The Mercator Network consist of three research and documentation centres. Each of the three centres has its own thematic programme and specialist role related to minority and regional languages within the European Union:

• The Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning at the Fryske Akademy, Ljouwert (NL), is concerned with the use of minority languages at all educational levels.
• Mercator Media at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (UK) deals with minority languages used in the press and in the media, including the new media.
• Mercator Legislation at the CIEMEN foundation, Barcelona (E), concentrates on minority language legislation and minority languages in public administration.
  

Despite the fact that the three centres are located in different countries, the working relations between them are well established. Not only are the centres linked electronically, their staff-members also meet on a regular basis for coordination meetings, which is crucial for the joint projects and activities. Currently, Mercator is broadening the network with new partners, fitting in the regulations of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) / Key Activities Languages of the European Union. Moreover, the Mercator Network also works closely with the Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity (NPLD) and the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages (EBLUL), organizations of the European linguistic minorities, for whom the Mercator Network provides in-depth specialist back-up.

Funding
The Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning is funded by the the Province of Fryslân (Friesland) and the Municipal Ljouwert (Leeuwarden).