The EU Framework Programme is one of the largest programmes of research funding throughout the world. Opportunities for worldwide research cooperation have received considerable increase in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Thus, research partners from the EU and Associated Countries can carry out research projects with researchers from Third Countries.

The EU has signed bilateral S&T agreements with selected Third Countries. The agreements are based on the principles of reciprocity in access to research activities, the fostering of information exchange on a regular basis and the mutual protection of intellectual property rights.

The Specific Programmes of the EU Framework Programme contain several specific funding schemes and different financial funding models for international research cooperation.