In 1987 EUROMET was established as a cooperation of European National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) with the objective to promote the co-ordination of metrological activities and services with the purpose of achieving higher efficiency. Since the foundation of EUROMET the number of members has grown to now 33 NMIs and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission represented by IRMM. In 1999 EUROMET became - as a Regional Metrological Organisation - strongly involved in the realisation of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of the CIPM. NMI activities within EUROMET focussed on calibration and measurement capability review and review of the Quality Management Systems (QMS) of its members. As the MRA is now in routine operation the time has come to shift emphasis back to research matters. In 2002 a study co-financed by the European Commission had shown that strategic planning of longer term R&D and improved co-operation between the European NMIs in R&D matters are highly important factors to optimize the European metrological system. In 2005 a European Research Area network (ERA-NET) was created by 14 European countries with 20 partners (14 NMIs, the IRMM and 5 national ministries). Primary aim of the network is to create the conditions to develop and implement a European Metrological Research Programme (EMRP) for the co-ordinated planning and execution of R&D in strategic metrological areas. The creation of such structures would have a profound impact on the structure of EUROMET as it would require to create a legal entity to conduct the EMRP. At the time of abstract preparation the European Commission was in its final phase to draw up the detailed plans for its research activities for the time 2007 to 2013. Decisions on the funding of the EMRP were expected soon. By the time of the EUROMET General Assembly at the end of May first decisions on the future structures of EUROMET may be needed in order to be ready for the EMRP to start in 2007.