COUNCIL DECISION of 28 November 1991 adopting a research and education programme in the field of nuclear fission safety (1990 to 1994) (91/626/Euratom)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 7 thereof,
Having regard to the amended proposal from the Commission (1), submitted after consulting the Scientific and Technical Committee,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),
Whereas, by Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC (4), the Council adopted a third framework programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990 to 1994) specifying, inter alia, the research activities to be pursued in the area of nuclear fission safety and radiation protection; whereas this Decision should be taken, in so far as appropriate, in the light of the grounds set out in the preamble to that Decision;
Whereas, for activities falling under the EAEC Treaty, Article 2 of Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, provides for the implementation of the third framework programme through specific programmes adopted in accordance with Article 7 of that Treaty;
Whereas the Joint Research Centre is to contribute through its own programme to the implementation of the aforesaid activities;
Whereas basic research in the field of nuclear fission safety and radiation protection must be encouraged throughout the Community;
Whereas, in addition to the specific programme concerning human resources and mobility, it is necessary to encourage the training of research workers and engineers in the context of the programme forming the subject of this Decision;
Whereas in the context of the latter programme it is desirable that an assessment be made of the economic and social impact as well as of any technological risks;
Whereas, pursuant to Article 4 of and Annex I to Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, the funds estimated as necessary for the whole framework programme include an amount of ECU 57 million for the centralized dissemination and exploitation of results, to be divided up in proportion to the amount envisaged for each programme;
Whereas that Decision provides that a particular aim of Community research must be to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of European industry and to encourage it to become more competitive at the international level, while keeping safety standards as high as possible; whereas that Decision also provides that Community action is justified where research contributes, inter alia, to the strengthening of the economic and social cohesion of the Community and to the promotion of its overall harmonious development, while being consistent with the pursuit of scientific and technical excellence; whereas this programme should contribute to the achievement of these objectives;
Whereas the developing of cooperation on research and technological development with third countries, especially European countries, and international organizations may prove particularly fruitful for the carrying-out of this programme;
Whereas it is desirable, as provided in Annex II to Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, to foster a harmonized approach to nuclear fission safety in the Community by bringing together all the parties involved, thus reinforcing the pre-normative dimension of research, particularly in radiation protection and reactor safety,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
A research and education programme in the field of nuclear fission safety, hereinafter referred to as the 'programme', as defined in Annex I, is hereby adopted for a period running from 28 November 1991 to 31 December 1994.
Article 2
1. The funds estimated as necessary for the execution of the programme amount to ECU 35,64 million, including expenditure on staff and administration amounting to ECU 6,94 million.
2. An indicative allocation of funds is set out in Annex II.
3. Should the Council take a decision pursuant to Article 1 (4) of Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, this Decision shall be adapted accordingly.
Article 3
Detailed rules for the implementation of the programme and the amount of the Community's financial contribution are set out in Annex III.
Article 4
1. In the course of the second year of implementation of the programme, the Commission shall review it and send a report on the results of its review to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee; this report shall be accompanied, where necessary, by proposals for amendment.
2. At the end of the programme, an evaluation of the results achieved shall be conducted for the Commission by a group of independent experts. This group's report, together with any comments by the Commission, shall be submitted to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee.
3. The reports referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be established having regard to the objectives set out in Annex I to this Decision and in accordance with Article 2 (4) of Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC.
Article 5
In the implementation of the programme, the Commission shall be assisted by the appropriate Advisory Management and Coordination Committees. Articles 2 to 6 of Council Decision 84/338/Euratom, EEC (5) shall apply to those Committees.
Article 6
1. The Commission shall be authorized to negotiate, in accordance with Article 101, second paragraph, of the Treaty, international agreements with third countries members of COST, in particular with member countries of EFTA, and the countries of central and eastern Europe, with a view to associating them with all or part of the programme.
2. Bodies and enterprises established in European third States may, on the basis of the criterion of mutual benefit, be allowed to become partners in a project undertaken within the programme.
No contracting body based in the countries referred to in the first subparagraph and participating as a partner in a project undertaken under the programme may benefit from Community financing for this programme. Such a body shall contribute to the general administrative costs.
Article 7
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 28 November 1991.