Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on: - the 'Commission Working Paper: towards the Fifth Framework Programme - scientific and technological objectives', - the 'Proposal for a European Parliament and Council decision concerning the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002)', and - the 'Proposal for a Council decision concerning the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for research and training activities (1998-2002)'.