The Centre was founded in 1972 by the Academies of Sciences of the ex-socialist countries to enhance cooperation between mathematicians from East and West. During the 20 years of its existence under the leadership of Professor Czeslaw Olech the Centre has gained worldwide recognition as a centre of collaboration of mathematicians from all over the world. The year 1993 begins a new stage of serving the mathematical community. The agreement on cooperation with the European Mathematical Society adds new perspectives to its activity. New forms of activity are continually added, including condensed workshops and symposia in addition to the existing form of semesters. Special emphasis is laid on the interaction of different fields of mathematics. The new Scientific Council of the Banach Centre has 3 representatives from the European Mathematical Society, 3 from the founding countries and 4 from Poland.