The research on the regions' role in the European Union has lately seen good progress. The applicants are experts in this field. During their joint time at the Humboldt-University in Berlin they conducted a huge survey on the topic. Over 1500 regional pol iticians and top regional bureaucrats from 60 regions in 10 countries have taken part in the survey. In the last months the data base has been created and assembled. It is now that the partners need to work jointly to conduct the statistical analysis and produce a detailed plan of the monograph which is to be written. These tasks need intensive bilateral discussions and necessitate the presence and direct interaction between the partners. Therefore we apply for the E.ON/Ruhrgas program.