European research Framework Programs and in particular their impact on international standardization for the development of third generation mobile communication systems are reviewed, which are currently being deployed. In 2002 the European Commission launched the 6th Framework Program. In parallel, research on systems beyond third generation started already. Therefore, international organizations such as the Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF) were established. WWRF and other international activities are presented. The vision of the Wireless World is developed from the user perspective, where already a high degree of international harmonization was achieved. The building blocks of the Wireless World and the resulting necessary major research areas are summarized. Future research projects on systems beyond third generation will focus on these topics. Global cooperation will be an important prerequisite to achieve harmonized future standards. Therefore, the 6th Framework Program of the European Commission will provide an important platform for international cooperation. The 6th Framework Program is described in detail.