 The status of the implementation of the new Directive in the EU is described by the EC General Environment Directorate.In July 2013, the Commission announced the creation of NETVAL  (European Union Network of Laboratories for the Validation of Alternative Methods).EU-NETVAL's primary role is to provide support for EURL ECVAM validation projects, including aspects of training and dissemination, and the identification of methods that have a potential to reduce, refine or replace animals used for scientific purposes.