1999/175/Euratom: Council Decision of 25 January 1999 adopting a research and training programme (Euratom) in the field of nuclear energy (1998 to 2002)
Date: 1999-01-25
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: nuclear energy, nuclear policy, scientific education, scientific research

L 64/142

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

12.3.1999

COUNCIL DECISION

of 25 January 1999

adopting a research and training programme (Euratom) in the field of nuclear energy

(1998 to 2002)

(1999/175/Euratom)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

regard
Having
Commission (1),

to

the

proposal

from the

Having regard to the opinion of
Parliament (2),

the European

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

(1) Whereas by Decision 1999/64/Euratom (4), the
Council adopted the fifth framework programme
the European Atomic Energy Community
of
(hereinafter referred to as (cid:28)the fifth framework
programme’)
training
(hereinafter referred to as (cid:28)RT’) activities for the
period 1998 to 2002 setting out
the general
technological
outlines
objectives of the research and training activities
to be carried out in the field of nuclear energy;

scientific

research

and

and

and

for

(2) Whereas Article 3 of

stipulates
be
shall

the
that
implemented

fifth framework
framework
the
programme
programme
through
specific research and training programmes drawn
up in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty;
whereas each programme defines the detailed
rules for its implementation, fixes its duration
and provides for the means deemed necessary;

(3) Whereas,

in accordance with Article 4(2) of
Council Decision 94/268/Euratom of 26 April
1994
framework
the
programme of Community activities in the field
of
the European
Atomic Energy Community (1994 to 1998) (5)

research and training for

concerning

fourth

(1) OJ C 236, 28.7.1998, p. 10.
(2) Opinion delivered on 15 December 1998 (not yet

published in the Official Journal).

(3) OJ C 407, 28.12.1998, p. 123.
(4) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 34.
(5) OJ L 115, 6.5.1994, p. 31. Decision as last amended by
Decision 96/253/Euratom (OJ L 86, 4.4.1996, p. 72).

and Article 4(2) of the Council Decisions on the
specific programmes implementing the fourth
the Commission has
framework programme,
arranged for an external assessment
to be
transmitted to the
conducted which it has
European Parliament,
the Council and the
Economic and Social Committee together with
its conclusions and comments;

(4) Whereas,

in accordance with Article 7 of the
Treaty, Council Decision 1999/66/Euratom of
22 December 1998 concerning the rules for the
participation of undertakings, research centres
and universities for the implementation of the
the European
fifth framework programme of
(hereinafter
Atomic
referred to as (cid:28)the rules for participation’) applies
to this specific programme; whereas these rules
allow the participation of
the Joint Research
Centre in the indirect actions covered by this
specific programme;

Energy Community (6)

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

(6) 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;

it

that

is
and

important
user

the scientific,
(7) Whereas
should
industrial
contribute substantially to the definition of
activities
to be undertaken and should be
involved, as appropriate, in the implementation
of this programme;

communities

(8) Whereas

fifth
research activities under
framework programme should also be geared
towards innovation in order to contribute, inter
alia, to the objectives of the first action plan for
innovation;

the

(6) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 56.

12.3.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 64/143

(9) Whereas

implementation of

JET (Joint
European Torus) project has been given to the
Joint European Torus (JET) joint undertaking set
up under Council Decision 78/471/Euratom (1);

the

(10) Whereas the equal opportunities policy of the
Community must be taken into account in the
implementation of this programme;

(11) Whereas efficient and transparent management
contributes to a more effective and user-friendly
programme;

(12) Whereas administrative expenditure should be
included in the Community budget
in a
transparent fashion;

(13) Whereas the implementation of this programme
should be monitored with a view to adapting it,
where appropriate, to scientific and technological
developments; whereas
there
should also be an assessment of progress with
the programme by independent experts;

in due

course

2. Of the amount in paragraph 1:

— EUR 238,2 million is for the period 1998 to 1999,

and

— EUR 740,8 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

In the case referred to in Article 2(1)(c) of the fifth
framework programme, the Council shall adapt the
latter figure in accordance with Article 2(1)(c), second
indent of the fifth framework programme. Pending a
decision by the Council, this specific programme shall
not be implemented beyond the provision of the first
indent.

The budgetary authority shall,

3.
in compliance
with the scientific and technological objectives and
priorities
the
laid down in this Decision,
appropriations for each financial year taking into
resources within the
account
multiannual financial perspective.

the availability of

set

(14) Whereas the Scientific and Technical Committee

(STC) has been consulted,

Article 3

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In accordance with Article 3(1) of the fifth framework
programme, the specific programme on research and
training in the field of nuclear energy (hereinafter
referred to as
is hereby
adopted for the period from 25 January 1999 to
31 December 2002.

the specific programme)

the

The

general

outlines,

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

scientific

2.
In accordance with these principles and criteria
the selection criteria indicated in Article 9 of the rules
for participation 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.

Article 2

The rules for participation shall apply to the

3.
specific programme.

In accordance with Article 2 of

1.
fifth
framework programme, the amount deemed necessary
for carrying out the specific programme is EUR 979
including a maximum of 13,5 % for the
million,
Commission’s administrative expenditure.

the

4.
The detailed rules for financial participation by
the Community in the specific programme are those
referred to in Article 4 of
the fifth framework
programme.

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

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

(1) OJ L 151, 7.6.1978, p. 10. Decision as last amended by
Decision 98/585/Euratom (OJ L 282, 20.10.1998, p. 65).

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

L 64/144

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

12.3.1999

Article 4

to all
including in electronic form.

interested parties

in a user-friendly form,

In the light of the criteria referred to in Article 3, and
and
the
priorities set out in Annex II, the Commission:

technological

objectives

scientific

and

(a) shall monitor, with appropriate assistance from
independent external experts, the implementation
of the specific programme and, where appropriate,
submit proposals to the Council for adapting it, in
accordance with Article
fifth
framework programme;

5(1)

the

of

in Article 5(2) of

(b) shall arrange for the external assessment provided
fifth framework
for
programme
the
activities carried out in the fields covered by the
specific programme.

conducted concerning

to be

the

Article 5

The Commission shall draw up a work

1.
programme specifying:

(a) in greater detail, the objectives and RT priorities of

Annex II;

(b) the indicative timetable for the implementation of

the specific programme;

(c) the coordination arrangements set out in Annex III;

(d) where necessary,

the selection criteria and the
arrangements for applying them for each type of
indirect RT action.

The work programme shall

take account of
2.
relevant interests, in particular the scientific, industrial
and user communities. It shall serve as a basis for
implementing the indirect RT actions according to the
procedures set out in the rules for participation.

3.
The work programme shall be updated where
appropriate and be made available by the Commission

Article 6

The Commission

1.
implementing this specific programme.

shall be

responsible

for

of

of

the

For

purposes

implementing

committee. The members

2.
this
programme the Commission shall be assisted by a
this
consultative
committee can vary according to the different subjects
on the committee’s agenda. For fission-related aspects,
the composition of this committee and the detailed
operational rules and procedures applicable to it shall
be as laid down in Council Decision 84/338/Euratom,
ECSC, EEC (1)
and
coordination
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.

dealing with management
For
committees.

advisory

Article 7

In accordance with Article 5(4) of the fifth framework
programme, the Commission shall regularly inform
the
the Council and the European Parliament of
the
implementation of
the
overall progress of
programme.

Article 8

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 25 January 1999.

For the Council

The President

J. FISCHER

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

12.3.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 64/145

ANNEX I

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT DEEMED NECESSARY

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 infrastructures

(million EUR)

Amount

788

142

39

10

979

Total

L 64/146

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

12.3.1999

ANNEX II

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

INTRODUCTION

The availability of secure, sustainable and competitive sources of energy is essential to economic
growth, prosperity and quality of life in the industrialised world. 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. These problems can only be mitigated
through concerted international effort to develop promising technologies. In view of the expected
growth in demand for energy, continuing use will need to be made of all potential sources. Nuclear
energy makes a significant contribution to the policy of diversifying energy supply and reducing overall
emissions of CO2.

Nuclear energy has the potential to provide Europe with a secure and sustainable electricity supply at
a competitive price. Efforts to develop the safety and security of nuclear energy systems can strengthen
the Community’s industrial competitiveness, through exploiting the European technological advance
and enhance the acceptability of nuclear energy. Minimising radiation exposure from all sources,
including medical exposures and natural radiation, will improve the quality of life and will help in
addressing health and environmental problems.

Strategic objective of the programme

The aim of this programme is to help exploit the full potential of nuclear energy, both fusion and
fission, in a sustainable manner, by making current technologies even safer and more economical, and
by exploring promising new 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 a decision on and the possible construction of an experimental reactor, as well
as basic concepts and technologies required in the longer term,

— a key action on nuclear fission, the aims of which are to enhance the safety of Europe’s nuclear
installations, to improve the competitiveness of Europe’s industry, to ensure the protection of
workers and the public from radiation and to help solve waste management and disposal
problems,

— 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 concerning
radiological protection and health.

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

Aspects which are relevant to all parts of the programme comprise scientific and technological
cooperation with third countries and international organisations to facilitate effective cooperation in
important areas of research of mutual interest; the dissemination and optimisation of results; and the
training and mobility of researchers to develop the synergy between research and training and facilitate
the access to large-scale facilities.

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

12.3.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 64/147

(a) KEY ACTIONS

(i) Controlled thermonuclear fusion

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T p r i o r i t i e s

Within the context of the long-term objectives of the fusion activities set out in the fifth framework
programme, the aim of this key action is to further develop the necessary basis for the possible
construction of an experimental reactor (the (cid:28)Next step’), with the objective of demonstrating the
scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power production as well as its potential safety and
environmental benefits. In the longer term, it will prepare for the development of a demonstration
reactor (DEMO). This activity will be accompanied by relevant physics and technology R&D
activities, also involving European industry. In the context of this strategy, the prospect of constructing
an experimental reactor should be pursued within the framework of international cooperation such as
the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER). This key action should thus enhance the
Community’s preparedness, from a scientific, technical, financial and organisational point of view, to
decide on and support such a future experimental reactor.

The contribution of fusion to safe and clean base-load electricity generation will be investigated in the
wider context of studies on the socioeconomic 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.

The above strategy will entail three main lines:

— Next-step activities

The fusion physics and technology activities will aim to develop the capacity, especially within the
associations, JET and the European industry, to construct and operate an experimental reactor.
Europe will continue to participate in the ITER engineering design activities (EDA) with a view to
its possible 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;
adaptation of the design of the experimental reactor to at least one possible specific site within the
EU and initiation of the dialogue with the potential licensing authorities; to complete the full-scale
operation of JET; the possible extended use of the JET facilities by teams from organisations
associated with Euratom to obtain further knowledge for the Next step will be explored,

— Concept improvements

Structured activities in the field of physics will focus on improving the basic concepts of fusion
devices, including from the perspective of preparing the Next step and the conceptual definition of
DEMO.

Research priorities: the construction, the exploitation and the upgrading of fusion devices, decided
on 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, which includes the main line tokamak research and the pursuit of a range of options
such as the stellarator, the spherical tokamak and the reversed field pinch, coordination in the
context of a keep-in-touch activity of the national civil research activities on inertial confinement
and possible alternative concepts,

— Long-term technology

Structured technological activities will be aimed at preparing,
demonstration reactor (DEMO) and then a prototype reactor.

in the longer term,

for the

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; a
conceptual study of a DEMO reference design.

L 64/148

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

12.3.1999

In addition, the socioeconomic aspects of fusion will be investigated. These socioeconomic studies will
include evaluation of economic costs and of social acceptability of fusion, in comparison with other
energy sources and should help in evaluating its potential
to contribute to sustainable energy
generation. Supplementing the technological activities, these studies will inform decisions for the future
orientation of the programme.

(ii) Nuclear fission

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T p r i o r i t i e s

The main objectives are to help ensure the safety of Europe’s nuclear installations, to improve the
competitiveness of Europe’s industry, to ensure the protection of workers and the public and the safe
and effective management and final disposal of radioactive waste and to explore more innovative
concepts
safety, health and
environmental benefits. While mainly scientific or technological in nature, the research will also have a
significant socioeconomic dimension. A further objective is to contribute, through education and
training, towards maintaining within the Union a high level of expertise and competence in nuclear
fission.

that are sustainable and have potential

longer-term economic,

— Operational safety of existing installations

Research will focus on measures to maintain and improve the safety of existing installations,
including the safety aspects of prolonging the lifespan of reactors.

RT priorities: to develop a common basis and common methods for determining safe residual
lifespans; 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; man-machine interface; organisation and management of safety,

— Safety of the fuel cycle

Research will be directed towards the development of improved methods for assessing, managing
and enhancing the safety of the entire cycle, including existing reactors, to provide a better basis
for policy choices, to promote the adoption of best safety practice that is both cost-effective and
acceptable in a broader context, and to enhance public confidence. In particular, issues concerning
the prevention and management of accidents and a scientifically founded approach to the
management and disposal of radioactive waste will be addressed.

RT priorities: technological aspects of severe accidents, strategies and methods for the prevention,
mitigation and management of accident and post-accident situations; to develop a common
understanding and consensus on the management and disposal of radioactive waste, especially
long-lived radioactive waste, and its reduction to a minimum including the potential use of
chemical separation and transmutation of long-lived isotopes into short-lived isotopes; to test and
demonstrate the technical feasibility of deep disposal in underground repositories, including the
assessment of repository performance; the long-term behaviour of repository components and
experiments in large-scale facilities including underground laboratories, improved methods for
including social aspects; development of best practices and
assessing and managing safety,
maintaining and updating databases, including on decommissioning of nuclear facilities,

— Safety and efficiency of future systems

Research will focus on improving the safety and competitiveness of future systems and facilities in
a sustainable development perspective,
including advanced and more efficient fuels and 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),
environmental impact and non-proliferation.

RT priorities: innovative reactor designs and waste-management concepts; new fuels including
better utilisation of fissile material; optimisation of the fuel cycle as a whole, covering safety,

12.3.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 64/149

health and environmental aspects; 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 accidents and radiological
emergencies and to restore contaminated environments. It will focus on satisfying the objectives of
the key action.

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

(b) RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OF A
GENERIC NATURE

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T p r i o r i t i e s

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

— Radiation protection and health

Research will focus on enhancing the understanding of the hazards related to ionising radiation,
especially the effects of low-dose radiation, particularly on humans and improving the basis for
estimating the risks of low and protracted exposure to ionising radiation.

RT priorities: biophysical and molecular-biological aspects of early and late biological effects and
their impact on health linked, inter alia, to DNA lesions; epidemiology; prevention and treatment
of radiation injury,

— Environmental transfer of radioactive material

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

RT priorities: behaviour and fluxes of
vulnerability
environments
methodological bases for restoring contaminated environments,

radionuclides

radioactive

different

of

to

in the biosphere; evaluation of

contamination;

conceptual

the
and

— 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 achieving better radiological protection.

RT priorities:
innovative approaches for medical diagnosis and industrial uses of radiation;
optimisation of radiation protection in industry and medicine; management of exposure to natural
radiation; risk perception and communication,

— Internal and external dosimetry

Research will focus on improving methods for assessing exposure to radiation from external or
internal sources 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.

L 64/150

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

12.3.1999

(c) SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES

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 downsizing of many national nuclear research programmes. More effective integration and better
exploitation of research will be needed to continue ensuring safe use of nuclear energy and to keep
European industry competitive.

O b j e c t i v e s a n d a c t i v i t i e s

The objective is to enhance access to and improve the consistency of the nuclear research fabric within
the Community so that optimal use can be made of the available resources to the competitive
advantage of European industry, and to continue ensuring the safe and acceptable exploitation of
nuclear technologies.

Large-scale facilities

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

Networking

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

Databases and tissue banks

Existing databases will be reinforced and others established where the need arises. Priority areas will
include extending or establishing databases on: decommissioning and dismantling techniques; the
performance and safety of waste disposal; the safety assessment of major components; the mitigation
of severe accidents; epidemiological studies. A data bank of tissues and biological samples from
patients treated by radiotherapy and people affected by nuclear accidents will also be established in
order to develop, inter alia, joint epidemiological and biological studies on radio-induced lesions.

12.3.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 64/151

ANNEX III

SPECIFIC RULES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME

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

1. Accompanying measures

The accompanying measures will comprise in particular:

— studies in support of the specific programme, including the preparation of future activities and in
particular studies on socioeconomic aspects of fusion (such as the evaluation of costs and social
acceptability),

— the exchange of

information, conferences, seminars, workshops and scientific and technical

meetings,

— recourse to external expertise,

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,

including access to scientific databases,

— dissemination,

including scientific publications, and
activities for the exploitation of the results and the transfer of technologies. The dissemination
activities will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Title II, Chapter 2 of the Treaty,

information and communication activities,

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

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

2. Supplementary training schemes

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

— grants for cooperating with third countries: under the key action on nuclear fission, these grants
enable young research workers from the countries of central and eastern Europe and the new
independent States of the former Soviet Union to spend time working at laboratories in the
Community which are involved in implementing the specific programme,

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

3. Financial contribution

The levels of financial contribution towards the various indirect RT actions are as laid down in
Annex III to the fifth framework programme.

L 64/152

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

12.3.1999

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 or any related multilateral agreement between the Community and
the associated organisations (which would also take 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.

shared-cost

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

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

— procurements and services which can only be provided by 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. The detailed rules
governing the Community’s participation in the JET joint undertaking are laid down in the JET
statutes, which were adopted by Council Decision 78/471/Euratom of 30 May 1978 on the
establishment of the Joint European Torus (JET) joint undertaking (1).

The detailed rules governing the Community’s participation in activities related to the detailed ITER
project (ITER-EDA) are laid down in the EDA Agreement (2), in Protocol No 2 to that Agreement and
its accompanying documents (3) and in the amendment extending the EDA Agreement and the relevant
arrangements (4).

4. Additional provisions concerning the rules for participation

The agreements referred to in the second indent of Article 5(1) of the rules for participation are
agreements between the Community and the associated organisations and/or undertakings. The
Committee referred to in Article 6 of the specific programme 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 in
the area of nuclear fission, provided they make an essential contribution to achieving the objectives of
the specific programme which cannot be provided by other means.

(1) OJ L 151, 7.6.1978, p. 10. Decision as last amended by Decision 98/585/Euratom (OJ L 282, 20.10.1998, p. 65).
(2) OJ L 244, 26.8.1992, p. 13.
(3) OJ L 114, 5.5.1994, p. 25.
(4) OJ L 335, 10.12.1998, p. 61.

12.3.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 64/153

5. Coordination arrangements

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

As far as possible, coordination will also be ensured between actions under the specific programme
and those carried out in:

— other specific programmes implementing the fifth framework programme,

— the research, technological development and demonstration programmes implementing European
Parliament and Council Decision No 182/1999/EC of 22 December 1998 concerning the fifth
framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and
demonstration activities (1998 to 2002) (1),

— other European research frameworks including Eureka and COST,

— other Community research-related instruments.

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 on 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 RT actions between the specific programme and the
the fifth

technological development and demonstration programmes of

specific research,
framework programme.

(1) Decision adopted on 22 December 1998 (not yet published in the Official Journal).