20. 1. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 16/5 
II 
(Preparatory Acts) 
COMMISSION 
Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific multiannual research and training 
programme for the European Atomic Energy Community in the field of radiation protection 
(1990 to 1991) 
COM(88) 789 final 
(Submitted by the Commission on 22 December 1988) 
(89/C 16/04) 
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 opinion of the European 
Parliament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee, 
Whereas, by its Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC of 28 
September 1987 ('), the Council has adopted a multi-
annual framework programme of Community research 
and technological development (1987 to 1991), providing 
inter alia for activities dealing with radiation protection; 
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Committee (2) has 
given a positive opinion on the programme proposal 
1990 to 1991 from the Commission, 
Whereas it is in the interest of the Community to 
supplement and broaden the knowledge and the 
scientific information needed for an objective study of 
human exposure to radiation and radioactivity, of the 
consequences of radiation exposure to man and of the 
assessment and management of its risks as identified in 
the document dealing with 'Community research needs 
in the field of radiation protection for the period 1990 to 
1994'; 
Whereas advanced training, scientific cooperation and 
exchange of scientists and of scientific information are 
essential to radiation protection; 
Whereas the research covered by this Decision is an 
appropriate way of pursuing such action; HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
A specific research and training programme for the 
European Atomic Energy Community in the field of 
radiation protection, defined in Annex I, is hereby 
adopted for a period of two years from 1 January 1990. 
Article 2 
The amount deemed necessary for the execution of the 
programme is ECU 21,2 million, including expenditure 
on a staff of 28. 
Article 3 
Detailed rules for the implementation of the programme 
and the rate of the Community's financial participation 
are set out in Annex I. 
Article 4 
1. An evaluation of the results achieved shall be 
conducted by the Commission, which shall report 
thereon to the Council and the European Parliament. 
2. The abovementioned report shall be established 
having regard to the objectives set out in Annex I to this 
Decision and in conformity with the provisions of Article 
2 (2) of Council Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC, of 28 
September 1987. 
Article 5 
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the 
execution of the programme and shall be assisted in its 
implementation by the Management and Coordination 
Advisory Committee (CGC) on radiation protection, set 
up by Council Decision 84/338/Euratom, ECSC, 
EEC (3). 
2. The contracts entered into by the Commission shall 
regulate the rights and obligations of each party, 
(') OJ No L 302, 24. 10. 1987, p. 1. . 
(2) See Appendix III. ' (J) OJ No L 177, 4. 7. 1984, p. 25. 
No C 16/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 1. 89 
including the methods of disseminating, protecting and 
exploiting the research results. 
Article 6 
The Commission is authorized to negotiate, in 
accordance with Article 101 paragraph 2 of the EAEC Treaty, agreements with non Member States, and inter­
national organizations, with a view to associating them 
wholly or partially with the programme. 
Article 7 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 
^0 t ^ COffici^l]oLirn^lof tri^ Earooc^nCommLinin^ c^oCtoBB 
A^^^^(^ 
^^OlATtO^^^OT^CT^O^^^O^^^l^m^n^^OtD^^n 
1 Obiectives 
The radiation protection programme 1990 to 1991 aims by means of a cooperative European research 
effort to provide 
— the scientific basis for the continued updating of the^basicsafetv standards for the health protection of 
the general public and workers against dangers of ionising radiations 
— the scientific knowledge needed to assess the carcinogenic and genetic risks to workers and the general 
public from exposure to low doses and low dose rates of radiation of different duality arising from 
natural radiation, medical diagnostic radiology and nuclear industry, 
— the methods to assess risks from radiation accidents as well as the rationales and techniques for the 
implementation of countermeasures, 
— the information necessary to expand radiation protection concepts and practices in response to demands 
created, for example, by innovative applications of radiation in medicine and industry, 
— the objective scientific background to help therelevant national authoraiesreach rationaldecisionson 
the operation of the nuclear mdustry,on the development of environmental criteria for radioacti^itv,on 
the management of rare emergency situations, and on the objective information to be given to the 
public about risks and benefits, 
— the incentive and the support for cooperation between scientists and research institutions from the 
different member states, and the advanced training necessary to maintain competence in the 
Commumtv, 
— the stimulus for continueddevelopment of radiationprotectionphilosophyandconceptsmaninterna 
nonal forum 
It Technical co^ter^s 
The 1990 to 1991 radiationprotectionprogrammerepresentsapartof the Community researchneedsin 
the field of radiationprotection for thepenod 1990 to 199^ outlined mCO^t ft emphasises those 
aspects of research that are of primary importance for the protection of workers and the public against 
loni^mgradiation and that are related to the regulatory obhgationsof the Commission ^Iheprogramme 
stressesresearchintocountermeasurestopreventorreduceexposuremnormalsituationsaswellasafter 
accidents tt will also provide advanced training to young scientists to maintain scientific expertise in 
radiationprotectioninthe Community 
The programmewilldealwiththefollowmg subject areas 
A rMman exposure to radiation and radioactivity 
At measurement of radiation dose and its interpretation 
A^ Transfer and behaviour of radionuclides in the environment 
r^ Consequences of radiation exposure to man, their assessment, prevention and treatment 
DO stochastic effects of radiation 
r^^ ^on^stochastic effects of radiation 
r^^ radiation effects on the developing organism 
C ^.isks and management of radiation exposure 
Ct assessment of human exposure and risks 
C^ (Optimisation and management of radiation protection 
At ^ptemeDtano^ 
The programme will be carried out mainly by means of cost^shared contracts with national institutions and 
university departments m member states Contracting parties shall be required to meet a substantial 
proportion of the costs, which should normally correspond to at least ^O^Bo of the total expenditure tn 
specific cases, a higher rate of Community financing maybe appropriate In such cases, the Commission 
shallconsulttheCommitteereferred torn Article ^S^ 
No C 16/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 1. 89 
Addendum to Annex I 
EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR THE RESEARCH AND TRAINING PROGRAMME IN THE 
FIELD OF RADIATION PROTECTION 
The Commission's recent communication to the Council concerning a Community plan of action relating 
to the evaluation of Community research and development activities for the years 1987 to 1991 (') states 
that the objectives and milestones of each research programme have to be set out in a testable form so as to 
guide subsequent evaluations. Accordingly this note puts forward evaluation criteria appropriate to this 
programme. 
The major evaluation criteria for the programme are: 
— the relevance of the results of the research carried out in the programme for the theoretical foundation 
of radiation protection and its practical applications; 
— the scientific originality of the work; 
— the efficiency of the management; 
— the extent to which the programme has contributed to cooperation among Member State's laboratories; 
— its role in the dissemination of knowledge; 
— the relevance and applicability of the results for the Commission's regulating activities. 
In addition, the criteria set up for the 1988 to 1989 revision (2) should also be considered: 
— whether a significant contribution has been made to the development of more cost-effective techniques 
to prevent and counter harmful effects of radiation, especially those occurring as a result of hypo­
thetical accidents taking into account the Chernobyl situation. In particular whether 
— the reliability of long distance atmospheric transfer models has been improved, 
— improved data and models on the transfer of radionuclides in the food chain have been obtained, 
— the feasibility of epidemiological studies on health effects in the population has been demonstrated 
or rejected, 
— the radiological consequences of nuclear accident scenarios have become better understood, 
— the scientific basis of the underlying data for derived emergency reference levels has been 
developed, 
— practical countermeasures with respect to the agricultural and aquatic environment, the urban envi­
ronment and preventive medication have been improved, 
— better methods for monitoring and surveillance in accidental situations have been found, 
— the treatment methodologies and diagnosis of exposed persons have advanced. 
Evaluations are normally conducted once during each programme and most of these criteria can be tested 
only after the research contracts have been terminated and the final reports have been assessed. 
The evaluation should be conducted by panels of independent external experts, chosen in accordance with 
point 3.5 of the Community plan of action relating to the evaluation of Community research and devel­
opment activities for the years 1987 to 1991, and who will need to take evidence on all above points. 
(') OJ No C 14, 20. 1. 19S7, p. 5. 
(2) Council Decision of 21. 12. 1987, OJ No I. 16, 21. 1. 1988, p. 44. 
20. 1. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 16/9 
APPENDIX II 
Opinion of the Management and Coordination Advisory Committee 'Radiation Protection' 
concerning the Draft Proposal by the Commission for a research and training programme (1990 to 1994) in 
the field of radiation protection 
The Management and Coordination Advisory Committee 'Radiation Protection' (CGC) has examined in 
detail the proposal of the Commission during its meetings in December 1987, March 1988 and May 1988 
and states unanimously: 
— the CGC is of opinion that it is in the interest of the Community to advance and broaden scientific 
knowledge in the field of radiation protection by means of the Commission's radiation protection 
programme in order to implement the goals of the framework programme to gain adequate scientific 
and technical understanding and control of radiation risks; 
— the CGC stresses the need for a balanced and comprehensive Community radiation protection research 
programme which takes into account the various scientific aspects most essential for the protection of 
man and his environment from ionizing radiation and which is indispensable to maintain Community 
competence in radiation protection; 
— the CGC strongly supports the draft programme proposal 1990 to 1994 and states its conviction, based 
on a valid assessment of Community needs in radiation protection, that the research proposed is 
relevant, contains the most essential elements and will assure a cost-effective coordination of national 
effort, avoiding unnecessary duplication; 
' — the CGC points out that, in order to prevent any further decline in the scientific radiation protection 
expertise presently available within the Community, it is essential that opportunities for advanced 
training be now provided for scientists working in this area; 
— the CGC stresses the need for funds to assure a certain flexibility of the programme which is needed to 
respond rapidly to important developments in radiation protection or to a changed situation such as 
that presented by the Chernobyl accident. 
— the CGC has evaluated the current programme 1985 to 1989 (see Annex) (l) and concludes that this 
programme is comprehensive, balanced and well managed, that it contributes significantly to relevant 
knowledge on radiation protection and that it has achieved a high degree of Community cooperation in 
this area; 
— the CGC takes note of the fact that, within the present framework programme 1987/1991, the funds 
available for a decision on a future radiation protection programme as presented in the draft proposal 
allow only limited progress. Consequently, the programme will have to be executed in two phases. 
Consequently the CGC unanimously asks the Council to agree to the renewal of the multiannual research 
and training programme in radiation protection for a period of five years as an appropriate way of assuring 
an adequate level of radiation protection in the Community. 
Brussels, 15 July 1988. 
Prof. Dr A. CIGNA 
Chairman of the CGC 'Radiation Protection' 
(') See Appendix IV and Supplementary Document part II. 
^oCtDBtO C^ffic^l]oarn^lof ^ELiro^c^nCornrriLiriin^ ^0 1 ^ 
Opinionof the^ciendficandTeehnieatCommittee 
on the proposal of the Commission foraresearch and training programme!990tol991 for the European 
AtomicEnergyCommumtyinthe field of radiationprotecdon 
t touring its meetingon 31 Octoher 19^, the Committee has examined theCommunity programme in 
the field of radiation protection 
— on the one hand,it has examined the programme proposal!990tol991, 
— on the other hand,it has startedadiscussion on certain aspects of the Community programme which 
should recede particular attention, especially during the period which follows the forthcoming 
revision of the framework programme 
2 The Committee gives positive advice on the programme proposal for the years 1990 to 1991 It 
considers thatitisimportantthattheCommunityeffortshecontmued inthethreesuh^ect areas ^e r^ 
andCof the proposed programme 
3 TheCommittee considers that the present uncertainties in the estimates of the effect of lowdoses of 
radiationandthewidespreadtendency to exaggerate theeffectsmal^eit important to emphasi^ethese 
partsof theprogrammethatarelil^elytoimprovethescientifichasisof radiationprotectionstandards 
applying to low doses whether from occupational or natural sources 
The Committee alsorecogm^es that there are significant differences ofopimoninthe Community with 
respect to the use of availahle scientific information for the management of radiation protection 
The Committeethereforeencouragesthoseactivitieswithmtheradiationprotectionprogramme which 
could usefully contribute to ahetter common understandingof the corresponding scientificissues and 
an improved communication with the puhlic 
^ The Committee is concerned ahout the discrepancies in measurement and interpretation that hecame 
apparent after the Chernohyl accident ^hile these aspects may not he partof a radiationprotection 
research programme, the Committee advises the Commission to provide additional help to memher 
states for improving measurement and interpretation procedures 
^ At itsne^t meeting,the Committee ^illcontinue to discuss the orientations of theradiation protection 
programme to he recommended for the framework programme revision, taking into account the 
evaluation of the current programme hy an independent panel 
20. 1. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 16/11 
APPENDIX IV 
Opinion of the Management and Coordination Advisory Committee 'Radiation Protection' 
concerning the evaluation of the 1985 to 1989 radiation protection programme 
The Management and Coordination Advisory Committee 'Radiation Protection' (CGC) has evaluated the 
radiation protection programme (see Supplementary Document II) in preparation for a new programme 
proposal. On the basis of its discussions and annual evaluation of the ongoing research projects, the CGC 
concludes: 
— despite the reduction in funding compared to the original proposal of the Commission, a reasonably 
balanced radiation protection research programme has been achieved although several relevant research 
areas had to be reduced or abandoned with a consequent loss of expertise in this area. Moreover, the 
amputation of the funds for flexibility did not permit the programme to respond immediately to the 
Chernobyl accident by an appropriate extension of research projects; 
— the research carried out in the different areas of the programme (sectors) in highly relevant for 
conceptual, practical and regulatory problems in radiation protection on a Community level, and the 
great majority of the projects have made remarkably good progress in attaining their specified goals. 
The scientists involved in the projects of the programme have proven their ability to respond to the 
challenge of Chernobyl as far as their limited means allowed; 
— the radiation protection programme has continued to be highly productive in relation to the means 
available, with an output of about 700 scientific publications per year and a large number of 
proceedings from workshops and symposia on topical subjects (a total of 25 from 1985 to 1987); 
— the study groups, workshops and seminars organized by the Commission alone or together with other 
institutions have had a substantial impact in fostering the exchange of information and cooperation and 
have noticeably contributed to the cost-effectiveness of the programme. The Commission's workshop 
were among the first ones to evaluate objectively the consequences of the Chernobyl accident; 
— the present structure of the CGC has facilitated and contributed to an effective management of the 
programme in cooperation with the Commission's staff. This allowed scientific priorities relevant to the 
practical and regulatory needs of Community radiation protection to be defined and the progress of all 
different research projects to be closely monitored. This structure also has become a valuable 
instrument for the interchange of information and for cooperation between the different national 
efforts and the Community's radiation protection programme; 
— many of the scientific recommendations of the earlier independent evaluation panel have been adopted 
successfully in the programme, a few, however, could not be realized or be funded; 
— the Memoranda of Understanding concluded recently with the United States Department of Energy 
and the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd have started with much good will on both sides and are 
becoming a basis of valuable cooperation; 
— the cooperative groups initiated and supported by the programme have continued to be useful 
instruments for the implementation of technical cooperation. They have contributed significantly to the 
creation of a European climate of research and have helped in the training of scientists in radiation 
protection; 
— only a small number of short-term training fellowships have been possible under the programme. In 
view of the critical manpower situation, the training and exchange of young scientists should be 
expanded to prevent a decline in the expertise in radiation protection occurring in the near future. 
Brussels, 4 May 1988. 
Prof. Dr. A. CIGNA 
Chairman of the CGC 'Radiation Protection'