Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme 2002-2006 (Euratom) for research and training on nuclear energy
Date: 2001-05-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EAEC, EU programme, EU research policy, research and development, research programme, technological change

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Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme 2002-2006 (Euratom) for research
and training on nuclear energy

(2001/C 240 E/30)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2001) 279 final (cid:151) 2001/0125(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission on 1 June 2001)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of
Committee,

the Economic and Social

(6) Following the Commission Communication (cid:145)Women and
Science(cid:146) (1) and the Resolution of the Council (2) and the
European Parliament (3) on this theme, an action plan is
being implemented in order to reinforce and increase the
place and role of women in science and research.

and transparent manner,

(7) This programme should be implemented in a flexible,
efficient
taking account of
relevant interests, in particular of the scientific, industrial,
user and policy communities. The research activities carried
out under it should be adapted where appropriate to the
needs of Community policies and to scientific and tech-
nological developments.

Whereas:

framework programme 2002-2006 of

(1) By Decision No . . ./. . ./Euratom the Council adopted the
multiannual
the
European Atomic Energy Community for research and
the
training activities aimed at contributing towards
creation of
the European Research Area (hereinafter
referred to as (cid:145)the framework programme(cid:146)) to be imple-
mented by means of research and training programme(s)
drawn up in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, which
define the detailed rules for their implementation, fix their
duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.

(2) The rules for the participation of undertakings, research
the
centres and universities for the implementation of
framework programme,
in
adopted by the Council
Decision No . . ./. . ./Euratom (hereinafter referred to as
(cid:145)the
to this
programme.

for participation(cid:146))

should

apply

rules

the
(3) The Commission’s
implementation of
the high
number of staff seconded to laboratories in the members
States and to the ITER project.

administrative
this programme reflects

expenditure

for

(8) The Commission should in due course arrange for an inde-
to be conducted concerning the
covered by this

carried out

in the

fields

pendent assessment
activities
programme.

(9) The Scientific and Technical Committee has been consulted.

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION

Article 1

1.
In accordance with the framework programme, a specific
programme for research and training on nuclear energy (here-
inafter
is hereby
referred to as (cid:145)the specific programme(cid:146))
adopted for the period from [. . .] to 31 December 2006.

The objectives and scientific and technological priorities

2.
for the specific programme are set out in Annex I.

(4) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be
given to promoting mobility of researchers, and innovation,
in the Community as well as international co-operation
activities with third countries and international organi-
sations. Special attention should be paid to the Accession
countries.

Article 2

In accordance with Annex II to the framework programme, the
amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific
programme is EUR 900 million,
including a maximum of
16.5 % for the Commission’s administrative expenditure. An
indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II to
this decision.

(5) Research activities carried out within this programme
should respect
fundamental ethical principles, notably
those which appear in the Charter of Fundamental Rights
of the European Union.

(1) COM(1999) 76.
(2) Resolution of 20 May 1999 (OJ C 201, 16.7.1999).
(3) Resolution of 3 February 2000, PE 284.656.

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Article 3

The detailed rules

1.
financial participation by the
Community in the specific programme shall be those referred
to in Article 2, (2) of the framework programme.

for

The specific programme shall be implemented by means

2.
of instruments defined in Annex III.

The rules for participation shall apply to the specific

3.
programme.

Article 4

The Commission shall draw up a work programme for
1.
the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in
greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological
priorities set out in Annex I, and the timetable for implemen-
tation.

The work programme shall

2.
take account of relevant
research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated
It shall be
States, European and international organisations.
updated where appropriate.

of

the

the

For

purposes

implementing

specific
2.
programme the Commission shall be assisted by a consultative
committee. The members of this 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) dealing with management and co-ordination
advisory committees. For the fusion-related aspects they shall
be as laid down in the Council Decision of 16 December 1980
dealing with the
fusion
programme.

consultative

committee

the

for

Article 6

1.
The Commission shall regularly report on the overall
progress of the implementation of the specific programme, in
accordance with Article 4 of the framework programme.

The Commission shall arrange for

the independent
2.
assessment provided for
the framework
programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried
out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

in Article 5 of

Article 5

This decision is addressed to the Member States.

Article 7

The Commission shall be responsible for the implemen-

1.
tation of the specific programme.

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

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND BROAD LINES OF THE ACTIVITIES

ANNEX I

1.

INTRODUCTION

As the source of 35 % of the electricity produced in the European Union, nuclear energy is an element of the debate
on how to combat climate change and reduce the energy dependency of the EU. But significant challenges need to
be faced. Controlled thermonuclear fusion is one of the long term options for energy supply, in particular for the
centralised supply of base-load electricity. The priority is to make progress towards demonstrating the scientific and
technological feasibility of fusion energy and assessing its sustainable qualities. In the short term, ways of dealing
with nuclear waste that are acceptable to society need to be found, and more particularly the implementation of
technical solutions for the management of long-lived waste. Innovative concepts for the safer exploitation of nuclear
fission should also be studied as possible contributions to meeting European energy needs in the decades ahead.
Co-operation at European level, including the exchange of scientists and common research programmes, is already
well established in this field. In respect of nuclear waste and other activities, this will be intensified and deepened at
programme and project level with the aim of better use of resources (both human resources and experimental
facilities) and promoting a common European view on key problems and approaches, in accordance with the needs
of the European research area. Links will be established with national programmes and networking will be
promoted with third countries, in particular, USA, Canada and Japan. In the case of fusion, the Community and
Member States will continue to work within the framework of an integrated programme of activities.

Co-ordination will be assured with the JRC programme on (cid:145)nuclear safety and safeguards(cid:146).

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2. PRIORITY THEMATIC AREAS

2.1. Fusion energy research

O b j e c t i v e s

Fusion energy could contribute in the second half of the century to the emission-free large-scale production of
base-load electricity. The advances made in fusion energy research justify to further pursue a vigorous effort
towards the long-term objective of a fusion power plant. Theoretical work and experimental studies on the
existing devices world-wide, in particular on JET, have established the scientific and technical readiness for the
construction of a project of the next generation after JET with the objective of demonstrating the scientific and
technological feasibility of fusion energy. World wide collaboration on fusion energy research has progressed to the
detailed engineering design of such a Next Step device, ITER, with the objectives of extended burn in inductive
operation with power amplification Q > 10, demonstrating generation of 400 MW of fusion power over about 400
seconds, that could allow burning plasmas to be studied in conditions relevant to energy production.

The successful completion of the ITER Engineering Design Activities makes it possible, in line with the reactor
orientation of the Community activities on fusion energy research, to take a decision about the realisation of the
Next Step. Subject to a positive outcome of the international negotiations on the juridical and institutional
conditions of the establishment of an ITER Legal Entity and negotiations for its joint implementation (construction,
operation, exploitation and decommissioning), a specific decision could be sought in the period 2003-2004, so that
construction could effectively start during the period 2005-2006. The period 2003-2006 has therefore to be seen
as a transition period marked by the need to rationalise European activities due to the strong orientation of the
programme towards the Next Step. The budgetary proposition for research in the field of fusion energy over the
period 2003-2006 provides that out of a total appropriation of 700 Mio EUR, 200 Mio EUR are foreseen for the
realisation of ITER.

If and when decided, the realisation of the Next Step will mobilise significant human and financial resources. Once
a decision is taken to go ahead with the project, adaptations to the current efforts of the European partners of
Euratom in the field of fusion and organisational changes will be required,
in particular to jointly steer the
European contribution to ITER. The amount of 500 Mio EUR is proposed to allow the continuation of a mean-
ingful R&D programme, including the transition between the activities currently carried out in the framework of
the Associations (1) and JET, and what would become the (cid:145)accompanying programme(cid:146) in physics and technology for
fusion once construction of the Next Step/ITER device has reached its steady state after 2006.

P r i o r i t i e s

(i) Associations’ programme in physics and technology

The Associations’ programme will include:

(cid:151) R&D in fusion physics and plasma engineering,

focusing on the study and evaluation of magnetic
confinement formulas, with in particular the continuation of the construction of the Wendelstein 7-X
(cid:145)stellarator(cid:146) and operation of the existing installations in the Euratom Associations.

(cid:151) Structured R&D activities in fusion technology in particular research on fusion materials and participation
in the R&D activities for the decommissioning of JET, which is foreseen at the end of its operations.

(cid:151) Investigations of socio-economic aspects, focusing on evaluation of economic costs and social acceptability
of fusion energy, in complement to the further studies on safety and environmental aspects; co-ordination,
in the context of a keep-in-touch activity, of the Member States’ civil research activities on inertial
confinement and possible alternative concepts; dissemination of results and the diffusion of information
to the public; mobility and training.

(1) Established under contracts of associations between the Community and entities in the Members States.

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In contributing to the Associations’ programme, priority will be given to multilateral actions to focalise
activities on common projects such as those directly related to operation on JET and to the Next Step/ITER
and/or staff
the current
Community support to the Associations activities will be adjusted, and the phasing out of the exploitation
of a number of facilities will be considered. Adequate means shall be ensured to maintain a strong European
co-ordination of the fusion activities, which has demonstrated its usefulness over the years.

training. Depending on a decision on the realisation of

ITER and its timing,

The extent of the accompanying domestic programme in fusion physics and technology which is required in
the Associations and European industry to take full benefit from ITER, will depend (a) on the level of the
European share in ITER and (b) on where it would be sited. This could entail investments aiming at main-
taining experimentation on fusion devices at world-class level in Europe beyond the start of operation of ITER
and an adequate programme of technological development.

(ii) Exploitation of the JET facilities

The JET facilities will continue to be exploited in the framework of the European Fusion Development
Agreement
the performance enhancements currently
under way. The use of the JET facilities will have to be suspended at an appropriate time to enable the
corresponding resources to be redirected to the Next Step/ITER.

in view of completing the exploitation of

(EFDA),

(iii) Next Step/ITER

The Proposal for the Euratom framework programme (2002-2006) includes the continuation of Next Step
activities with a view to participate in its construction in the second half of the period. However, since
decisions on ITER do not depend only upon EU Institutions but also on the EU international partners, the
proposed programme of activities must be open regarding the eventual siting and framework of the Next
Step/ITER and the precise content of the accompanying domestic programme.

The EU participation in ITER would include contributions to the construction of equipment and installations,
which are within the perimeter of the ITER site and necessary for its exploitation, as well as to the costs
associated with the staffing and management of, and the support
the project during
construction. The level and nature of this participation will depend on the outcome of the negotiations
with the EU international partners, and in turn on the location of the ITER site. If ITER was located in
Europe, the EU participation would also include contribution to the costs to be borne by Europe as a Host
Party.

to be given to,

2.2. Treatment and disposal of radioactive waste

O b j e c t i v e s

The absence of a broadly agreed approach to waste management and disposal is one of the main impediments to
the continued and future use of nuclear energy. In particular, this applies to the disposal of long-lived waste
components in geological repositories, which will be required no matter what treatment method is chosen for the
spent fuel and high level waste. Research alone cannot ensure societal acceptance; however, it is needed in order to
investigate suitable sites, promote basic scientific understanding
develop and test the repository technologies,
relating to safety and safety assessment methods, and to develop decision processes that are perceived as fair
and equitable by the stakeholders involved.

Research is also needed to explore the potential offered by new reactor types and/or fuel cycles to make better use
of fissile material and generate less waste, while meeting appropriate cost expectations, and to clarify the prospects
for conducting partitioning and transmutation, which have a theoretical potential to reduce the hazard of the waste,
on an industrial scale with adequate safety and at reasonable cost.

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R e s e a r c h P r i o r i t i e s

(i) Research on geological disposal

The aims are to establish a sound technical basis for demonstrating the safety of disposing high level radioactive
wastes in geological formations and underpin the development of a common European view on the main issues
related to the disposal of waste.

(cid:151) Improvement of fundamental knowledge, developing and testing technologies: research will focus on key
interaction between the different natural and engineered
technologies in underground

their long-term stability and means of

physical, chemical and biological processes;
barriers,
research laboratories.

implementing disposal

(cid:151) New and improved tools: research will focus on models for performance, safety assessment and metho-
including sensitivity and uncertainty analyses, evaluation of
dologies to demonstrate long term safety,
alternative measures of performance and processes relating to the public concerns on waste disposal.

(ii) Partitioning and transmutation; new reactor concepts

The aims are to determine practical ways of reducing the amount and/or hazard of the waste to be disposed of
by partitioning and transmutation and to explore the potential of new reactor concepts.

(cid:151) Partitioning and transmutation: research will focus on fundamental assessments of the overall concept;
demonstration at pilot scale of the most promising partitioning technologies; further development of
technologies for transmutation; and evaluation of their industrial practicability.

(cid:151) New reactor concepts: research will focus primarily on the High Temperature Reactor (HTR), in particular
with regard to power conversion system for direct cycle, material properties in a high temperature helium
environment, innovative fuel coatings, process heat applications and safety and licensing issues.

3. OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR SAFETY

O b j e c t i v e s

The objectives are to support EU policies in the fields of health, safety and the environment and better integrate
European research on nuclear fission and the other uses of ionising radiation.

R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(i) Radiation protection

The aims are to underpin Community standards on radiation protection and how they are applied, to respond
flexibly and rapidly to emerging needs and to enhance European capability through better integration of the
research effort. Research will focus on:

(cid:151) quantification of risks at low and protracted doses typical of those encountered in the environment and the
workplace, through epidemiological studies of suitable exposed populations complemented by cellular and
molecular biology research. Collaboration with Russia and other CIS countries will be essential for gaining
access to data on exposed populations of interest.

(cid:151) better integration of European research, in particular in the areas of health and environmental protection,
radioecology, emergency and environmental management, medical uses of radiation and exposure to
natural sources of radiation.

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(ii) Innovative ways of producing nuclear energy

The aim is to investigate possible innovative concepts for nuclear energy. Research will focus on:

(cid:151) further development of innovative concepts for nuclear energy that have been identified as offering longer

term benefits such as in terms of safety, waste management, costs and sustainability.

(iii) Education and training

The aim is to better integrate European education and training in the nuclear sciences to combat the decline in
both student numbers and teaching establishments, thus providing the necessary competence and expertise for
the continued safe use of nuclear energy and other uses of radiation in industry and medicine. Support will
focus on:

(cid:151) development of a more common approach for education in the nuclear sciences and engineering in Europe

and its implementation, including the better integration of national resources and capabilities.

This will be complemented by support for individual fellowships, special training courses, training networks
and grants for young research workers from the former Soviet Union.

ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT

Types of activities

Amount (EUR million)

Controlled thermonuclear fusion

Treatment and storage of waste

Other activities

700 (1)

150

50

900

Total

(1) Of which EUR 200 million is foreseen for participation in the ITER project.

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ANNEX III

MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME

In order to implement the specific programme, and in accordance with the Decisions of the European Parliament and of
the European Atomic Energy
the Council concerning the multiannual Framework Programme 2002-2006 of
Community for research and training activities aimed at contributing towards the creation of the European Research
Area (2002/. . ./Euratom) and with the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities for
the implementation of the framework programme (2002/. . ./Euratom), the Commission will use various instruments.

The Commission will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set out in the above mentioned
Decisions in order to verify their relevance with regard to the objectives of the programme, their scientific and
technological excellence, their Community added value and the participants’ management capacity.

A. New instruments

A.1. Networks of excellence

In general, the network will be organised around a core group of participants to which others may be added. In
order to create a virtual centre of excellence, they will integrate a considerable part or even the totality of their
research activities in the area concerned. These activities will often be multidisciplinary, and oriented towards
long-term objectives and not precise predefined results in terms of products, processes or services.

In addition to these integrated research activities, the network’s joint programme of activities will also comprise
integration activities as well as activities related to spreading of excellence outside the network.

In pursuing its objectives, the network will therefore carry out:

(cid:151) Research activities integrated by its participants

(cid:151) Integration activities which will comprise in particular:

(cid:151) adaptation of the participants’ research activities in order to strengthen their complementarity;

(cid:151) development and utilisation of electronic information and communication means, and development of

virtual and interactive working methods;

(cid:151) short-, medium- and long-term exchanges of personnel, the opening of positions to researchers from other

members of the network, or their training;

(cid:151) development and use of joint research infrastructures, and adaptation of the existing facilities with a view

to a shared use;

(cid:151) joint management and exploitation of the knowledge generated, and actions to promote innovation.

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(cid:151) Activities of spreading of excellence which will comprise, as appropriate:

(cid:151) training of researchers;

(cid:151) communication concerning the achievements of the network and the dissemination of knowledge;

(cid:151) services in support of technological innovation, aimed in particular at the take-up of new technologies;

(cid:151) analyses of science/society issues related to the research carried out by the network.

In carrying out some of its activities (such as training of researchers), the network will endeavour to ensure
publicity by publishing calls for applications.

The size of the network may vary according to the areas and subjects involved. As an indication, the number of
participants should not be less than half a dozen. On average, in financial terms, the Community contribution to a
network of excellence may represent several million euros per year.

The network proposals should comprise the following elements:

(cid:151) a general outline of the joint programme of activities, and its content for the first year, broken down into

research activities, integration activities, and activities for spreading excellence;

(cid:151) the role of the participants, identifying the activities and resources that they will integrate;

(cid:151) the operation of the network (co-ordination and management of activities);

(cid:151) the plan for the dissemination of knowledge and the perspectives as regards exploitation of the results.

The partnership may evolve when necessary, within the limit of the initial Community contribution, by replacing
participants or adding new ones. In most cases, this will be done through publication of a call for applications.

The programme of activities would be updated yearly and would entail a reorientation of certain activities or
launching of new ones not initially foreseen, which could involve new participants. The Commission may launch
calls for proposals with a view to the allocation of additional contribution in order to cover, for example, an
extension of the integrated activities of the existing network or the integration of new participants.

The Community’s financial contribution will be a fixed amount linked to the implementation of a set of work,
initially calculated on the basis of the resources dedicated to carrying out the joint programme of activity and paid
on an annual basis. As a complement to the resources of the participants, it should be sufficient to act as an
incentive for integration, but without creating a financial dependence that might jeopardise the lasting association
of the network.

A.2. Integrated projects

The objective of this instrument is to strengthen European competitiveness or contribute to resolve major societal
problems by mobilising a critical mass of research and technological development resources and skills existing in
Europe.

Accordingly, each integrated project will have the aim of obtaining identifiable scientific and technological results
applicable to products, processes or services. The activities carried out in the context of an integrated project will
have by definition clearly defined objectives even in the case of risky research.

In general, the participants in the projects will be organised around a core group made up of the main participants.
All the activities carried out in the context of an integrated project will be defined in the general framework of an
(cid:145)execution plan(cid:146) comprising activities relating to:

(cid:151) research, technological development and/or demonstration;

(cid:151) management, dissemination and transfer of knowledge with a view to promoting innovation;

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(cid:151) analysis and assessment of the technologies concerned, as well as the factors relating to their exploitation.

In pursuit of its objectives, it may also comprise activities relating to:

(cid:151) training researchers, students, engineers and industrial executives;

(cid:151) support for the take-up of new technologies;

(cid:151) information and communication, and dialogue with the public concerning the science/society aspects of the

research carried out within the project.

The size of an integrated project may vary according to the themes and subjects, depending critical mass necessary
in order to obtain the expected results under the best possible conditions.

The combined activities of an integrated project may represent a financial size ranging from several million euros
to several tens of millions of euros.

In most cases an integrated project will comprise a set of specific actions, relating to certain aspects of the research
needed to achieve the objectives pursued, of variable sizes and structures according to the tasks to be achieved,
executed in a closely co-ordinated manner. In some cases, however, an integrated project may take the form of a
single large project with a single component.

Integrated project proposals should contain the following elements:

(cid:151) the scientific and technological objectives of the project;

(cid:151) the main lines and timetable of the execution plan, highlighting the articulation of the various components;

(cid:151) the stages of implementation and the results expected in each one of them;

(cid:151) the role of the participants within the consortium and the specific skills of each of them;

(cid:151) the organisation and management of the project;

(cid:151) the plan for the dissemination of knowledge and the exploitation of results;

(cid:151) the global budget estimate and the budget for the different activities, including a financial plan identifying the

various contributions and their origin.

The partnership may evolve when necessary, within the limit of the initial Community contribution, by replacing
participants or adding new ones. In most cases, this will be done through publication of a call for applications.

The execution plan will be updated yearly. This updating may entail the reorientation of certain activities and the
launching of new ones.
In the latter case, and where an additional Community contribution is needed, the
Commission will identify these activities and the participants who will carry them out, by means of a call for
proposals.

The Community contribution will be part of a financing plan which may involve recourse to other financing
schemes, in particular Eureka or the instruments of the EIB or the EIF. It may amount to up to 50 % of the total
project budget, broken down into budgets per activity. It will be paid annually on the basis of the proposed
execution plan.

B. Other instruments

In order to implement the programme, the Commission can have recourse to:

(cid:151) specific targeted projects in order to carry out research or demonstration activities

(cid:151) integrated initiatives relating to infrastructure, combining activities that are essential to strengthening and

developing research infrastructures for the provision of services on a European scale

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(cid:151) mobility and training actions

(cid:151) specific co-ordination and support actions in order to achieve the objectives identified in all the areas of the

programme.

(cid:151) accompanying actions by way of additional measures to achieve the objectives of the programme or prepare

future activities in the context of the Community’s research and technological development policy.

C.

Specific implementation rules in the area of research into thermonuclear fusion

In the implementation of activities in the research area on controlled thermonuclear fusion, the following rules will
be applied.

I. Procedures

The projects undertaken in the context of shared-cost of research and technological development actions will be
carried out on the basis of procedures set out in:

(cid:151) the contracts of association with the Member States and the Associated States or organisations in those

States,

(cid:151) the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA),

(cid:151) any other multilateral agreement concluded between the Community and associated organisations (such as
the agreement on the promotion of mobility) or legal entities which may be set up after the competent
consultative committee has given its opinion,

(cid:151) other contracts of limited duration, in particular with organisations in the Member States or the associated

states without an association,

(cid:151) international agreements covering projects carried out

in the framework of co-operation with third
countries, such as ITER, and by legal entities which may be set up in the framework of such agreements.

II. Financial contribution

The Framework programme financial contribution to the current expenditure of
contracts of
over the duration of the framework programme.

the Associations and to
limited duration will be progressively and substantially reduced from its current annual rate,

The modalities of participation of the Community in the activities related to the joint implementation of projects
carried out within the framework of international co-operations such as ITER are defined in the relevant
international co-operations and by the legal entities which can be established in the frame of these agreements.
Appropriate legal entities, or any other appropriate forms, may be created by Euratom and the associated
organisations in order to manage this Community participation.