Organizational Structure (Author)
EANET is organized as an information sharing research network primarily, with some optional policy oriented programs. The focus on research over action is obvious in the structure outlined above on EANET's official website. Each member country has two primary EANET centers: the National Center, where data collection and national monitoring takes place, and the National Focal Points, where implementation of network activities on the national scale occurs. These activities include the optional national programs outlined in their mission. The two national bodies report to the permanent supranational bodies, the Secretariat and the Network Center. The Secretariat is responsible for administrative issues for the organization, such as planning the yearly Intergovernmental Meeting and managing financial resources. The Network Center compiles the national data, conducts research on the supranational scale and provides support for national bodies through promotion of data collection and public awareness (Acid Deposition and Oxidant Research Center, Organizations). The Network Center is based in Japan's ADORC, a longstanding Japanese federal agency that deals with Acid Rain issues.
There are several issues of note that arise even in the investigation of the organization's structure. The first is that there is an imbalance of power€”EANET's Network Center is not only permanently housed in Japan, but it is an extension of an existing Japanese government agency. This speaks well of the efforts of Japan to share their expertise in the field of Acid Rain research, but it also propagates a Japan dominated international climate. With Japan's multifold interest in acid rain solutions, and the boundary blind nature of airborne pollution, it is no surprise that it is taking initiative in the international arena. However, given the history of power play in the region, Japan's dominance poses concerns for the longterm success of a power imbalanced institution.