authorising the opening of negotiations on an agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Atomic Energy Community of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part, associating the Swiss Confederation to the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.By letter of 14 March 2011 Switzerland expressed its interest to become associated to the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013).

2.The Swiss Confederation (hereafter Switzerland) has been associated to the fusion thematic area of the Euratom framework programmes since 1979 on the basis of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Atomic Energy Community and the Swiss Confederation in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion and plasma physics of 1978.

3.On 8 January 1986, the Council and the Commission concluded a Framework Agreement for scientific and technical cooperation between the European Community and the European Atomic Energy Community and the Swiss Confederation (hereafter Framework Agreement). Article 6 of the Framework Agreement states that scientific and technical co-operation is to be carried out through appropriate agreements.

4.Switzerland became associated to the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) on nuclear research and training activities (2007-2011) on the basis of a scientific and technological cooperation agreement which was signed on 25 June 2007, with effect from 1 January 2007. This agreement was without prejudice to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the European Atomic Energy Community in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion and plasma physics of 1978.

5.On 7 March 2011, the Commission submitted a proposal on a legislative package concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013).

6.With respect to the Euratom energy research activities, exploratory discussions have taken place to identify the research potential and mutual interest in associating Switzerland to the Euratom research framework programme (2012-2013).

7.In the light of the above, the Commission recommends that the Council authorises the Commission to negotiate, in accordance with Article 101, paragraph 2 of the Euratom Treaty, with the Swiss Confederation the agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part, associating the Swiss Confederation to the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013).

Recommendation for a

COUNCIL DECISION

authorising the opening of negotiations on an agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Atomic Energy Community of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part, associating the Swiss Confederation to the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular the second paragraph of Article 101 thereof;

Having regard to Council Decision of 19 December 2011 concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 - 2013);

Having regard to Council Decision of 19 December 2011 concerning the specific programme, to be carried out by means of indirect actions, implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 - 2013);

Having regard to Council Decision of 19 December 2011 concerning the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre, implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 - 2013);

Having regard to Council Regulation of 19 December 2011 laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in indirect actions under the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community and for the dissemination of research results (2012 - 2013);

Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission;

WHEREAS