This specific programme constitutes the Second Activity of the Fourth Framework Programme, 'Cooperation with third countries and international organizations'. 
 
  
International S&T cooperation conducted by the Community will be coordinated both centrally in this programme and through provisions in the other specific 
programmes enabling European third countries, not covered by the EEA, to participate in their research activities.  
  
In addition, the programme will incorporate non-nuclear cooperation activities and the cooperation activities developed in earlier Framework Programmes, 
as well as the APAS.  
  
The envisaged activities will aim at strengthening international cooperation on RTD with third countries so as to enhance the effectiveness of Community 
RTD, to improve the Community's scientific and technological base and to support the implementation of other Community policies.  
  
Efforts are also made to step up the coordination of S&T cooperation between the Member States and third countries, in order to avoid duplication of effort 
and to better define the Community's areas of competence on the basis of the subsidiarity principle.  
  
Cooperation is based on the principle of mutual benefit. In addition to the direct or short-term advantage gained during the life of the action, projects 
must also demonstrate long-term or indirect advantages to the Community.