Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme (Euratom) for research and training on 'Preserving the ecosystem` (1998 to 2002) (98/C 236/08) (Text with EEA relevance) COM(1998) 306 final - 98/0187(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission on 10 June 1998)

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,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee,

Whereas by Decision No . . ./. . ./Euratom, the Council adopted the fifth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (hereinafter referred to as 'the fifth framework programme`) for research and training (hereinafter referred to as 'RT`) activities for the period 1998 to 2002 specifying inter alia the activities to be carried out in the field of 'Preserving the ecosystem`;

Whereas Article 3 of the fifth framework programme stipulates that the framework programme shall be implemented through specific programmes drawn up in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty; whereas each specific programme defines the detailed rules for its implementation, fixes its duration and provides for the means deemed necessary;

Whereas, in accordance with Article 4(2) of Council Decision 94/268/Euratom (1) concerning a framework programme of Community activities in the field of research and training for the European Atomic Energy Community (1994 to 1998) and Article 4(2) of the Council Decisions on the specific programmes implementing the fourth framework programme, the Commission has had an external assessment conducted which it has sent to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee, together with its conclusions and comments;

Whereas, in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, Council Decision No . . ./. . ./Euratom concerning the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities for the implementation of the fifth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (hereinafter referred to as 'the rules for participation`) applies to this specific programme and allows the Joint Research Centre to participate in the indirect actions covered by this programme;

Whereas, for the purpose of implementing this programme, it may be appropriate to engage in international cooperation activities with third countries and international organisations, notably on the basis of Article 101 of the Treaty;

Whereas implementation of this programme will also comprise activities and mechanisms aimed at stimulating, disseminating and exploiting RT results, and activities to encourage the mobility and training of researchers;

Whereas, in accordance with the objectives of the first action plan for innovation, research activities under the fifth framework programme should be geared more towards innovation;

Whereas implementation of the JET (Joint European Torus) project has been given to the Joint European Torus (JET) Joint Undertaking set up pursuant to Decision 78/471/Euratom (2);

Whereas the implementation of this programme is to be monitored with a view to its adaptation, where appropriate, to scientific and technical developments; whereas, in due course, progress achieved in implementing the programme should also be assessed by independent experts;

Whereas the Scientific and Technical Committee has been consulted,

HAD ADOPTED THIS DECISION

Article 1

In accordance with Article 3(1) of the fifth framework programme, the specific programme on 'Preserving the ecosystem` (hereinafter referred to as 'the specific programme`) is hereby adopted for the period from [the date of adoption of this programme] to 31 December 2002.

Article 2

1. In accordance with Article 2 of the fifth framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for carrying out the specific programme (hereinafter referred to as 'the amount`) is ECU 1 141 million, including a maximum of 13 % for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

2. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex I.

3. Of this amount

- ECU 375 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

- ECU 766 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

Where appropriate, the latter figure will be adapted in accordance with Article 3(3) of the fifth framework programme.

4. The budgetary authority shall, in compliance with the scientific and technological objectives and priorities laid down in this Decision, set the appropriations for each financial year taking into account the availability of resources within the multiannual financial perspective.

Article 3

1. The general outlines, the scientific and technological objectives and the priorities for the specific programme are set out in Annex II. They are consistent with the fundamental principles and the three categories of selection criteria indicated in Annex I to the fifth framework programme.

2. In accordance with these principles and criteria the selection criteria indicated in Article 9 of the rules for participation and dissemination shall be applied for the selection of the RT activities to be carried out.

All these criteria shall be complied with in the implementation of the programme, including the work programme referred to in Article 5(1), although they may be weighted differently.

3. The rules for participation shall apply to the specific programme.

4. Detailed rules for financial participation by the Community in the specific programme are defined in Article 4 of the fifth framework programme.

5. The indirect RT actions under the specific programme are defined in Annex III to the fifth framework programme.

Specific rules for implementing the programme are set out in Annex III.

Article 4

In the light of the criteria set out in Article 3, and the scientific and technological objectives and priorities set out in Annex II, the Commission shall:

(a) monitor the implementation of the specific programme and, where appropriate, submit proposals for adapting it, in accordance with Article 5(1) of the fifth framework programme;

(b) have the external assessment provided for in Article 5(2) of the fifth framework programme conducted concerning the activities covered by the specific programme.

Article 5

1. The Commission shall draw up a work programme specifying:

(a) the content of Annex II;

(b) the indicative timetable for implementing the specific programme;

(c) the coordination arrangements indicated in Annex III;

(d) and, where necessary, the selection criteria and the arrangements for applying them for each type of indirect RT action.

The work programme shall be updated where appropriate.

2. For the purpose of implementing the indirect RT actions, the Commission shall, on the basis of the work programme, initiate the procedures set out in the rules for participation, primarily through calls for proposals.

Article 6

1. The Commission shall be responsible for implementing this specific programme.

2. For the purposes of implementing this programme the Commission shall be assisted by a consultative committee. The composition of this committee and the detailed operational rules and procedures applicable to it shall, for the fission-related aspects, be as laid down in Council Decision 84/338/Euratom, ECSC, EEC (3) dealing with management and coordination advisory committees; for the fusion-related aspects they shall be as laid down in the Council Decision of 16 December 1980 dealing with the consultative committee for the fusion programme.

Article 7

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

(1) OJ L 115, 6.5.1994, p. 31, Decision as last amended by decision 96/253/Euratom (OJ L 86, 4.4.1996, p. 72).

(2) OJ L 151, 7.6.1978, p. 10, Decision as last amended by Decision 96/305/Euratom (OJ L 117, 14.5.1996, p. 9).

(3) OJ L 177, 4.7.1984, p. 25.

ANNEX I

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT

>TABLE>

ANNEX II

THE GENERAL OUTLINES, THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND THE PRIORITIES

INTRODUCTION

The availability of secure, sustainable and competitive sources of energy is essential to economic growth, prosperity and quality of life in the industrialised world. The aspirations of, and economic progress in, the developing world will lead to major increases in global energy demand, with possible implications for fuel prices, and could have adverse effects on health and the environment. In the medium term, much of the increased energy demand will be met by fossil fuels, which will exacerbate the problems of environmental acidification regionally and of carbon dioxide emissions globally. These problems can only be mitigated through concerted international effort. Energy savings and increased use of renewables will help, but their impact will be limited in the short and medium term; in the long term, such measures alone will be insufficient.

Given the expected growth in demand for energy, continuing use will need to be made of all potential sources. Strategic considerations will, however, favour the use of energy sources that offer greater sustainability and have lower health and environmental impacts. Nuclear energy has the potential to provide Europe with a secure and sustainable electricity supply at a competitive price.

Strategic objective of the programme

The activities carried out under this programme will, where necessary, be closely coordinated with the Joint Research Centre's direct action programme, as described in the fifth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for research and training.

The aim of this programme is to help exploit the full potential of nuclear energy, both by making current technologies even safer and more economical and by exploring new promising concepts. It has three distinct components:

- a key action on controlled thermonuclear fusion, the aim of which is to further develop the necessary basis for the possible construction of an experimental reactor, as well as basic concepts and technologies required in the long term for the reactor,

- a key action on nuclear fission, the aims of which are to enhance the safety of Europe's nuclear facilities and the protection of workers and the public from radiation, to help solve waste management and disposal problems and to improve the competitiveness and social acceptability of Europe's nuclear industry,

- research and technological development activities of a generic nature, the aim of which is to consolidate and advance European knowledge and competence in several areas that are important for the safe and competitive use of nuclear fission and other industrial and medical uses of ionising radiation and for the management of natural sources of radiation.

While nuclear fusion research is already fully integrated at a European level, greater and more effective integration of research is needed in the area of nuclear fission.

(a) KEY ACTIONS:

(i) Controlled thermonuclear fusion

Objectives and RT priorities

Under the strategy set out in the fifth framework programme, the contribution of fusion to safe and clean base-load electricity generation will be investigated in the wider context of studies on the socio-economic aspects of fusion. The mobility and training of scientific and technical personnel, the dissemination of results and the diffusion of information to the public will be an integral part of this key action. During the period covered by the fifth framework programme, the strategy will entail three main lines:

- Continuation of ongoing research: The fusion physics and technology activities will aim to develop the capacity - especially within the associations, JET and the European industry - to plan an experimental reactor. Europe will continue to participate in the ITER engineering design activities (EDA) in preparation of the possible reactor construction.

Research priorities: To finalise the design, to complete the tests of prototypes and the supporting research; to finalise the procurement specifications; to consolidate the necessary scientific basis; to complete the full-scale operation of JET (after the end of the JET Joint Undertaking in December 1999, its facilities should be operated by teams from organisations associated with Euratom).

- Concept improvements: Structured activities in the field of physics will focus on improving the basic concepts of fusion devices.

Research priorities: The construction, the exploitation and the upgrading of devices, decided upon during the previous framework programme and the upgrading of other existing devices; the diagnostics and the means of action on fusion plasmas; the continuation of theoretical studies; studies aiming at operating a remotely located fusion experiment; in addition to magnetic confinement, the coordination, in the context of a keep-in-touch activity, of the national civil research activities on inertial confinement and possible drawing up of new concepts.

- Long-term technology: Structured technological activities will be aimed at preparing, in the longer term, for the demonstration reactor (DEMO).

Research priorities: To develop tritium breeding blankets and a reference structural material for constructing DEMO-relevant modules; to carry out prospective studies on advanced low-activation and radiation-resistant materials for DEMO; a new safety and environmental impact assessment; analysis of the socio-economic aspects of fusion; conceptual study of a DEMO reference design.

(ii) Nuclear fission

Objectives and RT priorities

The main objectives are to help ensure the safety (1) of Europe's nuclear facilities, the protection of workers and the public and the safe and effective management and final disposal of radioactive waste, to improve the competitiveness of Europe's nuclear industry and enhance its prospects in world markets and to explore more innovative concepts that are sustainable and have potential longer term economic, safety, health and environmental benefits. While mainly scientific or technological in nature, the research will have a significant socio-economic dimension. A further objective is to contribute, through education and training, towards maintaining within the Union a high level of expertise and competence on nuclear safety.

- Operational safety of existing facilities: Research will focus on measures to maintain and improve the safety of existing facilities with particular emphasis on the safety aspects of prolonging the life-span of reactors and on strategies for serious accident management.

RT priorities: To develop a common basis and common methods for determining safe residual life-spans; how ageing affects the integrity of structures and systems; improved methods of inspection and monitoring to enhance safety and reduce occupational exposure; modernisation of control systems; strategies to prevent and mitigate serious accidents; man-machine interface; organisation and management of safety.

- Safety of the fuel cycle: Research will focus on developing a scientifically-founded approach to the management and disposal of radioactive waste that is both cost-effective and acceptable in a broader social context. In addition, research will be directed towards the development of improved, more complete and broadly agreed methods for assessing and managing the safety of the whole nuclear fuel cycle, with a view to providing a better basis for policy choices, enabling resources to be more effectively allocated, promoting the adoption of best safety practice and enhancing public confidence.

RT priorities: To develop a common understanding and consensus on the management and disposal of radioactive waste, including waste minimisation and the potential use of chemical separation and transmutation; to test and demonstrate the technical feasibility of deep disposal in underground laboratories, including the assessment of repository performance and the long-term behaviour of repository components; a common framework for assessing and managing the safety of the whole fuel cycle including social aspects; quality assurance systems.

- Safety and efficiency of future systems: Research will focus on improving the safety and competitiveness of future facilities and the exploration of more innovative or fundamentally new concepts for energy generation that offer advantages in terms of cost, safety (including the better management of waste and utilisation of fissile materials), sustainability and reduced risk of diversion.

RT priorities: Smaller and simpler ('user-friendly`) reactors, innovative reactor designs and waste management concepts; new fuels including better utilisation of fissile material; optimisation of the fuel cycle as a whole, taking account of health, safety and environmental impacts; enhanced passive safety features and control systems, longer service life for materials and equipment with less need for inspection and maintenance.

- Radiation protection: Research will be aimed at helping operators and regulatory authorities to protect workers and the public during operations in the nuclear fuel cycle, to manage nuclear emergencies and to restore contaminated environments. It will be strictly limited to satisfying the objectives of the key action. Complementary research, having a more generic and fundamental nature, will be carried out in support.

RT priorities: Integrated risk management and optimisation of protection; risk governance; real-time occupational exposure monitoring in workplaces; decision support, information exchange and monitoring strategies for emergency management; the restoration and long-term management of contaminated environments.

b) RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OF A GENERIC NATURE

Objectives and RT priorities

The objective is to consolidate and advance European knowledge and competence in the radiological sciences in order to: maintain and improve the safety and efficacy of industrial and medical uses of radiation; better assess and manage exposure from natural sources of radiation; support the development and practical application of radiation protection standards.

- Radiation protection and health: Research will focus on improving the basis for estimating the risks of low and protracted doses of ionising radiation.

RT priorities: Biophysical and molecular-biological aspects of induction, repair and health effects of DNA damage; epidemiology; treatment of radiation injury.

- Environmental transfer of radioactive material: Research will focus on improving our understanding of the behaviour of radioactive material in the environment, with a view to developing sound policy and good practice in managing the impact of natural and artificial sources of radiation in the environment.

RT priorities: Fluxes of radionuclides in ecosystems; vulnerability indicators; conceptual and methodological bases for restoring contaminated environments.

- Industrial and medical uses and natural sources of radiation: Research will focus on enhancing the safety and efficacy of medical and industrial uses of radiation, on the better assessment and management of exposures to natural sources of radiation and on conceptual and methodological issues in optimising protection.

RT priorities: Innovative approaches for medical diagnosis and industrial uses of radiation; optimisation of radiation protection; management of exposure to natural radiation; risk perception and communication.

- Internal and external dosimetry: Research will focus on improving methods for assessing exposures to radiation from external sources and incorporated nuclides and developing innovative monitoring techniques which take advantage of progress in materials science and digital electronics.

RT priorities: Dosimetry of complex radiation fields and incorporated radionuclides; retrospective dosimetry; innovative monitoring techniques.

(c) SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE

Collaboration within Europe among nuclear research institutes and with other nuclear organisations is relatively well developed. This should be intensified in future in response to the ongoing rationalisation and down-sizing of many national nuclear research programmes. More effective integration and better exploitation of research will be needed to ensure the continuing safe use of nuclear energy and to keep European industry competitive in external markets.

Objectives and activities

The objective is to further integrate nuclear research within the Union so that available resources can be used more effectively to the competitive advantage of European industry, and to ensure the continuing safe and socially acceptable exploitation of nuclear technologies.

Large scale facilities: Continued access to large scale facilities is essential and can be facilitated by shared use and collaborative programmes. Priority areas for support will include facilities for investigating core degradation, containment performance and materials testing, accelerators, underground laboratories for testing and demonstrating concepts for the deep geological disposal of wastes and for dosimetric and radio-biological experiments.

Networking: Existing networks will be reinforced and others established where they can demonstrably enhance the achievement of programme objectives or broader Union goals: support for extensive and diverse networks, focusing on the key issues for nuclear safety, waste management and disposal, decommissioning, emergency preparedness and response, radiation protection, emerging safety or other technological issues.

Databases and tissue banks: Existing databases will be reinforced and others established where the need arises. Priority areas will include extending or establishing databases on: decommissioning and dismantling techniques; the performance and safety of waste disposal; the safety assessment of major components; the mitigation of severe accidents; epidemiological studies. A data bank of tissues and biological samples from people affected by nuclear accidents will also be established.

(1) 'Safety` is used here in the broadest of senses and embraces health, environmental and technological aspects. 'Nuclear safety` is used in a similar manner and encompasses the safety of facilities, waste management and disposal and the protection of people and the environment against the effects of ionising radiation.

ANNEX III

RULES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SPECIFIC PROGRAMME

The specific programme will be implemented through indirect RT actions. These are defined in Annex III to the fifth framework programme, with the exception of: (i) grants for cooperating with third countries and (ii) research training networks, which are defined in point 2 of this Annex. In addition, the following rules will apply to this specific programme:

1. Accompanying measures

The accompanying measures comprise in particular:

- studies in support of the specific programme, including the preparation of future activities,

- the exchange of information, conferences, seminars, workshops and scientific and technical meetings,

- recourse to external expertise, including access to scientific databases, in particular for the purposes of the monitoring of the specific programme, provided for in Article 5(1) of the fifth framework programme, the external assessment provided for in Article 5(2) of the fifth framework programme and the evaluation of indirect RT actions and the monitoring of their implementation,

- dissemination, information and communication activities, including scientific publications, and activities for exploiting the results and for the transfer of technologies,

- training schemes related to the RT activities covered by the specific programme, including special training courses for the key action on nuclear fission. The purpose of these special training courses is to maintain a high level of expertise and competence within the Community. The supplement the national training programmes when a particular need arises (e.g. Community added value, subsidiarity). Particular attention will be given to training dedicated to the rapid dissemination of the results of national and Community research programmes,

- support for schemes to provide information and assistance for research players, including SMEs.

2. Supplementary training schemes

For the purposes of this specific programme, the following two training schemes will be implemented:

- grants for cooperating with third countries: under the key action on nuclear fission, these grants enable young research workers from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union to spend time in laboratories in the Community and participate in putting in place this specific programme,

- research training network: set up in advanced or emerging fields of research, these networks deal with topics freely chosen by the researchers. Their main aim is to train young pre- and post-doctoral research workers.

3. Financial contribution

The levels of financial contribution towards the various indirect RT actions are as laid down in Annex III to the fitfh Framework Programme.

In the case of the key action on controlled thermonuclear fusion, participation in the specific programme is envisaged within the framework of contracts of association with Member States (plus with Switzerland) or organisations in the Member States, within the framework of the JET Joint Undertaking, the NET Agreement (which takes account of the Community's participation in ITER-EDA) or other contracts of limited duration, particularly with organisations in a Member State which has no association.

In accordance with point 4 of Annex III to the fifth framework programme, projects are carried out in the frame of shared-cost research and technological development. These are implemented in accordance with the procedures laid down in the association contracts, the JET statutes, the NET Agreement, the ITER-EDA Agreement or any other multilateral agreement between the Community and the associated organisations and/or legal entities which may be set up subject to the approval of the advisory committee referred to in Article 6 of the specific programme. The creation of consortiums for integrated projects having a common objective will be encouraged.

The fifth framework programme will, as a general rule, make a uniform annual financial contribution of about 25 % towards the current expenditure of associations and towards contracts of limited duration. Having consulted the consultative committee referred to in Article 6 of the specific programme, the Commission may finance:

- the capital costs of specifically defined projects to which priority status has been awarded by the advisory committee referred to in Article 6 of the specific programme, at a uniform rate of 45 %,

- specifically defined activities (such as the use of the JET facilities after 1999), carried out under a multilateral agreement between Euratom and associated organisations or a legal entity, at a maximum rate of 75 %,

- certain tasks which can be carried out only by the industry, at a maximum rate of 100 %.

In the case of projects and activities receiving a financial contribution of up to 45 or 75 %, all the associations and organisations taking part in the key action on controlled thermonuclear fusion have the right to take part in the experiments carried out on the equipment concerned.

The detailed rules governing the Community's participation in the JET Joint Undertaking are laid down in the JET statutes, which were adopted by Council Decision 78/471/Euratom (1) on the establishment of the 'Joint European Torus (JET), Joint Undertaking`.

The detailed rules governing the Community's participation in activities related to the detailed ITER project (ITER-EDA) are laid down in the EDA Agreement (2), in Protocol 2 to that Agreement and its accompanying documents (3) and in the amendment extending the EDA Agreement and the relevant arrangements (4).

4. Additional provisions concerning the rules for participation

The agreements referred to in the second indent of Article 8(1) of the rules for participation are agreements between the Community and the associated organisations and/or undertakings which may be set up after consultation with the advisory committee referred to in Article 6 of the specific programme. The committee must be consulted on these agreements.

In accordance with Annex II to the fifth framework programme and with Article 5(3) of the rules for participation, legal entities established in countries of Central and Eastern Europe or in States which were formerly part of the Soviet Union may receive financing under the fifth framework programme provided they make a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the specific programme.

5. Coordination arrangements

The Commission will endeavour to ensure complementarity between the indirect RT actions under the programme, in particular by grouping them around a common objective, and to avoid duplication, while respecting the legitimate interests of proposers of indirect RT actions.

Coordination will also be ensured between actions under the specific programme and those carried out in:

- other specific programmes implementing the fifth framework programme,

- the research, technological development and demonstration programmes implementing European Parliament and Council Decision . . ./. . ./EC of . . . concerning the fifth framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998 to 2002),

- other European research frameworks such as Eureka and COST,

- other Community research-related instruments such as PHARE, TACIS, MEDA, the EIF, the Structural Funds and the EIB.

It will comprise:

i) the identification of common themes or priorities, resulting in particular in:

- the exchange of information,

- the carrying out of work decided upon jointly, entailing in particular the joint initiation of one of the procedures referred to in Article 8 of the rules for participation;

ii) the reassignment of proposals for indirect actions between the specific RT programme and the specific research, technological development and demonstration programmes.

(1) OJ L 151, 7.6.1978; p. 10. Decision as last amended by Decision 96/305/Euratom (OJ L 117, 14.5.1996, p. 9).

(2) OJ L 244, 26.8.1992, p. 13.

(3) OJ L 114, 5.5.1994, p. 25.

(4) Subject to a Council Decision and agreement between the ITER partners on extending the ITER-EDA Agreement.