eunbil · GT0N1604 · 2006-07-14 00:00:00 — ITER will require new and more flexible organisational structures to enable the process of innovation and technological progress which it creates to be swiftly transferred to industry, so that the challenges can be met to enable European industry to become more competitive. NUCLEAR FISSION AND RADIATION PROTECTION Establishing a sound scientific and technical basis in order to accelerate practical developments for the safer management of long-lived radioactive waste, enhancing in particular the safety performance, resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy and ensuring a robust and socially acceptable system of protection of man and the environment against the effects of ionising radiation. Nuclear power currently generates one third of all electricity consumed in the EU and, as the most significant source of base load electricity that, during the operation of a nuclear power plant, does not emit CO2, constitutes an important element in the debate on the means of combating climate change and reducing Europe"s dependence on imported energy. nuclear sector as a whole is typified by cutting-edge technology and provides highly skilled employment for several hundred thousand people. advanced nuclear technology could offer the of significant improvements in efficiency and use of resources, at the same time ensuring even higher safety standards and producing less waste than current designs. There are, however, important concerns that affect the continued use of this energy source in the Efforts are still required to ensure a continuation of the Community"s outstanding safety record and the improvement of radiation protection continues to be a priority area. AM 16 The key issues are operational reactor safety and management of long-lived waste, both of which are being addressed through continued work at the technical level, though allied political and societal inputs are also required. In all uses of radiation, throughout industry and medicine alike, the overriding principle is the protection of man and the environment. All thematic domains to be addressed here are characterised by an overriding concern to ensure high levels of safety. Similarly there are clearly identifiable needs throughout nuclear science and relating to availability of research infrastructures and expertise. In addition, the individual technical areas are linked by key cross-cutting topics such as the nuclear fuel cycle, actinide chemistry, risk analysis and safety assessment and even societal and governance issues. Research will also be needed to explore new scientific and technological opportunities and to respond in a flexible way to new policy needs that arise during the course of the Framework Programme. Management of radioactive waste Implementation oriented research and development activities on all remaining key aspects of deep geological disposal of spent fuel and long-lived radioactive waste and, as appropriate, demonstration on the technologies and safety, and to underpin the development of a common European view on the main issues related to the management and disposal of waste. Research on partitioning and transmutation and/or other concepts aimed at reducing the amount and/or hazard of the waste for disposal. Research to underpin the continued safe operation of all relevant types of existing reactor systems (including fuel cycle facilities), taking into account new challenges such as life-time extension and development of new advanced safety assessment methodologies (both the technical and human element) including as regards severe accidents, and to assess the potential and safety and waste-management aspects of future reactor systems, in the short and medium term, thereby maintaining the high safety standards already achieved within the EU and considerably improving the long-term management of radioactive waste. Research, in particular on the risks from low doses, on uses and on the management of accidents, to provide the scientific basis for a robust, equitable and socially acceptable system of protection that will not unduly limit the beneficial and widespread uses of radiation in medicine and industry. Research to minimise the impact of nuclear and radiological terrorism and diversion of nuclear material. To support the availability of, and cooperation between, research infrastructures such as material test facilities underground research laboratories and radiobiology facilities and tissue banks, necessary to maintain high standards of technical achievement, innovation and safety in nuclear sector. Human resources, mobility AM 20and training To support the retention and further development of scientific competence and human capacity (for instance through joint training activities) in order to guarantee the availability of suitably qualified researchers, engineers AM 20 and employees in the nuclear sector over the longer term. NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES OF THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE To provide customer driven scientific and technical support to the Community policy-making process in the nuclear field, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies while flexibly responding to new policy demands. supports the objectives of strategy for energy supply, particularly to help matching the Kyoto objectives. The Community has a recognised competence in many aspects of nuclear technology, and this is built on a solid basis of past successes in the domain. The usefulness of the JRC in its support to Community policies and in its contribution to the new trends in nuclear research are based on its scientific expertise and its integration in the international scientific community and cooperation with other research centres as well as dissemination of knowledge. The JRC has competent staff and state-of-the-art facilities to carry out recognized scientific/technical work, aiming at research at the forefront through the quality of its scientific and technical work. AM 21 supports the policy of the Community to maintain basic competencies and expertise for the future by giving access to its infrastructures to other researchers, by training young scientists and fostering their mobility and thus sustaining nuclear know how in Europe.AM 21 New demand has emerged in particular in the external relations and security related policies. In these cases, in-house and secure information/analyses/systems are needed which cannot always be obtained on the market. The nuclear activities of the JRC aim to satisfy the R&D requirements to support both Commission and Member States. The objective of this programme is to develop and assemble knowledge, to provide input to the debate on nuclear energy production, its safety and reliability, its sustainability and control, its threats and challenges, including the assessment of innovative/future systems. The JRC activities will focus on: Impact aiming to understand the nuclear fuel processes from production of energy to waste disposal and to develop effective solutions for the management of high level nuclear waste following the two major options (direct disposal or partitioning and transmutation). Activities will also be developed to enhance knowledge and improve the processing or conditioning of long-lived waste and basic research into actinides;AM 22 Nuclear Safety, in implementing research on existing as well as on new fuel cycles and on reactor safety of both Western and Russian reactor types as well as on new reactor design. In addition the JRC will contribute and co-ordinate contribution to the R&D initiative, in which the best research organisations in the world are involved. The JRC should act as integrator of research in this area with the aim of ensuring the quality of contribution to GIF. AM23 The JRC"s contribution includes primarily safety and safeguard aspects of innovative fuel cycles, in particular characterisation, test and analysis of new fuels; the development of safety and quality goals, safety requirements and advanced evaluation methods for systems. , in supporting the accomplishment of Community commitments, in particular the control of the fuel cycle facilities emphasising the back-end of the fuel cycle, the monitoring of the radioactivity in the environment, or the implementation of the additional protocol and the integrated safeguards, and the prevention of the diversion of nuclear and radioactive material associated with illicit trafficking of such material. In addition, the JRC will facilitate a fact-based debate and informed decision making on the appropriate energy mix to meet energy needs (including renewable sources of energy and nuclear power). Subject to the rules for participation established for the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme, the Community will support research and technological development activities, including demonstration activities in the specific programmes through a range of funding schemes. These schemes will be used, either alone or in combination, to fund different categories of actions implemented throughout the Framework Programme. FUNDING SCHEMES IN FUSION ENERGY In the field of fusion energy research, the particular nature of the activities in the area necessitates the implementation of specific arrangements. Financial support will be given to activities carried out on the basis of procedures set out in: , between the Commission and Member States or fully Associated Third States or entities within Member States or fully Associated Third States which provide for the execution of part of the Community fusion energy research programme according to Article 10 of the Treaty; Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA), a multilateral agreement concluded between the Commission and organisations in, or acting for, Member States and Associated States providing inter alia the framework for further research on fusion technology in associated organisations and in industry, use of the JET facilities and contribution to international cooperation; Joint Undertaking for ITER, based on the provisions of Article 45-51, Chapter 5, Title II of the Treaty; International agreements between Euratom and third countries covering activities in the field of fusion energy research and development, in particular the ITER Agreement; other multilateral agreement concluded between the Community and associated organisations, in particular the Agreement on Staff Mobility; Cost-sharing actions to promote and contribute to fusion energy research with bodies in the Member States or the States associated with the Euratom Framework Programme in which there is no Contract of Association. In addition to the above activities, actions to promote and develop human resources, fellowships, integrated infrastructures initiatives as well as specific support actions may be undertaken in particular to coordinate fusion energy research, to undertake studies in support of these activities, to support publications, information exchange; and training in order to promote technology transfer. FUNDING SCHEMES IN OTHER FIELDS The activities in other fields than fusion energy by the Euratom Framework Programme will be funded through a range of funding schemes. These schemes will be used, either alone or in combination, to fund different categories of actions implemented throughout this Framework Programme. The decisions for specific programmes, work programmes and calls for proposals will mention, as and when appropriate: The type(s) of scheme(s) used to fund different categories of actions; The categories of participants (such as research organisations, universities, industry, public authorities) which can benefit from it; The types of activities (research, development, demonstration, training, dissemination, transfer of knowledge and other related activities) which can be funded through each of them. Where different funding schemes can be used, the work programmes may specify the funding scheme to be used for the topic on which proposals are invited. The funding schemes are the following: a) To support actions which are primarily implemented on the basis of calls for proposals: Support to research projects carried out by consortia with participants from different countries, aiming at developing new knowledge, new technology, products or common resources for research. The size, scope and internal organisation of projects can vary from field to field and from topic to topic. Projects can range from small or medium-scale focused research actions to larger integrating projects which mobilise a significant volume of resources for achieving a defined objective. Support to joint research programmes implemented by a number of research organisations integrating their activities in a given field, carried out by research teams in the framework of longer term cooperation. The implementation of these joint programmes will require a formal commitment from the organisations integrating part of their resources and their activities. Coordination and support actions Support to activities aimed at coordinating or supporting research (networking, exchanges, studies, conferences, etc). These actions may also be implemented by means other than calls for proposals. Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility Support for training and career development of researchers. b) to support actions implemented on the basis of decisions by the Council, based on a proposal from the Commission, the Community will provide financial support to multi-financed large-scale initiatives: A financial contribution from the Community to the implementation of Joint Undertakings carried out on the basis of the procedures and provisions set out in Articles 45 -51, Chapter 5 of Title II of the . A financial contribution from the Community to the development of new infrastructures of European interest. The Community will implement the funding schemes in compliance with the provisions of the regulation to be adopted for the rules for participation of undertakings, research centres and universities, the relevant State aid instruments, in particular the Community framework for state aid to research and development, as well as international rules in this area. In compliance with this international framework, it will be necessary to be able to adjust the scale and form of financial participation on a case-by-case basis, in particular if funding from other public sector sources is available, including other sources of Community financing such as (). In the case of participants to an indirect action established in a region lagging in development (convergence regions and outermost regions ) complementary funding from the will be mobilised wherever possible and appropriate. DIRECT ACTIONS - JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE The Community will undertake activities implemented by the , which are referred to as direct actions. All delegations: scrutiny reservation. ( Changes to the Commission"s original proposal (doc. 8087/05) are underlined. Suggested changes to the General (doc. 10466/06) in response to EP amendments are bold, underlined and in italics. Changes made following the meeting of the Working Party on 3 2006 are highlighted. OJ C , , p. . OJ C , , p. . OJ C , , p. . OJ C , , p. . Not yet published in the OJ. Commission communication entitled "The Regional Dimension of Research Area" (COM (2001)0549). OJ C 139, , p. OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. P.m: all figures are in current prices reflecting the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) on the Financial Perspectives (2007-2013). Accordingly, IIA figure for FP7 for 2007-2013 of million in 2004 prices corresponds to million for 2007-2013 in current prices, of which million for FP7 (EC) for 2007-2013, million for FP7 (Euratom) for 2007-2011 and indicatively million for Euratom programme for 2012-2013. Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads can be financed. "The Community shall have the objective of strengthening the scientific and technological bases of Community industry and encouraging it to become more competitive at international level, while promoting all the research activities deemed necessary by virtue of other chapters of this Treaty." Throughout the Seventh Framework Programme, "SMEs" are understood to include microenterprises. In particular with the activities carried out by the intergovernmental structure EUREKA. In addition, the experience gained by EUREKA clusters could be relevant to Initiatives in related areas AM 86 This will include financial support for the administration and coordination activities of COST. The term "bio-economy" includes all industries and economic sectors that produce, manage and otherwise exploit biological resources and related services, supply or consumer industries, such as agriculture, food, fisheries, forestry, etc. "Life sciences and biotechnology - A strategy for Europe" - COM(2002) 27. Complementary research relating to the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources is addressed under the "Environment (including Climate Change)" theme. COM(2000) 769. COM (2005) 265. COM(2006) 105. Complementary research relating to the production and use of biological resources is addressed under the "Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology" theme. The research agendas of relevant Platforms will be taken into account in the different activities. COM(2001) 370. aeronautics industry invests of its turnover in research, car industry almost of its turnover; and the EU shipbuilding industry competitive advantage relies exclusively on RTD. ACARE: in Europe. Launched in 2001, it is the first operational example of a Technology Platform; ERRAC: ; ERTRAC: ; Platform. on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) was launched in . ESFRI brings together representatives from the 25 EU Member States, appointed by Ministers in charge of Research, and a representative of Commission. The countries associated with the Framework Programme for Research were invited to join in 2004. Convergence regions are those set out in Article 5 of the proposal for a Council Regulation laying down general provisions on , and the - COM(2004) 492. This includes "convergence" objective regions, regions eligible for funding from the Cohesion fund, and outermost regions. Other than Associated Candidate countries. Formerly called the New Independent States: Armenia, , , , , Kyrgyz Republic, , , , , and . Noting that Latin includes both developing countries and emerging economies. Initiatives (including financial plan, etc) and the part of the coordination and international cooperation activities to be funded within the themes. The aim will be to enable at least of the funding available under the "Cooperation" part of the programme to go to SMEs. * Including a contribution to for the constitution of the "Facility" referred to in . decisions adopting the contributing specific programmes will establish (a) their maximum contribution to the grant, and (b) the modalities under which the Commission will decide on the reallocation of incomes generated by the grant and of any of its leftovers during the lifetime of the Seventh Framework Programme. The amount of up to 1 billion EURO for the RSFF is to be matched by an equivalent amount from the EIB. The amount will be made available progressively to the EIB taking account of the level of demand. It will come from the specific programmes "Capacities" (up to 200 million EURO from the research infrastructure line). Convergence regions are those set out in Article 5 of the proposal for a Council Regulation laying down general provisions on , and the - COM(2004) 492. This includes "convergence" objective regions, regions eligible for funding from the Cohesion fund, and outermost regions. * Changes to the Commission"s original proposal (doc. 8087/05) are underlined. Suggested changes to the partial General (doc. 15062/05) in response to EP amendments and the Commission"s amended proposal (doc. 11142/06) are bold, underlined and in italics. Changes made following the meeting of the Working Party on 3 2006 are highlighted. OJ C , , p. . OJ C , , p. . OJ C , , p. . Not published in the OJ. OJ L 139, , p.1 COM(2005)387 OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. Within the amount foreseen for Fusion energy research, up to million will be reserved to activities other than the construction of ITER, listed in . Convergence regions are those set out in Article 5 of the proposal for a Council Regulation laying down general provisions on , and the - COM(2004) 492. This includes "convergence" objective regions, regions eligible for funding from the Cohesion fund, and outermost regions. 11249/06 KP/ep DG C II LIMITEEN 11249/06 KP/ep C II LIMITEEN 11249/06 KP/ep C II LIMITEEN 11249/06 KP/ep C II LIMITEEN 11249/06 KP/ep DG C II LIMITEEN 11249/06 KP/ep C II LIMITEEN 11249/06 KP/ep C II LIMITEEN