Lithuania to participate in research programmes
The European Council has approved plans for Lithuania to take part in Community research projects under the Fifth Framework Programme. Lithuanian researchers and research institutes will now take part under the same conditions, and with the same rights and obligations, as EU members, as stipulated in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Lithuanian experts will also be considered for relevant posts under the Framework Programme. A joint declaration published on 20 October 1999 said: 'The Republic of Lithuania and the Community agree that, in addition to the provisions set out in this decision of the Association Council, research programmes and activities of the Republic of Lithuania corresponding to those of the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002) should be open to research entities from the Community and that a separate exchange of letters between the Republic of Lithuania and the Community to that effect will take place.'