In the case of UNESCO existing research networks, especially in the social sciences, are strengthened and restructured in order to make them more representative geographically and scientifically and to develop working relations between them. New networks are also created in regions where they are not plentiful.
The 11 countries in line to join the European Union (EU) early in the next millennium have signed "association" agreements giving them full access to the Fifth (1999-2002) Framework Programme of European Community (EC) research activities before accession. This new stage will allow research institutes, universities and businesses from these countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) to participate in the programme under exactly the same conditions as entities from the Member States. For researchers and engineers from these countries, these agreements open up access to research programmes with a budget of almost euro 15 billion between 1999 and 2002.