ESASTAP2 (Strengthening the European-South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme) is based on the Science and Technology (S&T) agreement signed between South Africa (SA) and the European Union (EU) and seeks to build on the foundation laid by the European-South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP), an FP6 Specific Support Action project. ESASTAP2 is coordinated by SA’s Department of Science and Technology. ESASTAP2’s long-term aim, and the criteria on which the project will be judged, is to increase S&T cooperation and priorities determination between SA, the EU and its member states; enhance the awareness of S&T capability in SA and of EU member states; promote SA’s knowledge and participation of the Framework Programmes and other cooperation mechanisms, and increase the participation of SA S&T organisations in FP7. ESASTAP2 will seek mechanisms to facilitate greater bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and to provide a greater input into future Framework Programmes and proposals, for sustainability and growth of the SA and EU S&T communities.