Council Decision
of 3 June 2002
concerning 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 to 2006)
(2002/668/Euratom)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
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(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) A framework programme covering all research activities, including demonstration and training activities in the field of nuclear energy, to be implemented by means of research and training programmes, may be adopted pursuant to Article 7 of the Treaty.
(2) In 2000 the Commission submitted two communications, respectively on the prospects for and the objectives of creating a European Research Area, and on making a reality of the European Research Area and guidelines for European Union research activities in the period 2002 to 2006. In 2000 the Commission also submitted a communication on innovation in a knowledge-driven economy.
(3) The European Councils in Lisbon in March 2000, Santa Maria de Feira in June 2000 and Stockholm in March 2001 adopted conclusions aimed at the rapid establishment of a European research and innovation area with a view to sustainable economic growth, more employment and social cohesion. The Göteborg European Council in June 2001 agreed a strategy for sustainable development and added a third, environmental dimension to the Lisbon strategy.
(4) The European Parliament(4)(5), the Council(6)(7), the Economic and Social Committee(8) and the Committee of the Regions(9) have also supported the establishment of the European Research Area.
(5) On 19 October 2000 the Commission submitted the conclusions of an external assessment of the implementation and results of the Community activities carried out in the five years preceding that assessment, accompanied by its observations.
(6) It is therefore important to adopt a new framework programme for the period 2002 to 2006, also contributing to the establishment of the European Research Area and encouraging innovation.
(7) The sixth framework programme sets out the scientific and technological objectives and priorities of the activities envisaged and indicates the broad lines of those activities which will be implemented in compliance with the objective of protecting the Community's financial interest. It is important to ensure sound financial management of the sixth framework programme.
(8) A financial reference amount within the meaning of point 34 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure(10) is included in this Decision for the entire duration of the framework programme, without thereby affecting the powers of the budgetary authority as they are defined in the Treaty.
(9) The Joint Research Centre should contribute to the implementation of the framework programme where it can provide independent, customer-driven support for the formulation and implementation of Community policies, including the monitoring of the implementation of such policies, in the areas of its specific competence.
(10) Research activities carried out within the sixth framework programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in Article 6 of the Treaty on 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.
(11) Following the Commission communication "Women and science", and the Resolutions of the Council of 20 May 1999(11) and 26 June 2001(12) and the Resolution of the European Parliament of 3 February 2000(13) on this theme, an action plan is being implemented in order to boost and increase the place and role of women in science and research in Europe, which should ensure the respect of equality of opportunity, irrespective of gender.
(12) The Commission Green Paper "Towards a European strategy for energy supply security" constitutes an element in the debate on the means of combating climate change and reducing Europe's dependence on imported energy.
(13) It is appropriate that the Commission should submit regular progress reports to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the sixth framework programme and that it should have an independent assessment carried out concerning the implementation of the activities in good time and before submitting its proposal for the next framework programme. Such assessment should be carried out in a spirit of openness with respect to all the relevant actors.
(14) The international and global dimension in European research activities is important in the interest of obtaining mutual benefits. The sixth framework programme is open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and is also 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.
(15) The sixth framework programme should contribute to enlargement by bringing scientific and technological support to the candidate countries for the implementation of Community acquis and for their integration into te European Research Area. Information on the opportunities for participating in the programme should be provided to potential participants in a timely and thorough manner.
(16) The Scientific and Technical Committee has been consulted by the Commission and has delivered its opinion,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
1. A multi-annual framework programme for nuclear research and training activities, hereinafter referred to as the "sixth framework programme", is hereby adopted for the period 2002 to 2006.
2. The sixth framework programme shall comprise Community research, technological development, international cooperation, dissemination and exploitation activities as well as training under the following headings:
- controlled thermonuclear fusion,
- management of radioactive waste,
- radiation protection,
- other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety,
- nuclear activities of the Joint Research Centre.
3. Annex I sets out the scientific and technological objectives and the related priorities and indicates the broad lines of the activities envisaged.
Article 2
1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the sixth framework programme for the period 2002 to 2006 shall be EUR 1230 million. The proportion assigned to each of the activities is fixed in Annex II.
2. The detailed rules for financial participation by the Community shall be governed by the Financial Regulation applicable to the General Budget of the European Communities, supplemented by Annex III, and, where appropriate, by the research and training programme(s) which the Council will adopt in order to implement this Decision.
Article 3
All research activities carried out under the sixth framework programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.
Article 4
The sixth framework programme shall be implemented through research and training programmes. These programmes shall establish precise objectives and detailed rules for implementation.
Article 5
1. The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor, with the help of independent qualified experts, the implementation of the sixth framework programme and its research and training programmes.
2. Progress with implementing the sixth framework programme, and in particular progress towards achieving its objectives and meeting its priorities, including its financial aspects, shall be presented in detail in the report to be submitted by the Commission each year pursuant to Article 7 of the Treaty.
Article 6
Before submitting its proposal for the next framework programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment carried out by independent, highly qualified experts of the implementation and achievements of Community activities during the five years preceding that assessment.
The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Done at Luxembourg, 3 June 2002.