European Community support for research on advanced materials is provided within the four-year Framework programs for research and technological development. In particular, the current program ''Industrial and Materials Technologies-BRITE/Euram II'' is aimed at establishing the necessary technological base for the development of new products and processes. The Vice President of the Commission of the European Communities describes his view of the present market and future prospects for advanced materials, taking restraints imposed by a need to protect the environment into consideration.