Activity (Euratom, EEC) on cooperation in science and technology, 1984- The Single European Act gives the European Community explicit powers to carry out a common research and technological development (RTD) policy (Article 130f to 130q). This previously meant recourse to Article 235. The objective of this policy is "to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of European industry and to encourage it to become more competitive at international level" (Article 130f(1)). To carry out this objective, Article 130g requires the Community to promote cooperation on RTD with third countries and international organizations: this forms the second area of RTD policy action after the implementation of research programmes in cooperation with enterprises, research centres and universities in the Community. International Scientific Cooperation provides for the support of research projects run jointly by EC laboratories and those in Asia, Latin America (ALA) and Mediterranean countries (Israel and Yugoslavia). Since 1985, the programme has awarded fellowships to enable relatively senior scientists from ALAMed countries to come to Europe and do research that is hoped will lead to joint projects between the scientists' home laboratories and their European hosts. It can be divided into three geographical areas: - All Latin American countries, (excluding the Caribbean area); - Asian countries: ASEAN Pact, Brunei, Bangladesh, China , Gulf Cooperation Council, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka; - Mediterranean countries (Med): Yugoslavia, Israel.To support the promotion and development of scientific capacities within the developing countries and to carry out research programmes and projects in the fields of science and technology that are of mutual interest; in the case of industrialized countries, to exchange experts, the joint organization of technical meetings, the coordination of research projects carried out by the two parties, studies and joint projects.The joint projects concern: - Physics, mathematics and applied sciences; - Materials sciences; - Chemistry; - Environment; - Life sciences; - Earth sciences; - Biology; - Agriculture.The Commission, assisted by Mixed Committees, is responsible for the implementation of this activity through cooperation agreements, framework agreements, or other forms of cooperation. It is implemented by means of joint projects, workshops and fellowships. Where framework agreements have been signed between the European Community and third countries, nationals and/or institutions from those countries can be eligible for funding within a specific Community R&D programme.