Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme (Euratom) for research and training on «Preserving the ecosystem» (1998 to 2002)
Date: 1998-06-10
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EAEC, action programme, ecosystem, nuclear industry, research and development, research expenditure (EU)

.w-v******^ 

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels,  10.06.1998 
COM(1998)306  final 

98/0187 (CNS) 
98/0188 (CNS) 

PROPOSALS FOR COUNCIL DECISIONS 

CONCERNING  THE SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES  IMPLEMENTING 

THE FIFTH FRAMEWORK  PROGRAMME  OF THE 

EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY  FOR RESEARCH  AND 

TRAINING  ACTIVITIES 

(1998 to 2002) 

(presented by the  Commission) 

1 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PROPOSALS FOR COUNCIL DECISIONS CONCERNING THE SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES 
IMPLEMENTING  THE  FIFTH  FRAMEWORK  PROGRAMME  OF  THE  EUROPEAN 
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES 

Explanatory  memorandum 

Preserving the  ecosystem 

Activities to be carried  out by means of direct actions  (JRC) 

EXPLANATORY  MEMORANDUM 

o2 

The  European  Parliament,  in  its  opinion  of  18 December  1987,  and  the  Council,  in  the 
common  position  which  it  adopted  on  23 March  1998,  have  endorsed  the  general 
principles  underlying  the  Commission's  proposal  concerning  the  fifth 
framework 
programme for  Community  research.  These principles place emphasis on a  concentration 
of research  activities that  will  make it  possible to  meet  the Union's  main  socio-economic 
needs  through  the  implementation  of  multidisciplinary  activities  grouped  together  in 
thematic  programmes.  They  also  apply  to  the  activities  of  the  Joint  Research  Centre 
(JRC). 

This  having  been  achieved,  it  is  essential  that  the  discussions  concerning  the  specific 
programmes  should  be  conducted  in  parallel  with  the  last  stages  in  the  adoption  of  the 
final  decision on the fifth  framework  programme,  so that it can come on stream in  1999. 

Pending that  decision,  proposals  for  specific  programmes  have been drawn up taking  into 
account  how  close  Parliament  and  the  Council  are  in  their  positions  with  regard  to  the 
overall  structure.  At  this  stage,  it  is  necessary  to  specify  the  arrangements  for 
implementation  with  a  view  to  achieving  the  objectives  set:  concentration  of  activities, 
close targeting of Community needs, and flexible application. 

Since questions of energy and environment  are closely linked, the Commission's  proposals 
maintain  an overall  and  multidisciplinary  approach  rather than  dividing the  programme  in 
question  into  two  separate  subprogrammes.  Furthermore,  and  in  line  with  Parliament's 
position,  a  single  key  action  has  been  retained  for  "health,  food  and  environmental 
factors"  covering  a  number  of  common  issues  which  will  benefit  from  being  treated 
together. 

In  the  case  of  the  JRC,  the  specific  programmes  which  concern  it  develop  the 
Commission's initial proposal which has received  the backing of Parliament  and the JRC s 
Governing Board.  They are based  on the  specific  nature  of its role with  regard  to  Union 
policies,  in  connection  with  serving  the  citizen  in  the  framework  of  sustainable  and 
competitive growth.  The activities carried  out by the JRC complement  those  of the  other 
specific programmes; effective  coordination will be ensured where necessary. 

The  EURATOM  specific  programme  assigns  priority  to  the  safety  of  the  fuel  cycle  and 
the control of nuclear materials. 

In  comparison  with  the  Commission's  proposals,  the  first  readings  of Parliament  and  the 
Council increase the number of research priorities in the following areas: 

•  Under  the  first 

thematic  programme  ("Quality  of  life  and  management  of  living 
resources"),  research  on  the  ageing  population  has been  given  additional  priority  as  a 
key  action.  Additional  priorities  have  been  introduced  into  the  key  action  on 
"Integrated  development  of  rural  and  coastal  areas"  (forestry,  protection  of  land  and 
prevention  of  erosion,  prenormative  research)  and  in  the  generic 
technologies 
(genomes and neurosciences). 

3 

•  Under  the  third  thematic  programme  ("Competitive  and  sustainable  growth"),  a  key 
action  on "land  transport  and  marine technologies"  has been  introduced  while the key 
action on "the city of tomorrow" has disappeared  from  this programme. 

•  Under  the  fourth  thematic  programme  ("Preserving  the  ecosystem"),  research  on 
"global  change"  has  been  given  additional  priority  as  a  key  action,  with  the  addition 
also  of  "climate  and  biodiversity".  A  new  key  action  on  "sustainable  marine 
ecosystems"  has been  introduced.  The  balance  of  the  priorities  and  objectives  of  the 
key  action  on  "the-city  of-tomorrow".(cultural-heritage).have  been  altered;  energy 
research has been separated  into two key actions. 

•  Under 

the  horizontal  programme  on  "Improving  human  potential",  additional 

importance has been assigned to socio-economic research (as a key action). 

This  increase  in  research  activities  provides  extra  justification  for  the  Commission's 
request  for  an overall budget  of ECU  16.3 billion.  This request  is in fact  fully  in line with 
the  perspective  opened  by Agenda 2000.  It  fully  respects  the  spirit  and  the  letter  of  the 
latter: the aim is to give a fresh  boost to research  and, while respecting the general  context 
of  budgetary  rigour,  to  increase  spending  relative  to  GDP  growth.  However,  to  take 
account  of  Parliament's  opinion  and  the  Council's  position,  the  breakdown  has  been 
adjusted  to  the  distribution  of  research  activities  in  a  structure  based  on  four  thematic 
programmes. 

In the case of the JRC, the Commission has proposed  a reduced budget in the nuclear  field 
and  a  modest  increase  in  the  non-nuclear  field  by  focusing  the  efforts  on  support  of 
Community  policies,  concerning  notably  citizens,  sustainable  development  and  European 
competitiveness.  In  these  areas  the  JRC  has  acknowledged  expertise  and  independence 
which will only be preserved with an adequate level of resources. 

The  overall  budget  proposed  by the  Commission  for  the  framework  programme  is based 
on  an  analysis  of  needs  and  a  clear  definition  of  research  objectives.  The  proposals 
concerning the specific programmes present these requirements in detail for the first time. 

It  emerges  clearly  from  this that  the  effectiveness  of the  programmes  and the key  actions 
could be seriously jeopardised  by budget  cuts, in the  absence  of corresponding  changes in 
the general  programme objectives.  The level of Community  RTD for  each priority  would 
risk  falling  below  the  critical  threshold  needed  in  order  to  sustain  the  Community's 
competitiveness  and meet the expectations  of its citizens.  What  is at  stake has to be seen 
in the light of the increased  spending by the European  Union's main competitors. 

The research  activities proposed  comply with the objectives  of the framework  programme 
and  the  criteria  set  out  in  Annex I  to  the  framework  programme  and  in  each  specific 
programme.  They  have therefore  been  designed  to  give  added  value  at Community  level 
and their content  corresponds to major European  problems. 

-2 

^i 

To  ensure that  the framework  programme  applies the new  strategic  approach  and  can be 
adapted  to  developments  in  science  and  technology  over  four  years,  new  provisions  are 
needed  concerning  the  activities  of  each  programme  committee.  The  proposals  must 
guarantee  the  overall  coherence  of  the  programmes,  their  integrity  and  their  efficient 
management.  In  particular,  and  following  the  recommendations  of  the  Davignon  Panel, 
which  examined  Community  research  over  a five-year span,  a  basic  principle  is  that  the 
programme  committees  should  handle  strategic  matters,  while  the  Commission  should 
bear  the  sole  responsibility  for  day-to-day  management.  The  Commission  will  regularly 
inform  the programme  committees  of the-economic and -social  impact  of the  programmes 
and  the  means  deployed  to  ensure  the  European  dimension,  in  particular  as  regards 
complementarity  between  the  research  activities  carried  out  through  these  programmes 
and activities at national level or in other European RTD forums  such as Eureka. 

In  addition,  the  Commission  will  set  up  consultative  groups  comprising  recognised 
personalities  representative  of  scientific  circles,  industry  and  users,  and  with  a  balanced 
composition  of members  from  these  three  categories,  in  order  to  ensure  interaction  with 
the  circles  concerned.  These  groups  will  advise  the  Commission,  in  particular  on  the 
implementation  of the key  actions  or  clusters  of  key  actions.  The  Commission  will  seek, 
while  setting  up  these  groups,  a  balanced  participation  of  women  and  men,  and  will 
encourage Member  States to do the same for the composition  of Programme Committees. 

These  proposals  represent  a  decisive  stage  in  putting  into  place  the  fifth  framework 
programme.  They reflect  the major  concern of focusing  Community research  on industrial 
competitiveness  and  the  quality  of  life  of  Europe's  citizens.  They  provide  a  detailed 
picture  of  the  content  of  the  research  work  to  be  undertaken  and  the  arrangements  for 
implementation.  The  European  Parliament,  the  Council  of Ministers,  the  Economic  and 
Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  are  invited  to  consider  these 
proposals with a view to  a decision being adopted  in good  time to launch the  programmes 
by  the  end  of  1998  and  preserve  the  continuity  of  European  research  under  the  fifth 
framework  programme. 

For reasons of coherence,  the proposals  are presented  in the form  of a single  document 
comprising  all  the specific programmes  under  the fifth  framework  programme,  as listed 
in the table of contents. 

In parallel,  another  document  is  being presented  concerning  the proposals for  Council 
decisions  concerning  the specific programmes  implementing  the framework  programme 
of  the European  Community for  research, technological development  and  demonstration 
activities. 

J 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

adopting a specific programme (Euratom) 

for research and training on 

"Preserving the ecosystem" 

(1998 to 2002) 

€ 

PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION 
adopting a specific  programme (Euratom) for research 
and training on "Preserving the ecosystem" (1998 to 2002) 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

98/0187 (CNS) 

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 

.../Euratom,4  the  Council  adopted  the  Fifth  Framework 
Whereas  by  Decision  No 
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  No  94/268/Euratom  of 
26 April  1994 concerning a framework  programme of Community  activities in the field of 
research  and  training  for  the  European  Atomic  Energy  Community  (1994  to  1998)5  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, the Economic  and  Social  Committee, 
together with its conclusions and comments; 

Whereas, in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, Council Decision  .../.../Euratom of... 
concerning the rules for the participation  of undertakings, research centres and universities 
for the implementation of the Fifth Framework programme of the European  Atomic 

1  OJNo  ,  p. 
2  OJNo  ,  p. 
3  OJNo  ,  p. 
4  OJNo  ,  p. 
5  OJ No L 115, 6.5.1994, p.31. 

4.4.1996, p.72.) 

Decision  last  amended by Decision  96/253/Euratom  (OJ No L 86, 

? 

Energy Community6 (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 under Decision 78/471/Euratom;7 

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 (STC) has been consulted, 

6  OJNoL 
7  OJ No L  151, 7.6.1978,  p. 10.  Decision  last  amended  by Decision  96/305/Euratom  (OJ No L 177, 

, p. 

14.5.1996, p.9) 

? 

HAS 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 
programmé] to 31 December 2002. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

1. 

2. 

Article 2 

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  1141  million,  including  a  maximum  of  13%  for  the 
Commission's administrative expenditure. 

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

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. 

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 

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. 

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. 

4. 

5. 

The rules for  participation  shall apply to the specific  programme. 

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

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  specific 
programme. 

the  activities  covered  by 

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) 

(d) 

the coordination  arrangements indicated in Annex III, 

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 

(Ù 

1. 

2. 

The Commission shall be responsible  for implementing this specific  programme. 

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, 
EEC8  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. 

Done at Brussels, 

For the Council 

The President 

OJN°L  177, 4.7.1984, p. 25 

ANNEX I 

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN  OF THE AMOUNT 

11 

Type of activity 

~a) 

Key actions 

i) 

ii) 

Controlled thermonuclear fusion 

Nuclear fission 

Research 

b) 
activities of a generic nature 

and 

technological 

development 

Total 

96,0% 

'  ° 

15,4/o 

3,1% 

c) 

Support  for research infrastructure 

0,9% 

TOTAL 

: 

ECU  1141 million 

ANNEX II 

Il 

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  co 
ordinated  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. 

13 

(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 
to finalise  the procurement  specifications;  to  consolidate  the 
supporting  research; 
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. 

Structured  technological  activities  will  be  aimed  at 

Long-term  technology. 
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. 

h 

(i) 

Nuclear fission 

Objectives and RT priorities 

The main objectives are to help ensure the safety9  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. 

"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. 

/f 

RTpriorities:  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  wastes  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: 
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. 

integrated  risk  management  and  optimisation  of  protection; 

(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 ofDNA  damage; epidemiology; treatment of radiation injury. 

10 

/G 

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  ana  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. 

11 

1} 

Networking.  Existing  networks  will  be  reinforced  and  others  established  where  they  can 
demonstrably  enhance  the  achievement  of the 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. 

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

12 

/? 

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 co-operating with third countries; (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  data bases,  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 
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; 

They  supplement 

the  Community. 

the  national 

- 

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  co-operating  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 

13 

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. 

h 

3. 

Financial  contribution 

The  levels  of  financial  contribution  towards  the  various  indirect  RT  actions  are  as  laid 
down in Annex III to the fifth  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  lard  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 an 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 project  and  activities receiving  a financial  contribution  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. 

14 

là 

The detailed rules governing the Community's participation  in the JET Joint  Undertaking 
in  the  JET  statutes,  which  were  adopted  by  Council  Decision 
are  laid  down 
78/471/Euratom  on  the  establishment  of  the  'Joint  European  Torus  (JET),  Joint 
Undertaking*.10 

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,11  in  Protocol 
No.2  to  that  agreement  and  its  accompanying  documents12  and  in  the  amendment 
extending the EDA Agreement and the relevant arrangements.13 

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 spécifie  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. 

2. 

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, 

10  OJ  No  L  151, 7.6.1978,  p.10.  Decision  last  amended  by  Decision  96/305/Euratom  (OJ  No  L  117, 

14.5.1996, p.9). 

11  OJ No L 244, 26.8.1992, p.13. 
12  OJNoL  114, 5.5.1994, p.25. 
13  Subject  to a Council  Decision  and agreement between  the ITER partners  on extending  the  ITER-EDA 

Agreement. 

15 

ai 

- 

research, 

technological  development 

programmes 
the 
implementing  European  Parliament  and  Council  Decision  ...I...ICE of...  concerning 
the  fifth 
research, 
the  European  Community 
technological development  and demonstration  activities (1998-2002),14 

framework  programme  of 

and  demonstration 

for 

-  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 
technological  development  and 
research, 
demonstration programmes. 

specific 

the 

14  OJNoL... 

16 

Ql o. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

1. 

TITLE  OF  OPERATION. 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  adopting  a  spécifie  programme  (Euratom)  for 
research and training on "Preserving the ecosystem" (1998 to 2002). 

2. 

BUDGET HEADING  INVOLVED. 

Sub-section B6, heading B6-6511 "Preserving the ecosystem (Euratom)". 

3. 

LEGAL  BASIS . 

Article  7  of  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Atomic  Energy  Community 
(Euratom). 

Council  Decision  No  ../..../Euratom  of  ...  concerning  the  Fifth  Framework 
Programme  of the European  Atomic  Energy  Community  (Euratom)  for  research 
and training activities (1998-2002) (OJ No L ...,...,  p....). 

4. 

DESCRIPTION  OF OPERATION  . 

. 

4.1 

General objective  of the  operation. 

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 the basic concepts and the 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. 

^1 

4.2 

Period covered by the operation 

1998 to 2002 

The  arrangements  for  renewal  of  the  operation  are  provided  for  in  Article 7  of  the 
Euratom Treaty. 

5. 

CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE. 

5.1 
5.2 
5.3 

NCE. 
DA 
Type of revenue involved 

Certain Associated States will contribute to the financing  of the specific programme. 

In  accordance  with  Article  27  of  the  Financial  Regulation,  certain  revenue  may  be 
available for re-use. 

6.  TYPE OF EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE 

The implementation arrangements for the programme are as follows: 

o 

6.1 

Indirect  RT  actions 

The  indirect  RT  actions  will  comprise:  shared-cost  actions,  training  grants,  thematic 
and  research  training  networks,  concerted  actions  and  accompanying  measures.  The 
rate of financial  participation  of the fifth  framework  programme is as  follows: 

Indirect RT action 
RT projects 
Demonstration projects 
Combined  RT 
projects 
Support 
infrastructures 
Training grants 

for  access 

and 

Thematic 
networks 
Concerted actions 

Accompanying measures 

/  demonstration 

Rate of participation: 
50% of total eligible costs1 
35% of total eligible costs1 
35%  to  50%  of 
costs1'2 

total  eligible 

to 

research  Maximum  of  100%)  of  additional 

eligible costs 
Maximum  of  100%  of  eligible 
additional costs3 

research 

training  Maximum  of  100%  of  eligible 

additional costs 
Maximum  of  100%  of  eligible 
additional costs 
Maximum  of  100%  of 
eligible costs 

total 

6.2 

Detailed  rules  for  the  financial  participation  of  Euratom  in  the  case  of 
the key action on Fusion 

In  the  case  of  the  key  action  on  controlled  thermonuclear  fusion,  partners  will  take 
part  in  the  specific  programme  under  contracts  of  association  with  Member  States 
(plus  Switzerland)  or  via  organisations  in  the  Member  States,  the  JET  Joint 
Undertaking,  the  NET  Agreement  (which  governs  the  Community's  participation  in 
ITER-related EDA) and other short-term contracts, particularly with organisations  in a 
Member State which has no association. 

The  fifth  framework  programme  will,  as  a  general  rule,  make  an  uniform  annual 
financial  contribution  of  about  25% towards  the  current  expenditure  of  associations 
and towards  short-term  contracts.  Having  consulted  the  advisory  committee  referred 
to in Article 5 of the specific  programme, the Commission may  finance: 

• 

the  capital  costs  of  specifically  defined  projects  to which  priority  status  has  been 
awarded, at a uniform  annual rate of 45%; 

1 

2 

3 

In the particular  case of legal entities which do not keep analytical accounts, the eligible  additional 
costs arising from  the research will be financed  100%. 

35% for  the "demonstration" part and 50% for the "RT" part. 

In  the  case  of  initial  grants  for  training  within  a  firm,  this  amount  will  normally  represent  some 
50% of the eligible total costs. 

^s 

• 

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%; 

• 

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

6.3  The  coordination  arrangements  for  research  actions  within  the  same  area 
consist  of  identifying  common  themes  or  priorities,  leading,  inter  alia,  to  the 
the  performance  of  jointly  agreed  work  and/or  the 
exchange  of  information, 
reassignment of indirect RT actions. 

7. 

FINANCIAL  IMPACT. 

7.1  Method of calculating the total cost of the operation. 

The estimated  amount required  is ECU  1141  million  for  the  period  from 
1998 to 2002. 

7.2 

Itemised breakdown of cost 

Type of activity 

(a) Key actions 

i) Controlled thermonuclear  fusion 

ii) Nuclear fission 

b) Research  and technological  development  activities  of 
a generic nature 

c) Support for research infrastructure 

Total: 

Total  (%) 

96 

80.6 

15.4 

3.1 

~  q 

100 

7.3 

Operational  expenditure included  in Part B of the Budget 

Administrative  expenditure:  ECU  148.3  million,  or  13%  of  the  estimated  amount 
required: 

1.£ 

7.4 

Indicative schedule of  appropriations 

The  schedule  is  established  on  the  basis  of  the  breakdown  of  the  maximum  overall 
amount  and the indicative schedule of appropriations for the period  1998-2002 for  the 
proposal for the 5th framework  programme. 

Commitment 
appropriations 

Payment  appropriations 

1999 

2000 

2001 

375 
290 
254 
222 

180 

121 
99.7 

64 
89 
62.8 

2002  and 
subseque 
nt years 
10 
101.3 
191.2 
222 

Total. 

375 
290 
254 
222 

1 141 

180 

220.7 

215.8 

524.5 

1 141 

1999 
2000 
2001 
2002 

Total 

The final  amounts will be laid down by the Budgetary  Authority. 

8. 

FRAUD  PREVENTION  MEASURES. 

There  is  a  wide  range  of  administrative  and  financial  checks  at  all  stages  of  the 
procedure for awarding and executing research contracts, including the following: 

•  Prior to conclusion of the contract: 

-  selection  of  proposals  on  the  basis  of  the  scientific  value  of  the  project  and  of  an 
assessment  of whether  the  research  costs  are  realistic  in  relation  to  the  nature  of  the 
research, its duration and its potential  impact; 
- analysis of the financial  data submitted by the proposers on their contract  negotiation 
form. 

•  After the contract has been signed: 

- scrutiny  of statements  of expenditure  prior to payment,  carried  out at two  levels (by 
the scientific  officer  and the financial  officer); 
- on-the-spot checks enabling errors or other irregularities to be detected by examining 
the  supporting  documents.  To  make  these  checks  more  effective,  the  Commission's 
departments  have  set up an audit  unit  which  coordinates  the  results  of all  the  checks. 
These  checks  are  either  carried  out  by  members  of  the  audit  unit  or  entrusted  to 
auditing  companies  with  which  the  Commission  has  concluded  contracts,  under  the 
supervision of officials  from  the audit unit; 
- internal audit by the Financial  Controller; 
-  unannounced  inspections  by  the  Commission's  Financial  Controller  and  by  the 
Court of Auditors of the European  Union. 

« 2* 

9. 

ELEMENTS OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS  ANALYSIS 

9.1 

Specific  and quantified  objectives; target population 

This research and training programme consists  of: 

(a)  Key actions having the following  objectives: 

(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  inertia!  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. 

2  T 

(ii) 

Nuclear  fission 

The  main  objectives  are  to  help  ensure  the  safety4  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,  through  education  and 
training,  to  help  maintain  within  the  European  Union  a  high  level  of  expertise  and 
competence on nuclear  safety. 

This strategy will be implemented  along four main lines: 

•  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. 

• 

• 

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. 

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

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 
the  key  action. 
Complementary  research,  having  a more  generic  and  fundamental  nature,  will  be 
carried out in support. 

the  objectives  of 

to  satisfying 

limited 

4  "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. 

?7 

(b)  Research  and technological  development activities 
nature 

of 

a 

generic 

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. 

This activity will be implemented along four main lines: 

•  Radiation  protection  and health. Research will focus  on improving  the basis  for 

estimating the risks of low and protracted doses of ionising radiation. 

•  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. 

• 

• 

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 better  assessment  and management  of exposures to natural  sources of 
radiation and on conceptual  and methodological issues in optimising protection. 

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. 

(c)  Support for research  infrastructure 

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. 

There are three main ways in which this support will be provided: 

Large  scale  facilities.  Continued  access  to  large  scale  facilities  is  essential  and  can  be 
facilitated by shared use and collaborative programmes. 

Networking.  Existing networks must be reinforced  and others established  where they  can 
demonstrably help achieve the programme objectives or broader Union goals. 

Data  bases  and  tissue  banks.  Existing  data  bases  should  be  reinforced  and  others 
established where the need arises. 

The  target  population  of  this  operation  is  the  following:  firms,  research  centres  and 
universities. 

>o 

9.2 

Grounds for the operation. 

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 will 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 be 
mitigated  only through concerted  international  effort.  Energy savings and increased use of 
renewables may help, but their impact will be limited in the short  and medium term; in the 
long term, such measures alone would 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 not only has the potential  to provide  Europe with  a secure  and  sustainable 
electricity  supply  at  a  competitive  price  but  also  causes  less  pollution  and  fewer  health 
problems than fossil  fuels. 

to  the  objectives  of  the  Framework 
The  research  actions  proposed  conform 
Programme,  as  well  as  to  the  criteria  set  out  both  in  Annex  1  of  the  Framework 
Programme  and in the specific  programme.  These  actions are, therefore,  designed  to 
ensure  added  value  at  European  level  and  by  their  nature  reflect  major  questions  of 
European scale. 

Under  the  Euratom  Treaty,  the  Community  will  by  this  new  action  continue  to 
complement  the  work  being  done  on  nuclear  energy  at  Member  State  level  by 
carrying out research and training programmes. 

This  continuation  is  proposed  following  assessments,  in  line  with  the  SEM2000 
initiative,  of  the  actions  undertaken  during  the  past  five  years.  These  assessments 
were carried out during the second half of  1996 and early in 1997. 

The  assessments  show  that,  overall,  the  programmes  have  achieved  their  objectives,  in 
particular by financing  a series of high-quality  activities.  The framework programme  as a 
whole  thus has a significant  impact  on  the research  being  done  in the Member  States  and 
leads to the development of a great many cross-border cooperation networks. 

9.3  Monitoring and evaluation of the operation 

The  Commission  will  examine  each  year,  with  the  help  of  appropriately  qualified 
independent  experts, progress  with  the  implementation  of the  specific  programme  in 
the light of the criteria set out in Article 3(2) of the specific  programme. 

It  will  assess,  in particular,  whether  the  objectives,  priorities  and  financial  resources 
are  still  appropriate  to  the  changing  situation.  Where  appropriate,  it  will  submit 
proposals to adapt or supplement the specific  programme. 

T>/1 

In  addition,  before  submitting  its  proposal  for  a  Sixth  Framework  Programme,  the 
Commission  will  have  an  external  assessment  conducted  by  high-level  independent 
experts  on  the  management  of,  and  progress  made  in,  Community  activities  carried 
out  during  the  five  years  preceding  the  assessment,  in  particular  in  the  light  of  the 
criteria  set  out  in  Article 3(2)  of  the  specific  programme.  The  Commission  will 
communicate the conclusions of this assessment, accompanied by its comments, to the 
European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the 
Committee of the Regions. 

Furthermore, in accordance with Article  13Op of the Treaty establishing  the  European 
Community,  the  Commission  produces  an  annual  report  to  the  European  Parliament 
and  the Council  on  activities  relating  to research  and  technological  development  and 
the dissemination of results. 

10.  ADMINISTRATIVE  EXPENDITURE  (PART A  OF SECTION  III  OF THE  COMMISSION 

BUDGET). 

Not applicable. 

10 

3 V 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

adopting a specific programme for research  and training 

to be implemented by the Joint Research  Centre 

by means of direct actions 

for the European  Atomic Energy Community 

(1998-2002) 

3A 

COUNCIL DECISION 

adopting a specific programme for research and training to be implemented by the 
Joint Research Centre by means of direct actions for the European Atomic Energy 
-Community  (1998-2002) 

(..../..../Euratom) 

98/0188 (CNS) 

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 Commission1, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European  Parliament2, 

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee3, 

Whereas,  by  Decision  No  .../.../Euratom4,  the  Council  adopted  a  Fifth  Framework 
Programme  for  Community  activities  in  the  field  of  research  and  training  for  the 
European  Atomic  Energy  Community  (1998-2002),  specifying  the  activities  to  be 
implemented  by  the  Joint  Research  Centre  (JRC)  for  the  European  Atomic  Energy 
Community; 

Whereas  Article  3  of  the  Fifth  Framework  Programme  stipulates  that  it  shall  be 
implemented  through  specific  programmes adopted  in accordance with Article 7 of the 
Treaty, one concerning in particular the JRC; 

Whereas,  according 
to  article  4,  paragraph  2  of  the  Council  Decision  n° 
94/268/Euratom  of  26  April  1994,  concerning  the  European  Community  Fourth 
Framework Programme for  activities in the field  of research  and training  (1994-1998)5 
and to article 7 paragraph  3 of the Council Decision related to the specific  programmes 
implementing the Direct Action in the Fourth Framework Programme, the  Commission 
has requested to proceed to an external evaluation which has been transmitted,  with its 
conclusions  and  observations,  to  the  European  Parliament,  to  the  Council,  to  the 
Economic and Social Committee and to the Committee of the Regions; 

1  OJNo 
2  OJNo 
3  OJNo 
4  OJNo 
5  OJNo. L 361/114 

33 

Whereas the  Scientific  and Technical  Committee  and the  Board  of  Governors  of the 
JRC have been consulted  on the scientific  and technological  objectives of this specific 
programme as described in the working document  adopted  on 5th November  19976 by 
the Commission and also on the present Decision; 

Whereas  the  decision  .../.../Euratom,  concerning  the  rules  for  the  participation  of 
undertakings,  research  centres  and  universities7  allows  the  participation  of  the  Joint 
Research Centre in indirect actions; 

Whereas  in the  implementation  of  the  present  programme  international  co-operation 
activities could be appropriate, in conformity with chapter X of the Treaty, with other 
third countries or international organisations; 

Whereas  the  implementation  of  the  present  programme  also  includes  activities  and 
mechanisms  aiming  to  stimulate,  disseminate  and  exploit  RTD  results,  in  particular 
towards small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as activities supporting mobility 
and training of researchers; 

Whereas,  according to the objectives  of the first Action Plan for Innovation, research 
activities  in the  Fifth  Framework  Programme  must  be  better  oriented  to  innovation; 
whereas  the  JRC  should  actively  pursue  activities  in  innovation  and  technology 
transfer; 

Whereas the Joint Research Centre (JRC) should  implement  the research and training 
activities carried out by means of direct action,  in particular the tasks entrusted to the 
Commission  by  the  Treaty;  wheras  the  Commission  should  undertake  the  tasks 
incumbent upon it in the area of nuclear fission, making use  of the technical  expertise 
of the JRC; whereas particular attention should be paid to the safety of the nuclear fuel 
cycle and its impact on man and the environment; 

Whereas the implementation of this programme should be monitored with a view to its 
possible adaptation to scientific  and technological  developments  and needs; whereas in 
due course there should be an independent evaluation of progress with the programme; 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

Article 1 

In conformity with article 3 paragraph  1 of the Fifth Framework Programme, a specific 
programme related to direct actions of research and training activities to be carried out 
by the JRC, (hereafter  referred  as the "specific  programme") is hereby adopted for the 
period from [...]  to 31 December 2002. 

6 
7 

COM(97)553 final, 5.11.1997 
OJNo 

34 

Article 2 

1.  In  agreement  with  Annexe  III  of  the  Fifth  Framework  Programme,  the  amount 
deemed  as  necessary  for  the  execution  of  direct  actions  by  the  JRC  under  this 
programme (hereafter referred as the "amount") is 326 million ECU. 

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

3.  Of this amount, 

- 82,3 million ECU are for the period 1998-1999 

- 243,7 million ECU are for the period 2000-2002. 

This amount will be adapted in accordance with the conditions established in article 
3 paragraph 3 of the Fifth Framework Programme. 

4.  The  budgetary  authority  shall  lay  down,  in  accordance  with  the  scientific  and 
technological  objectives  and  priorities  detailed  in  the  present  decision,  the 
appropriations for each financial  year, subject to the availability of resources within 
the pluriannual financial perspectives. 

Article 3 

1.  Annex  II  specifies  the  major  domains,  the  scientific  and  technological  objectives 
and priorities  of this programme,  which are defined  according  to  the  fundamental 
principles  and to  the three  categories  of  selection  criteria  indicated  in  Annex  I of 
the Fifth Framework Programme. 

2.  The  general  rules  for  the  Community's  financial  contribution  are  laid  down  in 

article 4 of the Fifth Framework Programme. 

3.  Direct  RTD  Actions  are  defined  in  Annex  II  and  IV  of  the  Fifth  Framework 

Programme. 

4.  Annex III sets out the specific rules for implementing this programme. 

Article 4 

With due regard to the criteria set out in article 3 paragraph  1, and to the scientific and 
technological  objectives and priorities indicated in Annex II, the Commission shall: 

a)  monitor  the  implementation  of  this  specific  programme  and  submits,  if necessary, 
adaptations,  in  conformity  with  article  5  paragraph  1  of  the  Fifth  Framework 
Programme; 

b) make an external assessment of the activities carried out within the areas covered by 
this  programme,  as  foreseen  in  article  5  paragraph  2  of  the  Fifth  Framework 
Programme. 

35 

Article 5 

1.  The Commission establishes a work-programme detailing: 

a) the content of Annex II 

b) an indicative time table for the implementation of the specific  programme. 

2.  This work-programme is updated,  if necessary. 

Article 6 

1.  The  Commission  is  responsible  for  the  implementation  of  the  present  programme, 

carried out by the JRC. 

2.  The  Commission  is  advised  by  the  Board  of  Governors  of  the  JRC  (hereinafter 

referred  to as the Board of Governors) in this task. 

3.  The representative of the Commission  submits to the Board  of Governors: 

a)  projects  of  measures  related  to  the  establishment  and  updating  of  the  work-

programme referred  in article 5 of this decision; 

b)  the  terms  of  reference  for  the  external  evaluation  foreseen  in  article  5.2  of  the 

Fifth Framework Programme; 

c)  any necessary adaptation to the objectives  and priorities indicated  in Annex II, or 
the  distribution  of  financial  resources  indicated  in  Annex  I  of  the  specific 
programme  to  ensure  that  it  is  still  appropriate  in  view  of  scientific  and 
technological  developments and needs. 

4.  The  Commission  regularly  informs  the  Board  of  Governors  of the  implementation 

of this specific  programme. 

Article 7 

The  Commission  may,  request  the  JRC  to  execute,  on  the  basis  of  the  criterion  of 
mutual  benefit,  projects  with  legal  entities  established  in  third  countries  when  this 
contributes effectively  to the execution  of direct actions. 

This Decision is addressed  to the Member States. 

Article 8 

Done at Brussels, 

For the Council 

The President 

3C 

ANNEX I 

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN  OF THE AMOUNT DEEMED  NECESSARY 

FOR THIS  PROGRAMME 

CONROLLED  THERMONUCLEAR  FUSION 

5,52% 

NUCLEAR FISSION  SAFETY 

43,56% 

CONTROL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS AND 

43,56% 

NUCLEAR  SAFEGUARDS 

DECOMMISSIONING  AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 

7,36% 

TOTAL 

326  MECU(8)(9) 

8  of which approximately 6% may be allocated to exploratory research and up to 2% for exploitation 

of own JRC results and technology transfer 

9  This  total  includes  the  JRC's  budget  contribution  necessary  for  its  participation  in  shared-cost 

actions 

37 

ANNEX  II 

Scientific  and  Technological  Objectives  and Content  of the Direct  Actions 

A. 

The Mission  of JRC 

The mission  of JRC is to  provide  customer-driven  scientific  and  technical  support  for 
the  conception,  implementation  and  monitoring  of  EU  policies.  As  a  service  of  the 
European  Commission,  the  JRC  functions  as  a  reference  centre  of  science  and 
technology  for  the  Union.  Close  to  the  policy-making  process,  it  serves  the  common 
interest  of  the  Member  States,  while  being  independent  of  commercial  or  national 
interests. 

Carrying  out  specific  high-level  research  in  close  contact  with  industry  and  other 
bodies, the JRC supports the policy maker in addressing the concerns of the  individual 
citizen,  alleviating  conflict  between  man  and  the  environment  and  promoting 
sustainable development. 

The  JRC's  work  depends  upon  intensive  networking  with  public  and  private 
institutions  in  the  Member  States  through,  for  example,  research  networks,  joint 
projects  or  staff  exchanges.  This  is  important  because  the  JRC's  mission  is 
complementary to the indirect  action  part  of the  5th Framework  Programme; while the 
indirect  actions  will  continue  to  be  the  EU's  main  mechanism  for  developing  and 
testing  new  ideas,  the  JRC's  role  is  to  help  apply  them  in  the  service  of  the  policy 
maker. 

B. 

Objective:  Maintaining  a Vigilant  Approach 

The  percentage  of  JRC  activity  devoted  to  nuclear  activities  is  declining.  Nuclear 
energy  is  considered  a  mature  technology  and,  for  reasons  recently  analysed  in  the 
Nuclear Community Illustrative Programme, no new power plants are on order. 
Nevertheless,  nuclear energy continues to  supply  about  a third  of Europe's  electricity 
and  vigilance  is still  required  to  ensure  a  continuation  of  Europe's  outstanding  safety 
record,  to  maintain  efforts  to  avoid  proliferation  and  to  efficiently  manage  the 
processing  and  long-term  storage  of  waste.  New  challenges  include  a  reactor  park 
whose average age is increasing, an enlargement  of the Union to include countries with 
a  different  safety  culture  and  the  coming  into  safeguards  of  material  arising  from  the 
disarmament process. 

The  Commission  has  specific  Treaty  obligations  in  nuclear  energy  and  it  has  always 
relied  on  JRC  to  provide  a  technical  support  that  can  keep  up  with  technological 
developments and face new challenges. 

JRC's objective is therefore  to 

• 

• 

support the Commission in its Treaty  obligations 

remain  vigilant  so  as  to  maintain  Europe's  excellent  record  in  safety  and 
safeguards 

3* 

•  prepare  to face  the new challenges 

The two  selection criteria for JRC activities are: 

•  Relevance  to  EU  policies.  An  understanding  of  the  policy  agenda  allows  JRC 
research  to  be  timely  and  support  the formulation  of  policy  where  it  is  most 
needed. 

•  Subsidiarity.  This has  two aspects. Firstly 4heresearch  must  be in an  area where 
EU  involvement  is  appropriate  and  secondly  it  should  be  appropriate  for  this 
involvement  to be through the JRC.  Thus JRC  only operates where its unique  pan-
European  identity  provides  an  added-value.  In  the  nuclear  area  its  action  is 
justified  by  the  cross-border  aspects  of  nuclear  safety  and  safeguards  and  by 
public  concern about the issues. 

C. 

The JRC Programme 

JRC s specific  programme for  the Fifth  Framework  Programme  is shaped  in a view  to 
focus  activities  in  areas  where  they  have  a  high  European  added  value  or  which 
correspond  to  tasks  entrusted  to  the  Commission  by  the  Euratom  Treaty.  These 
activities  aim to  optimise,  in a European,  or  even  international  framework,  the  use  of 
JRC  special  facilities  and  core  competencies,  in  particular  where  the  JRC  present 
unquestionable excellence and is the unique holder of European  knowledge. 

Work  on  fusion  will  be  scaled  down  in  accordance  with  the  Council  decision  to 
postpone  the  decision  on  the  Next  Step  and  will  concentrate  on  generic  research  on 
materials. 

Activities on fission  safety  will take advantage of JRC s unique facilities  and will  focus 
on areas where JRC  is considered  a reference  centre for  Europe  such  as actinides  and 
areas  of  public  concern  such  as severe  accidents  and  the  handling  of waste.  Work  on 
ageing  of  reactor  materials  will  increase  to  reflect  the  increasing  importance  of  this 
issue for  safety  authorities and industry. The needs of the enlargement  countries will be 
given some priority. 

Work  on  control  of nuclear  materials will  continue  at  the  same  level  in  order  to  meet 
the present  and future  needs of inspectors. This will include measurement,  analysis and 
monitoring  techniques  and  the training of inspectors.  Some prospective  studies  will be 
carried  out  in order  to  foresee  the  safeguards  implications  of proposed  changes  in the 
fuel  cycle  and  to  determine  whether  remote  sensing  can  be  used  for  the  detection  of 
illicit activities. 

Lastly, some obsolete facilities will be decommissioned. 

This programme  should  not to be considered  a blueprint  for  the work  programme  over 
the  next  four  years  but  rather  a  general  outline  that  reflects  the  current  view  of  the 
policy  agenda  and  priorities.  Changes  to  the  JRC  programme  are  to  be  expected  as 
science  and  technology  advance  and  the  policy  agenda  and  the  priorities  of  the 
customer change. 

39 

1. 

Controlled  Thermonuclear  Fusion 

The  European  Programme  on  Thermonuclear  Fusion  represents  a  common  effort 
where  practically  all  activities  of  the  EU  are  co-ordinated  in  a  unique  management 
structure. The activities of the JRC are complementary to the Member States'  activities 
and  are  totally  integrated  in  this  common  effort  on  the  same  level  as  the  Euratom 
Associations.  Therefore,  under  this  programme,  activities  on  tritium  handling  will  be 
stopped  and  no  radioactive  material  will  be  introduced  in  the  ETHEL  facility  which 
may be  used  for  other  non-nuclear  purposes.  JRC s activities  concentrate  on  specific 
skills and facilities of the JRC and concern: 

•  materials  research  and  testing,  with  particular  emphasis  on  low  activation 
materials,  the  interaction  of  hydrogen  and  its  isotopes  with  materials  and 
components and participation  in safety and environment impact studies. 

2. 

Nuclear Fission  Safety 

Even  if  nuclear  fission  is  today  considered  a  mature  technology  both  the  safety  of 
nuclear  installations  and the  management  of the fuel  cycle notably  the  management  of 
waste cause considerable public concern. Also public authorities maintain vigilance and 
push  for  continuous  improvement  and  industry  maintain  a  strong  interest  in  new 
technologies  and  further  improvements.  The  JRC  supports  these  efforts  which  are  at 
the  core  of its  mission.  It  also  offers  unique  facilities  and  traditional  competence  and 
scientific  excellence  while  concentrating  on  activities  where  the  added  value  by  its 
support is unquestioned.  They concern: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the ageing of materials and components: determination of the residual  lifespan of 
reactors and  their main  components,  improvement and qualification  of  in-service 
inspection  techniques  through  the  evaluation  of  structural  integrity  and  the 
development  of  methodologies  and 
the  qualification  of  non-destructive 
examination  techniques; 

the fuel  cycle  safety:  basic  research  on  actinides  is  an  area  where  the  JRC  is 
regarded  as  the  centre  of  excellence,  and  in  which  it  will  produce  detailed 
knowledge  of  the properties  of  these elements.  This is essential  to  the  whole  fuel 
cycle safety  and efficiency  (basic properties  of new fuel  and waste,  licensing  and 
industrial  operations  such  as  reprocessing, processing,  storage  and  disposal  of 
waste  and  spent fuel),  An particular  it  allows detailed  studies  of  the  phenomena 
occurring during  irradiation  of  nuclear fuel,  as well as  the  optimisation  of  those 
fuels  to  enhance  both  safety  and  efficiency  (e.g.  increased  rate  of  irradiation, 
advanced fuels) ; studies  on partitioning  and transmutation will focus  on lowering 
the  radiotoxicity  of  waste  by  reducing,  or  even  eliminating,  the  presence  of 
actinides  and  other  long-lived  radioactive  elements  in  the fuel  cycle,  on  the 
development  of appropriate  techniques for  processing  these materials; 

the 
study  of  irradiated  fuels  with  a  view  to  direct  disposal,  in  particular 
characterisation  of  irradiated  fuels, 
the  examination  of  long-term  behaviour 
under  storage  and  final  disposal  conditions,  and  the  determination  of  the  risks 
associated with their radiotoxicity; 

the study of severe accidents,  including  the operation in a European  network and 
with the support  of international partners,  of the FARO facility  — the only one of 
its kind  in  the world — to allow  the study  of  in-vessel and  ex-vessel  phenomena 

4o 

following  core  meltdown  using  real  materials  and  representative  configurations. 
The JRC  will  host  in  its  large  installations,  in particular  FARO,  research  teams 
from  research  organisms from  Member  States and  reciprocally, it will  contribute 
to European  or international  projects. 

3. 

Control of nuclear materials and nuclear  safeguards 

The  scientific  and  technical  support  necessary  to  implement  safeguards  pursuant  to 
Chapter  VII  of  the  Treaty  and  the  obligations  arising  from  the  Non-Proliferation 
Treaty  and the implementation  of the  Commission's  IAEA  support  programme  is part 
of a dual process: 

- 

- 

to meet the technological challenges of the large fuel  cycle facilities,  and 

to  meet  the  new  challenges  arising  following  major  international  decisions,  as 
well as the incorporation  of new, more efficient  technologies. 

The  JRC s  impartiality  is  essential  to  support  actions  to  combat  illicit  trafficking  in 
nuclear materials and damage to the environment.  The JRCs  activities in this field are 
an  integral  part  of  a  process  both  of  European  co-operation,  as  reflected  in  the 
European  Safeguards  Research  and  Development  Association  network,  and  of 
international  co-operation with the United  States, Russia,  Japan, Brazil, Argentina  and 
Canada. 

JRC activities will focus  on: 

•  development  and  improvement  of  measurement,  monitoring  and  analytical 
techniques with  emphasis  on  automation:  destructive  and non-destructive  testing 
and  analytical 
techniques  (including  the  development  of  high-performance 
analysis to detect traces of radioactive  materials  in the environment), sealing  and 
confinement  techniques,  quality  control;  these  activities  concern  in  particular 
large reprocessing plants  and  the plutonium  cycle,  including MOX fuel,  and  will 
include  the monitoring  of performance  in real  operating  conditions of  industrial 
equipment and the study of its conformity with international standards; 

•  development  of dedicated  information  technologies  (processing techniques for  the 
analysis and detection of anomalies  between declarations and verifications;  three-
dimensional  lasers  techniques  for 
the  monitoring  of  very  sensitive  areas); 
assessment  of  remote  sensing  as  a  method  of  detecting  illicit  nuclear  activities: 
establishment  of  the  requisite  infrastructure  for 
implementation  for  control 
purposes; 

• 

evaluation  with  regard  to  controls  on  fissile  materials,  of  certain  innovative 
concepts  in  the  field  of  reactors  and  the fuel  cycle; preparation  of  an  approach 
that is adequate in terms of  control; 

•  development  of analytical  techniques adapted to the fight against illicit  trafficking 
and  environmental  damage  involving  radioactive  materials  (e.g. illicit  dumping): 
research  on  analysis  of  specific  properties  of fissile  materials  such  as  isotopic 
composition, purity  and granulation  to evaluate  intended use, date of  fabrication 
etc. and  development  of  a  database  to collate  these  characteristics;  development 

10 

^-1 

of  ultra-sensitive analysis  to make  it possible  to identify  the  routing  of  materials 
up to their place  of seizure; 

• 

training of inspectors and operators, in particular  in new technologies. 

4. 

Decommissioning  and waste  management 

The  JRC  will  undertake  and  intensify  work  on  decommissioning  and  dismantling  of 
installations used for nuclear activities which are no longer use since some time and are 
becoming obsolete. This will include the treatment  and  management  including disposal 
of waste  resulting  from  this work.  This  is  of  vital  importance  not  only  to  protect  the 
environment  but  also  for  the  protection  of  workers  and  the  eventual  reduction  of 
operational  costs  as it will reduce the  need  for  monitoring  and  surveillance  as nuclear 
activities are being reduced  and  concentrated. 

•  Establishment  of  a  long  term plan  in  order  to  ensure future  and  continuous 

implementation of these activities; 

•  Construction of an installation for  the treatment of liquid wastes; 

•  Starting  of decommissioning and dismantling  operation  of  obsolete facilities  and 

management of wastes issued from these activities. 

4^ 

ANNEX  ffl 

SPECIFIC RULES FOR IMPLEMENTING  THE  "PROGRAMME 

1.  The  Commission,  advised  by the Board  of  Governors  of the  JRC,  shall  implement 
the  direct  action  on  the  basis  of the  scientific  objectives  and  contents  described  in 
Annex  I.  The  activities-relating -to  this  action  shall -be -performed  in  the  relevant 
institutes of the Joint Research Centre (JRC). 

2.  In  the  implementation  of  its  activities,  the  JRC  will,  whenever  appropriate  and 
feasible,  participate in or organise networks of public and private laboratories  in the 
Member  States or European  research  consortia.  Particular  attention  shall be paid  to 
co-operation  with  industry,  especially  with  small  and  medium-sized  enterprises. 
Research  bodies  established  in third  countries  may  also  co-operate  on  projects,  in 
accordance  with  the  relevant  provisions  of  Article  7  and,  where  applicable,  of 
agreements  for  S&T  co-operation  between  the  Community  and  the  third  countries 
concerned.  Particular  attention  will  he  paid  to  co-operation  with  research 
laboratories  and  institutes  in the  countries  of  Central  and  Eastern  Europe  and  the 
former  Soviet Union. 
The knowledge gained  through  implementation  of the  projects  will be  disseminated 
by  the  JRC  itself  (taking  into  account  possible  limitations  due  to  confidentiality 
issues). 

3.  The accompanying measures shall include: 

- 

the organisation of visits to JRC institutes of grant holders, visiting scientists and 
seconded  experts, 

-  organisation  of  the  secondment  of  JRC  staff  to  national  laboratories,  industrial 

laboratories and universities, 

-  systematic  exchange  of  information,  through  inter  alia  the  organisation  of 

scientific  seminars, workshops and colloquiums and scientific  publications, 

-  specialised training with the emphasis on multidisciplinarity, 
- 

the  independent  scientific  and  strategic  evaluation  of  the  performance  of  the 
projects  and programmes. 

12 

bi 

FINANCIAL  STATEMENT 

1. 

TITLE  OF OPERATION 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  adopting  a  specific  programme  for  research  and 
training to be implemented  by the JRC for the European  Atomic Energy  Community 
(1998 to 2002). 

2. 

BUDGET  HEADING  INVOLVED 

Subsection  B6 - "Direct Action" part 

Articles  B6-111 
B6-121 
B6-3 

Title 

Staff  (in part) 
Resources (in part) 
Direct operating  appropriations 

3. 

LEGAL  BASIS 

Articles 7 and  8 of the Treaty establishing the European  Atomic Energy  Community 
(Euratom). 

Council Decision No .../.../Euratom of... concerning the fifth  framework  programme 
of  the  European  Atomic  Energy  Community  for  research  and  training  activities 
(1998 to 2002) (OJ No L ...,...  , p.  ...). 

4. 

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION 

4.1 

General objective of the operation 

The JRC s mission  is to provide scientific  and technical  support for the  formulation, 
implementation  and  monitoring  of  EU  policies.  As  a  service  of  the  European 
Commission,  the JRC  functions  as a reference  centre  of  science  and  technology  for 
the Union.  Close  to the policy-making  process, it  serves the common  interest  of  the 
Member States while remaining  independent  of commercial  or national  interests. 

Nuclear  energy  continues  to  supply  about  a  third  of  Europe's  electricity,  and 
vigilance  is  still  required  to  ensure  a  continuation  of  Europe's  outstanding  safety 
record,  to  maintain  efforts  to  avoid  proliferation  and  to  efficiently  manage  the 
processing  and  long-term  storage  of  waste.  New  challenges  include  a  reactor  park 
whose  average  age  is  increasing,  an  enlargement  of  the  Union  to  include  countries 
with  a  different  safety  culture,  and  the  coming  into  safeguards  of  material  arising 
from  the disarmament  process. 

4.2 

Period covered by the operation 

1998 to 2002 

The  arrangements  for  renewal  of  the  operation  are provided  for  in  Article 7 
of the Euratom Treaty. 

I? h 

5. 

CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE 

5.1 
5.2 
5.3 

NCE.l.  Compulsory/Non-compulsory expenditure 
DA.2.  Differentiated/Non-differentiated  appropriations 
Type of revenue involved 

Certain Associated  States will contribute to the financing  of the specific  programme 
by means of supplementary appropriations. 

In  accordance  with  Article  27  of  the  Financial  Regulation,  certain  revenue  may  be 
available for re-use. 

6.  TYPE OF EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE 

Appropriations  to  cover  the  various  means  (see  point 2  above)  used  to  implement 
the  activities  set  out  in  point 4.  In  principle,  the  activities  carried  out  by  the  JRC 
under this specific  programme are funded  entirely by Community own resources. 

The  implementation  arrangements  for  the  research  and  training  programme  are  as 
follows: 

6.1 

Direct RTD actions 

The  direct  RTD  actions  will  comprise  RTD projects  carried  out  by  the  JRC 
and  accompanying  measures  such  as  those  indicated  in  Annex in  to  the 
specific programme. 

7. 

FINANCIAL  IMPACT 

7.1  Method of calculating total cost of operation 

The  financial  reference  amount  is  ECU  326  million  for  the  period  from  1998  to 
2002. 

The total cost of the proposed  programme  is as provided for  the JRC in the proposal 
for  a  framework  programme  for  1998-2002  referred  to  in  point  3  above.  This 
their 
amount  covers  all  scientific, 
proportion  of  the  expenditure  in  respect  of  the  various  sites  and  infrastructure  of 
JRC institutes. The breakdown  of the overall  amount between  the various  activities, 
as set out in point 7.2 below, has been made taking account of the following: 

technical  and  exploitation  activities  and 

-  a  forecast  of  staff  expenditure  based  on  medium-term  economic  development  in 
the Member States which host the various JRC sites; 

-  a  forecast  of  general  and  scientific  and  technical  support  expenditure  under  the 
same conditions; 

3 -

l,c 

-  an  evaluation  of  the  operating  appropriations  needed  to  implement  the  research 
programmes (direct expenditure on operation, equipment and contracts) and  for JRC 
participation in indirect actions. 

7.2 

Itemised  breakdown of cost 

Direct Action 

| 

Controlled thermonuclear fusion 

Nuclear fission  safety 

Control of fissile  materials, and nuclear safeguards 

Total 
18 

142 

142 

Decommissioning of nuclear installations, waste management 
Total: 

24 
326 MECU 

*  of which  approximately  6% may  be allocated  to exploratory  research  and  up to 2% 

for exploitation of own JRC results and technology  transfer. 

7.3 

Operational expenditure included in Part B of the Budget 

Administrative expenditure  is covered  by headings  B6-111 staff  and  B6-121 
resources. 

For its activities as a whole in  1999 (both nuclear and non-nuclear), the Joint 
Research  Centre provides  for  a  list  of  posts  totalling  2  080  (729  A,  662  B, 
650 C and 39 D). 

7.4 

Indicative schedule of appropriations 

The  schedule  is  established  on  the  basis  of  the  breakdown  of  the  financial 
reference  amount and the indicative schedule of appropriations  for the period 
1998-2002 set out in the proposal for the 5th framework  programme. 

Commitment 
appropriations 

Payment appropriations 

1999 

2000 

2001 

1999 
2000 
2001 
2002 
Total 

82 300 
79 300 
81 700 
82 700 
326 000 

62160 

15666 
64891 

4474 
11081 
66358 

62160 

80557 

81913 

2002 and 
subsequent 
years 

3328 
15342 
82700 
101370 

Total 

82300 
79300 
81700 
82700 
326000 

The final  amounts will be laid down by the Budgetary  Authority. 

8.  FRAUD PREVENTION MEASURES 

Internal  audit  and control  programme  in  respect  of  scientific  and  budgetary  aspects, 
to  be  carried  out  by  the  JRC  staff  responsible;  internal  audit  carried  out  by  the 
Financial  Controller;  local  inspections  by  the  Financial  Controller  and  the  Court  of 
Auditors. 

- 4-

9. 

ELEMENTS OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS  ANALYSIS 

9.1 

Specific  and quantified  objectives; target  population 

bC, 

The  JRC  programme  forms  part  of  the  framework  programme,  which  meets  the 
objectives  set out in Articles 7 and 8 of the Euratom Treaty. 

The  JRC s  participation 
in  the  field  of  action  covered  by  this  proposal  is 
commensurate  with  its capabilities  and attributes  and complies  with the principle of 
subsidiarity. 

The  target  population  is  Europe's  scientific  and  industrial  community  and  that 
concerned  with  the various  sectoral policies of the Commission  in which  the JRC is 
required to provide its support. 

This research  and training programme is structured  around four  areas: 

(a) 

Controlled thermonuclear  fusion 

The European  Programme  on Thermonuclear  Fusion  represents  a common  effort  in 
which  practically  all  the  activities  of  the  EU  are  co-ordinated 
in  a  single 
management  structure.  The  activities  of  the  JRC  complement  the  Member  States' 
activities  and  are  fully  integrated  in  this  common  effort  on  the  same  level  as  the 
Euratom  Associations.  The  JRC's  activities  are  focused  on  its  specific  skills  and 
facilities  and  concern  materials  research  and  testing,  with  particular  emphasis  on 
low  activation  materials, the  interaction  of hydrogen  and  its  isotopes  with  materials 
and components and participation  in safety and environment  impact studies. 

(b) 

Nuclear fission  safety 

Even  if  nuclear  fission  is  today  considered  a mature  technology,  both  the  safety  of 
nuclear  installations  and  the  management  of  the  fuel  cycle  (especially  waste 
management)  cause  considerable  public  concern.  Public  authorities  are  therefore 
remaining  vigilant  and  pushing  for  continuous 
improvement,  while  industry 
maintains  a strong  interest  in new  technologies  and further  improvements. The JRC 
supports  these  efforts,  which  are  at  the  core  of  its  mission.  It  also  offers  unique 
facilities  and  traditional  competence  and  scientific  excellence  while  concentrating 
on activities  where the added  value from  its support  is unquestioned.  These  concern 
different  research  aspects along the following  four main lines: 

i)  the ageing of materials and components; 

ii) fuel  cycle safety; 

Hi)  study  of irradiated fuels  with a view to direct disposal,  the examination  of long-
term  behaviour  under storage,  and determination of the risks  associated  with their 
radiotoxicity; 

iv)  the study of severe accidents. 

-5 

Ifh 

(c) 

Control of fissile  materials and nuclear  safeguards 

The scientific  and technical  support  necessary for  implementing  safeguards  pursuant 
to  Chapter  VU of  the Treaty  and  the  obligations  arising  from  the  Non-Proliferation 
Treaty  and  the  implementation  of  the  Commission's  IAEA  support  programme  is 
part  of  a  dual  process  both  to  meet  the  technological  challenges  of  the  large  fuel 
cycle facilities,  and to meet the new challenges  arising following  major  international 
decisions, as well as the incorporation  of new, more efficient  technologies. 

The JRC's  impartiality  is essential  to  support  actions  to combat  illicit  trafficking  in 
nuclear  materials  and  damage  to  the  environment.  Its  activities  in  this  field  are  an 
integral  part  of  a  process  both  of  European  co-operation,  as  reflected  in  the 
European  Safeguards  Research  and  Development  Association  network,  and  of 
international  co-operation  with  the  United  States,  Russia,  Japan,  Brazil,  Argentina 
and Canada. 

JRC activities will target different  issues in the following  five main lines: 

i)  development  and  improvement  of  measurement,  monitoring  and  analytical 
techniques with emphasis on automation; 

ii) development of dedicated  information  technologies for  the analysis and detection 
of anomalies between declarations and verifications; 

Hi) evaluation with regard to controls on fissile materials; 

iv)  development  of  analytical  techniques  adapted  to  the  fight  against  illicit 
trafficking  and  environmental  damage  involving  radioactive  materials  (e.g.  illicit 
dumping); 

v) training of inspectors and operators,  in particular  in new technologies. 

(d) 

Decommissioning  of nuclear installations, waste management 

intensify  work  on 

the  decommissioning  and 
The  JRC  will  undertake  and 
dismantling  of  installations  used  for  nuclear  activities  which  have  been  out  of  use 
for  some  time  and  are  becoming  obsolete.  This  will  include  the  treatment  and 
management,  including  disposal,  of  waste resulting  from  this  work.  This  is  of  vital 
importance  not  only  to  protect  the  environment  but  also  for  the  protection  of 
workers  and  the  eventual  reduction  of  operational  costs,  as  it  will  reduce  the  need 
for  monitoring  and  surveillance  as  nuclear  activities  are  reduced  and  concentrated. 
Activities  will  start  with  the establishment  of  a long-term  plan  to ensure  future  and 
continuous  implementation  and  will  include  the  construction  of  an  installation  for 
the treatment  of liquid wastes and the decommissioning  and dismantling  of  obsolete 
facilities  and management  of wastes issued from  these activities. 

9.2 

Grounds for the operation 

The Commission  has specific  Treaty obligations  in nuclear energy  and  it has  always 
relied  on  the  JRC  to  provide  technical  support  that  can  keep  up  with  technological 
developments  and  face  new  challenges.  The  objectives  of  this  programme  are, 

- 6-

ht 

therefore,  to support  the Commission  in  its Treaty obligations, to remain  vigilant  so 
as to  maintain  Europe's  excellent  record  in  safety  and  safeguards  and  to  prepare  to 
face the new challenges. 

The  JRC s  specific  programme  for  the  fifth  framework  programme  is  designed  to 
focus  activities  in  areas  where  they  have  a  high  European  added  value  or  which 
correspond  to  tasks  entrusted  to  the  Commission  by  the  Euratom  Treaty.  These 
activities aim to optimise, in a European  or even  international  framework,  the use of 
JRC special  facilities  and  core  competencies,  particularly  where  the  JRC  presents 
unquestionable excellence and is the unique holder of European knowledge. 

This new specific  programme is being proposed  in accordance with the objectives of 
the  framework  programme,  and  following  evaluation  -  in  line  with  the  SEM2000 
initiative  -  of  operations  pursued  over  the  last  five  years.  The  said  evaluation  has 
shown  that,  all  in  all, programmes  have  attained  their  goals, particularly  by  having 
the JRC carry out a series of high-quality activities. 

9.3  Monitoring and evaluation of the operation 

Each  year,  with  the  help  of  appropriately  qualified  independent  experts,  the 
Commission  will  examine  the  implementation  of  the  research  and  training 
programme, particularly in the light of the criteria set out in Article 4 thereof. It will, 
in particular,  assess whether the objectives, priorities and financial  resources are still 
appropriate to the changing  situation. Where  appropriate, it will submit proposals to 
adapt or supplement  the research  and training programme, particularly  in the light of 
Articles 5 and 6 of the specific  programme. 

In  addition,  before  submitting  its  proposal  for  a  sixth  framework  programme,  the 
Commission  will  have  high-level 
independent  experts  conduct  an  external 
assessment  on  the  management  of,  and  progress  made  in,  Community  actions 
carried  out during  the five  years preceding  the  assessment,  with particular  reference 
to  the  criteria  set  out  in  Article 3(2)  of  the  research  and  training  programme.  The 
Commission  will  communicate  the  conclusions  of  this  assessment,  along  with  its 
comments,  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council  and  the  Economic  and  Social 
Committee. 

The  Commission  produces  an  annual  report  on  the  activities  of  the  Joint  Research 
Centre. It also produces an annual  report on research  and technological  development 
and the dissemination  of  results,  in  accordance  with  Article  130p of  the  EC  Treaty. 
These  reports  are  sent  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council  and  the  Economic 
and Social Committee. 

10.  ADMINISTRATIVE  EXPENDITURE  (PART  A  OF  SECTION  III  OF  THE  COMMISSION 

BUDGET) 

Not applicable. 

7-

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(98) 306 final 

DOCUMENTS 

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15  12  01  16 

Catalogue  number  :  CB-CO-98-328-EN-C 

ISBN  92-78-36352-9 

Office  for  Official  Publications of the European  Communities 

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