Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on : - the 'Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (1998-2002) Commission Working Paper on the Specific Programmes: Starting Points for Discussion', - the 'Eight proposals for Council Decisions concerning the specific programmes implementing the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002)', and - the 'Two proposals for Council Decisions concerning the specific programmes implementing the Fifth Framework Programme of the European atomic energy community (Euratom) for research and training activities (1998-2002)'.