INCO Copernicus Contract N° ERB IC 15-CT 98-135 "BLACK LOCUST (ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA L.) RESOURCES INVESTIGATION FOR DEGRADED AREAS REHABILITATION" (B.Lo.R.I.D.A.R.)

After the historic changes in the Eastern part of Europe, the European Union initiated a comprehensive programme of scientific and technological cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. This cooperation started in 1992. In order to have a positive impact on the economy of these countries, an effort has been made to focus on a limited number of key areas. In particular, attention has been paid to the research activities related to industry and especially those activities involving SMEs. This publication covers the second call for proposals (1998) issued under the Fourth Framework Programme. The scientific areas were chosen following a broad consultation of scientists through the Internet and other channels. More than 2000 scientists reacted to this consultation. Since 1992, the Central European countries have witnessed radical changes in the economy, the organization of society and the research environment. The cooperation under the Copernicus Programme has significantly contributed to enhance research in Central Europe and has paved the way for future cooperation on an equal footing with Western European scientists. Ten Central European countries are now ready to be fully associated to the Fifth Framework Programme. That is why these countries' problems are not anymore separately addressed under the international cooperation activity of the Fifth Framework Programme. The NIS (New Independent States of the former Soviet Union) have been included in the Copernicus Programme since 1994. The Copernicus Programme will continue under the Fifth Framework Programme in specific areas of mutual interest such as environment, health... This publication provides a summary of the COPERNICUS projects selected and financed in 1998. From among 1931 proposals, involving 10 236 proposing teams, 235 projects were selected (1574 teams funded), for which an amount of ECU 53 million was allocated.