The German Bundestag has allocated funds to enhance expertise on Russia and Eastern Europe in Germany. On this basis, the Federal Government is establishing the Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS) as a foundation under German Civil Law. The Centre is to begin work as an independent, non-university research institution based in Berlin towards the middle of 2016. It will be tasked with undertaking applied basic research, promoting the training and education of young academics and providing expertise on Eastern Europe for policymakers, business and the public.