Specific Programme "Capacities": International co-operation INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION More than 100 countries from all over the world are involved in EU Research Programmes. Theseactivities will continue within the "Cooperation" programme of FP7, which covers theinternational cooperation actions in the 10 thematic areas and across themes. They will beimplemented in coordination with the "Cooperation", "People" and "Capacities" programmes of FP7.What's the benefit for citizens:International research and development will contribute to the production of global public goodsand help to close the gap between different countries in the world. There is already a significantbody of scientific knowledge in the world improving the lives of those who live in developingcountries as well as those of European citizens. Where possible, the Framework Programme willalso contribute to meeting the Millennium Development Goals by 2010.What's the benefit for researchers:The enhanced participation of researchers and research institutions from third world countriesapplying the appropriate restrictions for security issues in order to respect the confidentialityaspects within the thematic areas. They will be strongly encouraged to seize this opportunity -be it through collaborative research or through fellowships.Specific cooperation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third world countries in casesof mutual interest; to cooperate on the particular topics selected based on their scientific andtechnological levels and needs. These actions are closely associated with either the bilateralcooperation agreements, or multilateral dialogues between the EU and these countries or groupsof countries and will serve as privileged tools for implementing the cooperation between the EUand these countries. In particular, such actions are:• Actions aiming to reinforce the research capacities of candidate countries andneighbourhood countries;• Cooperative activities targeting developing and emerging countries focusing ontheir particular needs in various fields such as health, agriculture, fisheries andenvironment, and implemented in financial conditions adapted to their capacities.What's the benefit for industry and SMEs:International cooperation under FP7 will further integrate the EU into the worldwide communityand thus help advance research and technology in those countries that are building their ownknowledge capacity. These will, on one hand lead to enriching European research with the poolof knowledge generated around the world, while enhancing, on the other hand, the science andtechnology awareness and competence of societies and companies in developing countries.