The project (The European Spallation Neutron Source (ESS) Preparatory Phase - 7th Framework Program) to create a large spallation neutron source in Europe is motivated by the enormous potential of this analytical technique for scientific and technological development in many areas of knowledge and by the experience of Europe in neutron experiments. The ESS initiative involves the construction of the largest neutron source in the world and is the result of years of work of scientists, engineers and professionals from numerous research centres and public and private organisations. The site-selection process is ongoing and parallel with the process of establish a ?nancial and organizational base for the project.

The ESS Preparatory Phase (ESS-PP) project has the overall goal to pave the way to and to facilitate a site decision and a final decision to construct and to operate ESS. While the process for reaching an agreement is mainly political and lobbied for by the site contenders, the ESS-PP will concentrate on the site independent aspects. Eleven institutions from nine countries are partners participate in the ESS-PP. The Spanish partner is the ESS-Bilbao Consortium.

ESS-Bilbao seeks to set up a centre of research of excellence under the auspices of the ESS and create a global knowledge community of 2000 researchers by the end of the period (in addition to 4000 users per year). The installation of the ESS in Spain has the widespread support of institutions of the central and autonomous governments, as well as the main scientific organisations. Moreover, the main companies in this country are being informed about the Spanish bid in order to obtain the maximum logistical and financial support for hosting the ESS in Bilbao.

The ESS-PP project is structured around nine work packages (WP), and each WP is developed in tasks. ESS-Bilbao Consortium has been appointed coordinator for WP5 (Financial Approach) and WP6 (Legal Issues) within the European Project for the Preparatory Phase.