The Forum euro-méditerranéen des instituts economique is a network of national institutes for political economy, of research organizations and similar independent, non-profit organizations representative of both sides of the Mediterranean. It has for its object: "(i) to conduct policy research and make recommendations with respect to economic relations between Europe and their Mediterranean partners; (ii) to publish and disseminate this research for the benefit of public and private, national and multilateral institutions, (iii) to work for the broadest possible dissemination by the most appropriate means".

Femise member institutes are invited to submit research proposals to receive subsidy for their research projects. The topic of the research project should fall under one or more of the subjects specified within the seven themes as detailed in its 2005-2009 research programme:

· Theme 1: The transition and the economic reforms including the economic governance

· Theme 2: Liberalization of agriculture and trade in services

· Theme 3: Development and fight against poverty

· Theme 4: Social policies, notably in terms of public health and employment

· Theme 5: Education, training and the role of women in enterprises

· Theme 6: Euro-Med regional integration and the cooperation and integration between southern countries and the east of the Mediterranean territory

· Theme 7: The role of the state, economic and institutional reform.

All proposals have to be submitted in consortium, including at least one Femise member from the north and one Femise member from the south, or including at least 2 Femise members from the south.

The deadline for the internal consultation has already passed (March 13, 2006). For this consultation, sixteen research proposals will be selected by the Research Selection Group (RSG) with a total budget of € 640.000, i.e. € 40.000 for each study. Financing will cover 100% of research costs.