Council Decision
of 30 September 2002
adopting a specific programme (Euratom) for research and training on nuclear energy (2002-2006)
(2002/837/Euratom)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular the first paragraph of Article 7 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),
Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament(2),
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(3),
Whereas:
(1) By Decision No. 2002/668/Euratom(4) the Council adopted the Sixth Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities, also contributing to the creation of the European Research Area (2002-2006) (hereinafter referred to as "the framework programme") to be implemented by means of research and training programme(s) drawn up in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, which define the detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.
(2) The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities for the implementation of the framework programme, (hereinafter referred to as "the rules for participation") should apply to this programme.
(3) The Commission's administrative expenditure for the implementation of this programme reflects the high number of staff seconded to laboratories in the members States and to the ITER project.
(4) Pending the conclusion of international negotiations on ITER and a possible decision on its joint implementation, European Community leadership in fusion research should be maintained.
(5) This programme is open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and is also, except in the case of fusion research, open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation.
(6) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be given to promoting mobility of researchers, and innovation, in the Community as well as international cooperation activities with third countries and international organisations. Special attention should be paid to the candidate countries.
(7) Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in Article 6 of the Treaty on the European Union and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as the need to take into account public acceptability of these activities.
(8) Following the Commission Communication "Women and Science" and the Resolutions of the Council of 20 May 1999(5) and 26 June 2000(6) and the Resolution of 3 February 2000 of the European Parliament(7) on this theme, an action plan is being implemented in order to reinforce and increase the place and role of women in science and research, which should ensure the respect of equality of opportunity, irrespective of gender.
(9) This programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking account of relevant interests, in particular of the scientific, industrial, user and policy communities. The research activities carried out under it should be adapted where appropriate to the needs of Community policies and to scientific and technological developments.
(10) Participation in the activities of this programme should be encouraged through publication of the necessary information on content, conditions and procedures, to be made available in a timely and thorough manner to potential participants, including those from the associated candidate countries and other associated countries.
(11) The Commission should in due course arrange for an independent assessment to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by this programme. Such an assessment should be carrried out in a spirit of openness with respect to all the relevant actors.
(12) The Scientific and Technical Committee has been consulted,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
1. In accordance with the framework programme, a specific programme for research and training on nuclear energy (hereinafter referred to as "the specific programme") is hereby adopted for the period from 30 September 2002 to 31 December 2006.
2. The objectives and scientific and technological priorities for the specific programme are set out in Annex I.
Article 2
In accordance with Annex II to the framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme is EUR 940 million, including a maximum of 16,5 % for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II to this decision.
Article 3
All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.
Article 4
1. The detailed rules for financial participation by the Community in the specific programme shall be those referred to in Article 2(2) of the framework programme.
2. The specific programme shall be implemented by means of instruments defined in Annex III.
3. The rules for participation shall apply to the specific programme.
Article 5
1. The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in Annex I, the timetable for implementation and the instruments to be used.
2. The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated States, European and international organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate.
Article 6
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.
2. For the purposes of implementing the specific programme the Commission shall be assisted by a consultative committee. The members of this committee can vary according to the different subjects on the committee's agenda. For fission-related aspects, the composition of this committee and the detailed operational rules and procedures applicable to it shall be as laid down in Council Decision 84/338/Euratom, ECSC, EEC of 29 June 1984 dealing with structures and procedures for the management and coordination of Community research, development and demonstration activities(8). For the fusion-related aspects they shall be as laid down in the Commission Decision of 16 December 1980 dealing with the consultative committee for the fusion programme.
Article 7
1. The Commission shall regularly report on the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, in accordance with Article 5(2) of the framework programme, information on financial aspects shall be included.
2. The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring and assessment provided for in Articles 5 and 6 of the framework programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.
Article 8
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 30 September 2002.