COUNCIL DECISION of 15 December 1989 adopting a specific research and technical development programme for the European Atomic Energy Community in the field of management and storage of radioactive waste (1990 to 1994) (89/664/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 proposal from the Commission, submitted after consultation of the Scientific and Technical Committee (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),
Whereas the Council, in adopting the framework programme of Community research and technological development (1987 to 1991) (4), acknowledged the value of an activity 'Fission: Nuclear Safety' which includes, in particular, a research and development area 'radioactive waste management';
Whereas radioactive waste is produced by the use of nuclear energy and by the use of radionuclides in medicine and in other industrial activities;
Whereas it is therefore essential to implement effective solutions to guarantee the safety and protection of man and the environment against the potential risks associated with the management of such waste;
Whereas the fourth European Communities' action programme on the environment, which was the subject of the resolution of 19 October 1987 of the Council and the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting in the Council (5), underlines the need for Community action on the management and storage of radioactive waste;
Whereas, by its resolution of 18 February 1980 on the implementation of a Community plan of action (1980 to 1992) in the field of radioactive waste (6), the Council resolved to ensure the continuity of the research and development programmes in this sphere during the plan;
Whereas the programme on the management and storage of radioactive waste adopted by Decision 85/199/Euratom (7) has yielded positive results and opened up encouraging prospects which should be exploited through the implementation of research, development and demonstration projects representing the real waste management and storage conditions which can be expected in the future; whereas effective management of radioactive waste requires that very reliable techniques and very secure underground sites be used,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
A specific research and technological development programme for the European Atomic Energy Community in the field of management and storage of radioactive waste, as defined in the Annex, is hereby adopted for a period of five years from 1 January 1990.
Article 2
The funds estimated necessary for the execution of the programme amount to ECU 79,6 million including expenditure on a staff of 14.
An indicative breakdown of this amount appears in the Annex.
Article 3
Detailed rules for the implementation of the programme and the level of the Community's financial contribution are set out in the Annex.
Article 4
1. During the third year of its implementation the Commission shall review the programme. A report on the results of this review shall be sent to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee. This report shall be accompanied where
necessary by proposals for the amendment of the programme.
2. On the expiry of the programme, the Commission shall report on the results achieved 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 the Annex to this Decision and in accordance with Article 2 (2) of Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC (8).
Article 5
For the implementation of the programme, the Commission shall be assisted by Management and Coordination Advisory
Committee CGC 6 (Nuclear fission energy - Fuel cycle/processing and storage of waste) set up by Council Decision 84/338/Euratom, ECSC, EEC (9).
Article 6
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 15 December 1989.