1999/64/Euratom: Council Decision of 22 December 1998 concerning the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for research and training activities (1998 to 2002)
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EAEC, EU financing, EU programme, research and development, research programme, vocational training

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II

(Acts  whose  publication  is  not  obligatory)

COUNCIL

COUNCIL  DECISION

of  22  December  1998

concerning  the  Fifth  Framework  Programme  of  the  European  Atomic  Energy  Community
(Euratom)  for  research  and  training  activities  (1998  to  2002)

(1999/64/Euratom)

THE  COUNCIL  OF  THE  EUROPEAN  UNION,

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European
Atomic  Energy  Community,  and  in  particular  Article  7
thereof,

Having  regard  to  the  proposal  from  the  Commission (1),

Having  regard 
Parliament (2),

to 

the  opinion  of 

the  European

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee (3),

all 

(1)  Whereas  a  multiannual  framework  programme
covering 
including
research 
demonstration  activities,  and  training  activities  in
the  field  of  nuclear  energy,  to  be  implemented  by
means  of  research  and  training  programmes,  can
be  adopted  pursuant  to  Article  7  of  the  Treaty;

activities, 

(2)  Whereas it has been held appropriate to adopt, for
the  period  1998  to  2002,  a  new  framework
programme  in  order  to  ensure  the  continuity  of
research  and  training  activities  in  the  field  of
nuclear energy;

(1)  OJ  C  173,  7.6.1997,  p.  30,  and  OJ  C  291,  25.9.1997,  p.

16.

(2)  OJ  C  14,  19.1.1998,  p.  59.
(3)  OJ  C  355,  21.11.1997,  p.  38.

(3)  Whereas, 

for 

in  accordance  with  Article  4(2)  of
Council  Decision  94/268/Euratom  of  26  April
1994  concerning  a  framework  programme  of
Community  activities  in  the  field  of  research  and
training 
the  European  Atomic  Energy
Community  (1994  to  1998) (4)  the  Commission  is
required  to  have  an  external  assessment  conducted
into  the  management  of,  and  progress  with,
Community  activities  carried  out  during  the  five
years  preceding  that  assessment,  before  presenting
its  proposal  for  the  fifth  framework  programme;
whereas  that  assessment,  the  conclusions  thereof
and 
the  Commission’s  comments  have  been
communicated  to  the  European  Parliament,  the
Council  and  the  Economic  and  Social  Committee;

(4)  Whereas  European  Atomic  Energy  Community
research  in  the  field  of  nuclear  energy  must  reflect
the current context of the need to develop safe and
acceptable  energy  systems  that  respect  standards
and  the  environment  and  are  competitive  in  terms
of  production  costs;

(5)  Whereas  the  fifth  framework  programme  should
focus on a limited number of topics; whereas these
activities, in the context of indirect actions, should
be implemented through: ‘key actions’, which bring
together  the  activities  (ranging  from  basic  research
to
through 

research 

applied 

generic 

and 

(4)  OJ L 115, 6.5.1994, p. 31. Decision as amended by Decision

96/253/Euratom  (OJ  L  86,  4.4.1996,  p.  7).

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development  and  demonstration)  in  a  coherent
whole  in  order  to  target  them  strategically  on  a
common  European  challenge  or  problem;  research
and  technological  development  activities  of  a
generic  nature;  and  activities  to  encourage  the
optimum  use  of,  and  enhance  access  to,  research
infrastructures;

(11)  Whereas the financial reference amount of the fifth
framework  programme  will  need  to  be  revised
should  new  Member  States  accede  before  the
framework  programme  expires;

(6)  Whereas, 

the 

fifth 

furthermore, 

framework
programme  should  include,  in  addition  to  the
thematic  aspects,  horizontal  aspects  covering
cooperation  with  third  States  and  international
organisations,  the  dissemination  and  exploitation
of the results of research and training activities and
the  training  and  mobility  of  researchers;

(7)  Whereas 

this 

the
approach 
maintenance and strengthening of the potential for
scientific  and  technological  excellence  existing
within  the  Community,  taking  full  account  of  the
efforts  of  its  main  international  partners;

presupposes 

(8)  Whereas  cooperation  with  all  third  States  and
international  organisations  must  be  stepped  up,  in
particular 
in  pursuit  of  the  objective  of  the
peaceful  use  of  nuclear  energy;  whereas  it  is
necessary that the Community continues to play an
important  international  role  in  the  field  of  nuclear
fission  safety,  in  particular  with  regard  to  the
central  and  east  European  countries  and  the  States
that  have  emerged  from  the  former  Soviet  Union;
whereas  it  is  also  important  to  continue,  where
appropriate, 
international  cooperation  activities
with regard to third States in the field of controlled
thermonuclear  fusion;

(9)  Whereas,  under  Article  4(1)  of 

the  Treaty,
Community  research  and  training  activities  in  the
nuclear field must aim to complement action in the
Member  States;  whereas  Community  action  must
therefore  make  it  possible  to  bring  added  value  to
the  efforts  undertaken  in  the  Member  States;

(10)  Whereas  a  financial  reference  amount,  within  the
meaning  of  point  2  of  the  Declaration  by  the
the
European  Parliament, 
Commission  of  6  March  1995 (1),  is  included  in
this  Decision  for  the  entire  duration  of  the
framework  programme,  without  thereby  affecting
the  powers  of  the  budgetary  authority  as  they  are
defined  by  the  Treaty;

the  Council  and 

(1)  OJ  C  102,  4.4.1996,  p.  4.

(12)  Whereas  Community 

in 

participation 

inconsistent  with 

the
framework  programme  should  correspond  to  the
financial  perspective  in  force  for  the  whole  period
of  the  programme;  whereas  account  should  be
taken  of  the  fact  that  a  new  financial  perspective
will  be  negotiated  during  the  course  of  the  fifth
framework  programme;  whereas,  if  the  financial
reference  amount  were 
the
amount  available  for  research  within  the  financial
perspective  then  in  force,  or  if  there  were  no
financial perspective in force, it would be necessary
to  decide  on  a  new  financial  reference  amount
under  the  conditions  provided  for  in  the  Treaty;
whereas  there  should  be  equivalent  arrangements
for 
training  programmes;
whereas,  in  the  absence  of  such  arrangements,  the
research  and  training  programmes  could  not  be
impelemented since they would have been deprived
of  a  legal  base  for  the  expenditures  which  they
foresee;

research  and 

the 

(13)  Whereas  the  criteria  that  have  been  laid  down  to
choose  the  areas  covered  by  the  fifth  framework
scientific  and
programme  and 
technological  objectives  take 
into  account  the
abovementioned  principles;  whereas  those  criteria
should  also  be  consistently  applied 
the
implementation of the fifth framework programme
in  order  to  ensure  consistency;

related 

the 

in 

(14)  Whereas  the  Joint  Research  Centre  (JRC)  will
implement direct research actions through research
and scientific and technical support activities of an
institutional  character  where  it  has  special  or  even
unique expertise and facilities in the Community or
where  it  is  entrusted  with  activities  necessary  for
the  framing  and  implementation  of  Community
policies  and  tasks  incumbent  on  the  Commission
pursuant  to  the  Treaty  which  require  the  JRC’s
impartiality;  whereas,  in  addition,  the  JRC  will
participate, 
competitive
approach,  in  the  context  of  consortia,  in  carrying
out  research  and  training  activities;

progressively 

in 

a 

(15)  Whereas  the  annual  report  to  be  submitted  to  the
Council  pursuant  to  Article  7  of  the  Treaty  shall
also  be  submitted  by  the  Commission  to  the
European  Parliament;  whereas,  in  accordance  with
the recommendations to be implemented in respect
efficient
of 

transparency 

sound 

and 

and 

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1.2.1999

management, arrangements should also be adopted
for  the  systematic  examination  of  the  progress  of
the 
its
framework  programme 
fifth 
evaluation;

and 

in  the  fifth  framework  programme  of  the  European
Community  for  research,  technological  development  and
demonstration  activities  (1998  to  2002),  while  fully
respecting  the  legally  independent  nature  of  these  two
programmes.

(16)  Whereas,  in  order  to  ensure  consistency  between
the  research  activities  undertaken  under 
the
Euratom  Treaty  and  those  carried  out  under  the
Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community,  the
Decision  concerning  the  framework  programme  of
the 
research,
technological  development  and  demonstration
activities  should  be  adopted  at  the  same  time  and
framework
for 
programme;

European  Community 

same  period 

this 

the 

for 

as 

(17)  Whereas  the  Scientific  and  Technical  Committee
has  been  consulted  by  the  Commission  and  has
delivered  its  opinion,

HAS  DECIDED  AS  FOLLOWS:

Article  1

Article  2

1.  (a)  The 

amount 

financial 

reference 

the
implementation of this framework programme for
the  period  1998  to  2002  shall  be  ECU  1 260
million,  of  which  ECU  788  million  shall  be  for
controlled  thermonuclear  fusion  and  CU  281
million  shall  be  for  the  JRC.

for 

Of  this  amount:

—  ECU  310  million  is  for  the  period  1998  to

1999,

—  ECU  950  million  is  for  the  period  2000  to

2002.

1. A multiannual framework programme for all research
activities, including demonstration activities, and training
activities  in  the  field  of  nuclear  energy,  hereinafter
referred to as the ‘fifth framework programme’, is hereby
adopted  for  the  period  1998  to  2002.

(b) The figure of ECU 950 million shall be deemed to
be  confirmed  if  it  is  consistent  with  the  financial
perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002. In
the case of any new financial perspective in force,
this  condiiton  shall  be  met  only  if

2. The  fifth  framework  programme  shall  cover  the  area
of  controlled  thermonuclear  fusion  and  energy  systems
related to nuclear fission, as well as that of industrial and
medical  uses  of  radiation  and  natural  sources  of
radiation.

Those  areas  shall  include,  in  addition  to  the  thematic
aspects,  horizontal  aspects  concerning  cooperation  with
third  countries  and 
international  organisations,  the
dissemination  and  exploitation  of  rsults  of  research  and
training activities, and the stimulation of the training and
mobility  of  Community  researchers.

3. The  criteria  for  selecting  the  areas  referred  to  in
paragraph  2  and  the  related  objectives  are  set  out  in
Annex  I.  They  shall  apply  for  the  implementation  of  the
fifth  framework  programme.

4. The  general  outlines  of  the  aforementioned  areas,
their  scientific  and  technological  objectives  and  the
related  priorities  are  set  out  in  Annex  II.

5. The  activities  carried  out  in  the  fifth  framework
programme  shall  be  closely  coordinated,  as  appropriate,
with the activities in the field of energy research described

—  the  financial  perspective  indicates  the  share  of

expenditure  available  for  research,  and

—  that share permits Community participation of
ECU  950  million  in  the  period  2000  to
2002.

(c)  If  the  figure  of  ECU  950  million  is  not  consistent
with  the  financial  perspective  in  force  in  the
period  2000  to  2002,  or  if  there  is  no  financial
perspective  in  force  in  those  years,  the  Council,
acting under the conditions provided for in Article
7  of  the  Treaty,  shall:

—  set  a  new  financial  reference  amount,

—  adapt  the  amounts  deemed  necessary  for  the
research  and  training  programmes  referred  to
in  Article  3,  so  as  to  ensure  their  consistency
with  the  new  financial  reference  amount.

indents, 

Pending the decisions provided for in the first and
second 
training
programmes shall not be implemented beyond the
provision 
indent  of  the  second
in  the  first 
subparagraph  of  subparagraph  (a).

research  and 

the 

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2. The  amounts  mentioned  in  paragraph  1  shall  be
subject  to  revision  should  new  Member  States  accede
before  the  framework  programme  expires.

Article  3

fifth 

framework 
1. The 
implemented 
two 
programmes,  on  of  which  shall  be  specific  to  the  JRC.

programme 
research  and 

be
training

through 

shall 

Each  research  and  training  programme  shall  specify  its
precise  objectives  on  the  lines  of  the  scientific  and
technological  objectives  in  Annex  II,  define  the  detailed
rules  for  its  implementation,  fix  its  duration  and  provide
for  the  means  deemed  necessary.

The Commission will establish and publish under its own
a  detailed  manual  of  operational
responsibility 
procedures  and  guidelines  for  the  selection  of  research
and  training  activities.2.
Implementation  of  the  fifth
framework  prgramme  may  give  rise,  where  necessary,  to
supplementary  programmes.  It  may  also  give  rise  to  the
conclusion  of  agreements  with 
third  countries  or
international  organisations  within  the  meaning  of  Article
101  of  the  Treaty.

Article  4

The  detailed  rules  for  financial  participation  by  the
European  Atomic  Energy  Community 
fifth
framework  programme  shall  be  those  laid  down  in
accordance  with 
the  special  provisions  concerning
research and technological development appropriations in
the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget
of  the  European  Communities,  as  supplemented  by
Annex  III  to  this  Decision.

the 

in 

Article  5

1. The  Commission  shall  continually  and  systematically
monitor each year, with the help of independent qualified
experts,  the  implementation  of  the  fifth  framework
programme  and  its  research  and  training  programmes  in
the  light  of  the  criteria  set  out  in  Annex  I  and  the
scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II.
It  shall  assess,  in  particular,  whether  the  objectives,
priorities  and  financial  resources  are  still  appropriate  to
the changing situation. Where appropriate, it shall submit
framework
proposals 
programme and/or the research and training programmes,
taking  account  of  the  results  of  this  assessment.

to  adapt  or  supplement 

the 

2. Before  submitting  its  proposal  for  a  sixth  framework
programme,  the  Commission  shall  have  an  external
assessment  conducted  by  independent  highly  qualified
experts  into  the  implementation  of  the  activities  in  the
areas  referred  to  in  Article  1(2),  carried  out  during  the
five  years  preceding  that  assessment,  in  the  light  of  the
criteria set out in Annex I, the scientific and technological
objectives  set  out  in  Annex  II  and  the  implementation  of
this  Decision  via  the  research  and  training  programmes
based  thereon.  The  Commission  shall  communicate  the
conclusions  thereof,  together  with  its  comments,  to  the
European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and
Social  Committee.

3. The  independent  qualified  experts  referred  to  in
paragraphs  1  and  2  shall  be  chosen  on  the  grounds  of
their  expertise  and  personal  apitude  by  the  Commission,
which  shall  take  into  account,  in  a  balanced  fashion,  the
various  research  players.

The  Commission  shall  make  known  the  full  list  of
experts and their individual qualifications following their
appointment.

4. The  Commission  shall  regularly  inform  the  European
Parliament and the Council on the overall progress of the
implementation  of  the  framework  programme  and  the
specific  programmes.  In  particular,  the  Commission  shall
submit  a  report  to  the  European  Parliament  and  the
Council  at  the  beginning  of  each  year.  The  report  shall
cover  in  particular  the  research  and  training  activities
carried  out  during  the  preceding  year  and  the  work
programme  for  the  year  in  progress.

Article  6

Halfway  through  the  term  of  the  fifth  framework
programme,  the  Commission  shall  review  progres  with
the  programme  and  shall  submit  to  the  European
Parliament  and  to  the  Council,  on  the  basis  of  the
training
assessments  of 
programmes, 
if
communication 
appropriate,  by  a  proposal  to  the  Council  for  the
adaptation  of  this  Decision.

the  various  research  and 

accompanied, 

a 

Done  at  Brussels,  22  December  1998.

For  the  Council

The  President

C.  EINEM

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ANNEX  I

CRITERIA  FOR  SELECTING  THE  AREAS  AND  OBJECTIVES

1.  The  European  Atomic  Energy  Community’s  research  policy  in  the  field  of  nuclear  energy  is  directed
towards  strengthening  the  scientific  and  technological  bases  of  the  civil  nuclear  industry  in  the
Community  and  encouraging  it  to  become  more  competitive  at  international  level,  while  promoting  all
the research and training activities deemed necessary for the implementation of the policies laid down in
the  EAEC  Treaty.  It  shall  also  contribute  to  promoting  the  quality  of  life  of  the  Community’s  citizens
and  to  the  sustainable  development  of  the  Community  as  a  whole,  including  the  ecological  aspects.  Its
implementation is based on the twin principles of scientific and technological excellence and relevance to
the  abovementioned  objectives.

Moreover, in pursuit of a cost-benefit approach dictated by concern for optimum allocation of European
public  funding  and  in  accordance  with  the  subsidiarity  principle,  themes  for  the  Fifth  Framework
Programme and the related objectives will be selected on the basis that the Community shall take action
only  if,  and  insofar  as,  the  objectives  cannot  be  sufficiently  achieved  by  the  Member  States.

2.  In application of the foregoing principles, the Framework Programme shall be defined on the basis of a

set  of  common  criteria,  divided  into  three  categories:

—  criteria  related  to  the  Community  ‘value  added’  and  the  subsidiarity  principle:

—  need  to  establish  a  ‘critical  mass’  in  human  and  financial  terms,  in  particular  through  the
combination  of  the  complementary  expertise  and  resources  available  in  the  various  Member
States,

—  significant  contribution  to  the  implementation  of  one  or  more  Community  policies,

—  adressing  of  problems  arising  at  Community  level,  or  questions  relating  to  aspects  of

standardisation,  or  questions  connected  with  the  development  of  the  European  area,

so  as  to  select  only  objectives  which  are  more  efficiently  pursued  at  the  Community  level  by  means
of  research  activities  conducted  at  that  level;

—  criteria  related  to  social  objectives:

—  improving  the  employment  situation,

—  promoting  the  quality  of  life  and  health,

—  preserving  the  environment,

in  order  to  attain  major  social  objectives  of  Euratom  reflecting  the  expectations  and  concerns  of  its
citizens;

—  criteria  related  to  economic  development  and  scientific  and  technological  prospects:

—  areas  which  are  expanding  and  create  good  growth  prospects,

—  areas  in  which  Community  undertakings  can  and  must  become  more  competitive,

—  areas  in  which  prospects  of  significant  scientific  and  technological  progress  are  opening  up,

offering  possibilities  for  dissemination  and  exploitation  of  results  in  the  medium  or  long  term,

in  order  to  contribute  to  the  harmonious  and  sustainable  development  of  the  Community  as  a
whole.

3.  These  criteria  will  be  used,  and  where  necessary  supplemented,  for  the  implementation  of  the  fifth
framework programme, in order to define the research and training programmes and select the research
activities,  including  demonstration  activities,  and  training  activities.  The  three  categories  of  criteria  will
apply  simultaneously  and  must  all  be  met,  although  to  a  different  extent  from  case  to  case.

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ANNEX  II

BROAD  LINES  OF  THE  AREAS’  SCIENTIFIC  AND  TECHNOLOGICAL  OBJECTIVES

Nuclear energy provides more than 35 % of the electricity generated in the European Community. It
makes  a  significant  contribution  to  the  polica  of  diversifying  energy  supply  and  to  reducing  overall
emissions  of  CO2.

Efforts to develop the safety and security of nucelar energy systems can strengthen, in the short and
medium  terms,  the  Community’s  industrial  competitiveness,  through  exploiting  the  European
technological  advance.  In  the 
longer  term,  technologies  with  promising  prospects  require
considerable research efforts at Community and world level. Minimising radiation exposure from all
sources,  including  medical  exposures  and  natural  radiation,  will  improve  the  quality  of  life  and
health  and  will  help  in  addressing  environmental  problems.

I.  AREAS  AND  ORGANISATION  OF  THE  FIFTH  FRAMEWORK  PROGRAMME

1.  The fifth framework programme will cover controlled thermonuclear fusion, nuclear fission, as well

as  industrial  and  medical  uses  of  radiation  and  natural  sources  of  radiation.

2.  With  regard  to  the  thematic  aspects,  the  framework  programme  will  centre  on:

(a)  ‘key actions’

Key  actions  will  be  problem-oriented  and  clearly  defined  corresponding  to  the  criteria  and  be
specifically  targeted  to  the  objectives  of  each  programme  and  to  the  desired  results,  taking  into
account, where appropriate, the views of users. They will have a clear European focus. The ‘key
action’  is  regarded  as  a  cluster  of  small  and  large,  applied,  generic,  and,  as  appropriate,  basic
research  projects  directed  towards  a  common  European  challenge  or  problem,  not  excluding
global issues.

The  research  activities  carried  out  in  this  context  will  integrate  the  entire  spectrum  of  activities
and  disciplines  needed  to  achieve  the  objectives,  and  range  from  basic  research  through
development  to  demonstration.  Appropriate  links  with  relevant  national  and  international
initiatives  (including  complementary  European  RTD  frameworks)  will  be  given  proper
attention;

(b) research  and  technological  development  activities  of  a  generic  nature

These  activities,  which  are  essential  to  achieve  the  objectives  of  the  programme,  will  be  carried
out  in  a  limited  number  of  areas  not  covered  by  the  key  actions.  They  will  complement  the  key
actions.  Their  main  aim  is  to  help  the  European  Community  maintain  and  improve  its  scientific
and technological capability in those areas of research and enabling technologies which should be
used widely;

(c)  enhancing  access  to,  and  optimal  use  of,  research  infrastrutures.

3.  The  horizontal  aspects  comprise:

—  scientific  and  technological  cooperation  with  third  countries  and  international  organisations;  the
programme (both research and training activities) should be open to participation from entities in
third  countries  so  as  to  facilitate  effective  cooperation  in  important  areas  of  research  of  mutual
interest,

—  dissemination  and  optimisation  of  the  results  of  research  and  training  activities,

—  the training and mobility of researchers. The synergy between research and training will continue
to  be  developed.  The  mobility  of  scientists  and  technologists  will  be  increased  and  the  access  to
large-scale  facilities  will  be  facilitated.

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4.  The  activities  of  the  Joint  Research  Centre  (JRC)

The  direct  research  actions  to  be  implemented  by  the  JRC  will  comprise  research  and  scientific
and technical support activities of an institutional character. The JRC may provide support where
it has special or even unique expertise and facilities in the Community or where it is tasked with
activities  necessary  for  the  framing  and  implementation  of  Community  policies  and  tasks
incumbent on the Commission pursuant to the Treaty which require the JRC’s impartiality. The
JRC will carry out its activities in close cooperation with the scientific community and enterprises
in  Europe.  Exchanges  between  the  JRC  and  univesities,  research  institutes  and  industry  will  be
encouraged.

The  appropriations  made  available  to  the  JRC  constitute  a  maximum  amount.  In  addition,  the
JRC may endeavour to secure funds from other sources. The relevant JRC management rules and
regulations  will  apply  to  these  allocations.

The  JRC  is  also  progressively  involved  in  competitive  activities.

II.  SCIENTIFIC  AND  TECHNOLOGICAL  OBJECTIVES

(a)  Key  actions

1.  K e y   a c t i o n :   c o n t r o l l e d   t h e r m o n u c l e a r   f u s i o n

(i)  The  long-term  objective  of  the  fusion  activities,  embracing  all  the  research  activities
undertaken  in  the  Member  States  aimed  at  harnessing  fusion,  is  the  joint  creation  of
prototype  reactors  for  power  stations  to  meet  the  needs  of  society:  operational  safety,
environmental compatibility, economic viability.

The  proposed  strategy  to  achieve  the  long-term  objective  includes  the  development  of  an
experimental  reactor  (the  Next  Step)  followed  by  a  demonstration  reactor  (DEMO),
accompanied  by  physics  and  technology  R  &  D  activities,  also  involving  European
industry.

In  the  context  of  this  strategy,  construction  of  an  experimental  reactor  is  necessary  and,  in
the  light  of  progress  to  date,  seems  technically  feasible  during  the  next  decade.  This  should
take  place  within  the  framework  of  international  cooperation,  such  as  the  international
thermonuclear  experimental  reactor  (ITER).

The  aim  of  this  key  action  is  to  develop  further  the  necessary  basis  for  the  possible
construction  of  an  experimental  reactor.  This  key  action  should  thus  enhance  the
Community’s preparedness, from a scientific, technical, financial and organizational point of
view,  to  decide  on  and  support  such  a  future  experimental  reactor.

(ii)  During  the  period  of  the  fifth  framework  programme,  implementation  of  the  strategy  will

entail:

—  Next  Step  activities:  the  fusion  physics  and  technology  activities  needed  mainly  in  the
associations, Joint European Torus (JET) and European industry to develop the capacity
to construct and experimental reactor and prepare to operate it; Europe will continue to
participate  in  the  detailed  engineering  design  activities  (EDA),  including  procurement
specifications  and  licensing  preparations  for  ITER  with  a  view  to  its  possible
construction,

—  concept  improvements:  structured  activities  in  the  field  of  physics  to  improve  the  basic
concepts of fusion devices, including from the perspective of preparing the Next Step and
the  conceptual  definition  of  DEMO,

—  long-term  technology:  structured  technological  activities  for  the  longer  term  which  are
essential  to  make  progress  with  harnessing  fusion,  in  particular  to  prepare  for  DEMO
and  then  the  prototype  reactor.

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(iii)  In the context of this strategy, the contribution of fusion power 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  full-scale  operation  of  the  JET,  the  main  instrument  from  which  data  can  be
extrapolated  for  the  experimental  reactor,  will  be  completed.  Before  the  joint  undertaking
expires, the possible extended use of the JET facilities will be explored. They could be used
to  obtain  further  knowledge  for  the  Next  Step.

As  an  integral  part  of  this  key  action,  the  following  activities  will  also  be  carried  out:
coordination, in the context of a keep-in-touch activity, of the Member States’ civil research
activities  on  inertial  confinement  and  possible  alternative  concepts;  a  fresh  assessment  of
safety  and  environmental  aspects;  dissemination  of  results  and  the  diffusion  of  information
to  the  public;  mobility  and  training.

2.  K e y   a c t i o n :   n u c l e a r   f i s s i o n

(i)  The aim of this key action is to help ensure the safety of Europe’s nuclear installations and
to  improve  the  competitiveness  of  Europe’s  industry;  to  ensure  the  protection  of  workers
and  the  public  from  radiation;  to  support  the  application  of  international  safeguards  on
nuclear materials; and to help ensure the safe and effective management and final disposal of
radioactive waste.

(ii)  Research  will  focus  on:

—  the  operational  safety  of  existing  installations:

measures  to  maintain  and  improve  the  safety  of  existing  installations,  including  safety
aspects  relating  to  prolongation  of  the  life-span  of  reactors,

—  safety  of  the  fuel  cycle:

measures  to  maintain  and  improve  the  safety  of  the  entire  cycle,  in  particular:
technological  aspects  of  severe  accidents,  strategies  and  methods  for  the  prevention  and
management of accident and post-accident situations; a scientifically founded approach to
the management and disposal of radioactive waste, especially long-lived radioactive waste,
and  its  reduction  to  a  minimum,  including  by  the  transmutation  of  long-lived  isotopes
into  short-lived  isotopes,  technological  and  operational  reliability  of  final  repositories,
including  experiments 
large-scale  facilities;  development  of  best  practices  and
maintaining  and  updating  databases,  including  on  decommissioning  of  nuclear  facilities,

in 

—  safety  and  efficiency  of  future  systems:

studies on advanced and more efficient fuels, future and innovative systems, facilities and
concepts.  These  studies  will  cover  safety  analysis,  impact  on  man  and  the  environment,
and  the  most  promising  approaches  from  a  technological,  economic  and  competition
viewpoint, 
in  a  sustainable
development  perspective,

including  safeguards  and  non-proliferation  aspects, 

—  safeguards  on  nuclear  materials:

technologies  and  methods  of  nuclear  materials  safeguards  to  meet  recent  developments:
changes  in  the  fuel  cycle,  the  sharp  rise  in  the  stock  of  fissile  materials  due  to  nuclear
disarmament, the extra obligations arising out of new international agreements, the illicit
traffic  in  fissile  materials;  scientific  and  technological  cooperation,  as  appropriate,  with
the  IAEA  in  Vienna,

—  radiation  protection:

radiation protection specific to nuclear installations for the protection of workers and the
public,  in  support  of  regulatory  and  operational  aspects;  the  management  of  nuclear
emergencies  and  the  restoration  of  contaminated  environments.

(iii)  Cooperation with the countries of eastern and central Europe and the new independent States
in  the  area  of  nuclear  fission  will  focus  on:  research  aimed  at  helping  these  countries  and
States  in  improving  the  safety  of  their  reactors;  waste  management;  radiation  protection;  the
effects  of  long-term  radiation  damage  and  the  control  of  fissile  materials.

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Participation  of  these  countries  and  States  will  be  encouraged  through  appropriate  financial
support  from  the  Community,  where  such  participation  will  make  a  substantial  contribution
to  the  aims  of  the  programme  and  is  thus  in  the  Community’s  interest.  Where  appropriate,
synergy  should  by  sought  with  other  relevant  Community  instruments.

(b) Research  and  technological  development  activities  of  a  generic  nature

Efforts  will  be  focused  on  the  research  needed  to  consolidate  and  advance  European  knowledge  and
competence  in:

—  radiological  protection  and  health  with  the  emphasis  on  understanding  and  awareness  of  the
hazards  related  to  ionising  radiatiion  and  radioactivity,  more  especially  the  effects  of  low-dose
raiation,  particularly  on  humans,  and  including  epidemiological  studies,

—  environmental  transfer  of  radioactivity,

—  enhancing  the  safety  and  efficacity  of  medical  and  industrial  uses  of  radiation  and  better

assessment  of  exposures  from  sources  of  natural  radiation,

—  improvements  in  internal  and  external  dosimetry.

(c)  Enhancing  access  to  an  doptimising  use  of  research  infrastructures

The  priority  is  to  make  optimal  use  of,  enhance  access  to  and  improve  the  consistency  of  the
European  research  fabric  of  infrastructures  (large  facilities,  networks  of  distribute  facilities,
infrastructural  centres  of  competence)  to  the  extent  that  such  measures  are  not  undertaken  by  other
activities of the framework programme. To this end, measures are envisaged to help researchers with
transnational  access  to  infrastructures  which  are  of  Community-wide  interest  on  account  of  their
rarity  and/or  specialisation.

Complementary  measures  may  include,  where  relevant,  support  for  setting  up  networks  between
infrastructure  operators  and  for  research  projects  which  enhande  access  to  infrastructures.

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ANNEX  III

RULES  FOR  FINANCIAL  PARTICIPATION  BY  EURATOM

The  European  Atomic  Energy  Community  will  contribute  financially  to  the  research  and  technological
activities,  including  demonstration  activities,  and  training  activities,  hereinafter  referred  to  as  ‘indirect
actions’,  carried  out  under  the  programmes  implementing  the  framework  programme.  In  addition,  it  will
carry  out  directly  research  and  technological  activities,  including  demonstration  activities,  and  training
activities,  hereinafter  referred  to  as  ‘direct  actions’.

1.  INDIRECT  ACTIONS

The  indirect  actions  will  comprise:  shared-cost  actions,  which  will  be  the  principal  mechanism  for
implementing  the  research  and  training  programmes,  as  well  as  training  fellowships,  support  for
networks,  concerted  actions  and  accompanying  measures.

(a)  Shared-cost  actions

—  Research  and  technological  projects,  demonstration  projects,  combined  research/demonstration

projects:

—  research  and  technological  projects:  projects  designed  to  obtain  new  knowledge  likely  to  be
useful  either  to  develop  new  or  significantly  improve  existing  products,  processes  and/or
services  and/or  to  meet  the  needs  of  Community  policies,

—  demonstration  projects:  projects  designed  to  prove  the  viability  of  new  technologies  which

offer  a  potential  economic  advantage  but  which  cannot  be  commercialised  directly,

—  combined  research/demonstration  projects:  projects  with  both  a  research  component  and  a

demonstration  component,

—  enhancing  access  to  research  infrastructures:

In  addition  to  measures  in  support  of  research  infrastructure  within  the  other  indirect  actions,
support  for  enhancing  access  to  research  infrastructures  will  be  granted  towards  the  additional
costs  of  receiving  Community  researchers  and  making  facilities  available.

(b) Training  fellowships

In the context of the training and mobility of researchers (‘Marie Curie fellowships’), fellows will be
provided  an  allowance  which  will  include  provision  for  proper  social  welfare  expenses  and  a
contribution  to  costs  involved  in  mobility.  There  will  also  be  a  contribution  to  the  eligible  costs  of
the  host  institution  when  it  is  in  the  Community.

(c)  Support  for  research  training  networks  and  thematic  networks

—  Research  training  networks:  support  will  be  granted  towards  the  additional  eligible  costs

connected  with  setting  up  and  maintaining  the  network,

—  Thematic  networks:  networks  bringing  together,  for  instance,  manufacturers,  users,  universities,
research  centres,  organisations  and  research  infrastructures  around  a  given  scientific  and
technological  objective,  so  as  to  facilitate  coordination  of  activities  and  transfer  of  knowledge.
Support  will  be  granted  towards  the  additional  eligible  costs  of  coordinating  and  implementing
the  network.

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(d) Concerted  actions

Concerted  actions  will  be  designed  to  coordinate  projects  already  in  receipt  of  funding,  in  order  to
exchange experience acquired, to expand the research efforts of the various players so as to reach a
critical  mass,  to  disseminate  results  and  to  inform  users.

(e)  Accompanying measures

Accompanying  measures  will  contribute  to  the  implementation  of  the  research  and  training
programmes  or  the  preparation  of  future  activities,  with  a  view  to  enabling  them  to  achieve  their
strategic  objectives.  They  will  also  seek  to  prepare  or  support  the  other  indirect  actions.  Measures
devoted  to  the  commercialisation  of  products,  processes  or  services,  marketing  activities  and  sales
promotion  are  excluded.

The Decisions adopting the research and training programmes may spell out in more detail the indirect
actions  described  above,  supplement  them  or  subject  them  to  additional  conditions  or  limitations.

The  rules  for  the  participation  of  undertakings,  research  centres  and  universities  in  indirect  actions  are
specified  in  Council  Decision  1999/66/Euratom  of  22  December  1998  concerning  the  rules  for  the
participation  of  undertakings,  research  centres  and  universities  in  the  implementation  of  the  fifth
framework  programme  of  the  European  Atomic-Energy  Community  (Euratom)  (1998-2002) (1).  The
dissemination  of  research  results  will  be  carried  out  in  accordance  with  Title  II,  Chapter  2  of  the
Treaty.

In  addition  to  the  direct  actions  described  below,  the  JRC  will  progressively  compete  for  funds  for  the
indirect  actions  of  the  framework  programme.

2.  DIRECT  ACTIONS

The  direct  actions  to  be  implemented  by  the  JRC  will  comprise  research  and  scientific  and  technical
support  activities  of  an  institutional  character.  The  JRC  may  provide  support  where  it  has  special  or
even unique expertise and facilities in the Community or where it is tasked with activities necessary for
the  framing  and  implementation  of  European  Atomic  Energy  Community  policies  and  tasks  incumbent
on the Commission pursuant to the European Treaty which require the JRC’s impartiality. The JRC will
carry  out  its  activities  in  close  operation  with  the  scientific  community  and  enterprises  in  Europe.

3.  RATES  OF  PARTICIPATION

In  the  Decisions  adopting  the  research  and  training  programmes  implementing  the  fifth  Euratom
framework programme there can be no derogations from the financial participation rates set out below,
with  the  exception  of  duly  justified  special  cases.

(1)  See  page  56  of  this  Official  Journal.

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Activity

Rate  of  framework  programme  participation

Indirect  actions

Research  and  technological  projects

50 %  of  the  total  eligible  costs (1)

Demonstration  projects

35 %  of  the  total  eligible  costs (2)

Combined  research/demonstration  projects

35 %  to  50 %  of  the  total  eligible  costs (1) (2)

Support  for  access  to  research  infrastructures

Maximum  of  100 %  of  additional  eligible  costs

Training fellowships

Research  training  networks
Thematic  networks

Concerted  actions

Accompanying measures

Maximum  of  100 %  of  additional  eligible
costs (3)

Maximum  of  100 %  of  additional  eligible  costs

Maximum  of  100 %  of  additional  eligible  costs

Maximum  of  100 %  of  additional  eligible  costs

Direct  actions

100 %  of  the  costs

(1)  In the special case of legal entities which do not keep analytical accounts, the additional costs generated as a result

of  the  research  will  be  financed  at  the  rate  of  100 %.

(2)  35 %  for  the  demonstration  part,  50 %  for  the  research  part.
(3)  In  the  case  of  industrial  host  fellowships,  this  will  normally  approximate  to  50 %  of  the  total  eligible  costs.

4.  OTHER  ACTIONS

The  rules  for  participation  by  the  European  Atomic  Energy  Community  in  the  JET  Joint  Undertaking,
Next Step/ITER activities, Contracts of Association and in certain tasks which can only be performed by
industry  will  be  specified  in  the  corresponding  research  and  training  programme.