"The overall strategic objective of the E-URAL project is to improve in quantity and quality the participation of Russian researchers and SMEs in the “Environment (including climate change)” theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). This objective answers to specific gaps that hamper the participation of Russia, such as the lack of knowledge among researchers and multipliers from Russia on the FP7 and the Environment theme and the lack of know-how on submission procedures under EU-FPs, as well as of awareness in Europe of skilled potential partners from Russia to be involved in EU-FPs projects. E-URAL project, through its multi-skilled consortium composed of various leading and long experienced institutions from EU and Russia, addresses these major obstacles in 4 main lines of activity: mapping of research expertise and needs in Russia in the field of Environment; awareness raising and capacity building for multipliers and researchers in Russia through training activities and staff exchanges; promotion of co-operation opportunities between EU and Russia; liaison with Russian and European stakeholders in the field of concern. The achievement of these strategic and ambitious objectives is guaranteed by the effective structure of the work plan and the partnership of both Russian and European partners with long experience in environment research or in training activities. As a result, the project will create new research consortia, will raise the number of Russian participants in the Framework Programme and identify key RTD topics for further work programmes in the FP7 Environment theme."