The 5th EFPW took place in December 1997 at Sesimbra in Portugal. It was hosted by the Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon and sponsored by the European Commission. Within an overall theme of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) phenomena in magnetically confined plasmas, four topics of importance to the future development of magnetic confinement fusion were discussed in detail: integrated control of fusion plasmas, MHD in advanced scenarios, neoclassical modes and disruptions. In addition, an extended review of the results of the recent JET deuterium-tritium experiments was presented and the physics research opportunities which would be made available by ITER operation were discussed. The main issues discussed in each session and the areas identified as requiring further study are summarized here.