The conference pursues its objectives by means of annual membership meetings as well as initiatives and support of research and development activities. At these meetings, the national libraries present their annual reports . Athens, Greece National libraries need to secure their own position in order to establish the conditions necessary for free and unhindered access to information and documentation. This information must be, as far as possible, complete, clearly organized, prompt, and reliable. More than ever before, it is therefore necessary to develop new models of cooperation, to divide work tasks and share resources.
National libraries can act as a focus within a cooperative network.
International connections will definitely play a more meaningful role within the next few years, primarily because of European developments. By passing the Single European Act for the completion of the European market in 1992 the European Union has created a very precise time-table that has caused a great deal of activity in Europe. The radical political changes in the former Soviet Union, as well as the longing of the Soviet republics for independence, and the democratization process of the Eastern European states have clearly shown that a new world order is being created. Consequently, Europe needs to be newly defined. However the question remains whether or not the Western internationalism of the economy is sufficient to form and cement Europe.