said spokesman Maarten Lortzer.