Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme (Euratom) for research and training on nuclear energy (2002-2006) (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 250 (2) of the EC Treaty)
Date: 2002-01-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EAEC, EU programme, EU research policy, European industrial area, research and development, research programme, technological change

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Official Journal of the European Communities

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Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme (Euratom) for research
and training on nuclear energy (2002-2006) (1)

(2002/C 181 E/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2002) 43 final — 2001/0125(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty on 31 January 2002)

(1) OJ C 240 E, 28.8.2001, p. 249.

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Unchanged

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 the Economic and Social
Committee,

Whereas:

framework programme 2002-2006 of

(1) By Decision No . . ./. ./Euratom the Council adopted the
the
multiannual
European Atomic Energy Community for research and
training activities aimed at contributing towards
the
creation of
the European Research Area (hereinafter
referred to as ‘the framework programme’) 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.

(1) By Decision No . . ./. ./Euratom the Council adopted the
sixth multiannual framework programme 2002-2006 of
the European Atomic Energy Community for research and
training activities aimed at contributing towards
the
creation of
the European Research Area (hereinafter
referred to as ‘the framework programme’) 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
centres and universities for the implementation of the
in
framework programme, adopted by the Council
Decision No . . ./. ./Euratom (hereinafter referred to as
‘the
should apply to this
programme.

for participation’)

rules

Unchanged

(3) The Commission's administrative expenditure for

the
implementation of
the high
number of staff seconded to laboratories in the Member
States and to the ITER project.

this programme reflects

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(4) This programme is open to the participation of countries
having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect,
and is also, except in the case of fusion research, open on
the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to
the participation of entities from third countries and of
international organisations for scientific co-operation.

(4) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be
given to promoting mobility of researchers, and inno-
international
vation,
co-operation activities with third countries and inter-
national organisations. Special attention should be paid
to the Accession countries.

in the Community as well as

(5) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be
given to promoting mobility of researchers, and inno-
international
vation,
co-operation activities with third countries and inter-
national organisations. Special attention should be paid
to the candidate countries.

in the Community as well as

(5) Research activities carried out within this programme
fundamental ethical principles, notably
in the Charter of Fundamental

should respect
those which appear
Rights of the European Union

(6) Research activities carried out within this programme
including
should respect fundamental ethical principles,
those reflected in Article 6 of
the Treaty on the
European Union and in the Charter of Fundamental
Rights of the European Union, as well as the need to
take into account public acceptability of these activities.

(6) Following the Commission Communication ‘Women and
Science’ (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.

(7) Following the Commission Communication ‘Women and
Science’ (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, which
should ensure the respect of equality of opportunity, irres-
pective of gender.

(7) This programme should be implemented in a flexible,
efficient and transparent manner,
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
technological developments.

(8) This programme should be implemented in a flexible,
efficient and transparent manner,
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
technological developments.

through

(9) Participation in the activities of this programme will be
encouraged
necessary
publication
information on content, conditions and procedures, to
be made available in a timely and thorough manner to
potential participants, including those from the associated
candidate countries and other associated countries.

the

of

___________
(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

___________
(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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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(8) The Commission should in due course arrange for an
independent assessment to be conducted concerning the
in the fields covered by this
activities carried out
programme.

(10) The Commission will in due course arrange for an inde-
to be conducted concerning the
pendent assessment
in the fields covered by this
activities carried out
programme, which will be done in a spirit of openness
with respect to all the relevant actors.

(9) The Scientific
consulted,

and Technical Committee has been

(11) The Scientific
consulted,

and Technical Committee has been

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Unchanged

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 ‘the specific programme’)
adopted for the period from [. . .] to 31 December 2006.

In accordance with the sixth framework programme, a
1.
specific programme for
research and training on nuclear
energy (hereinafter referred to as ‘the specific programme’) is
hereby 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.

Unchanged

Article 2

In accordance with Annex II to the framework programme],
the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific
including a maximum of
programme is EUR 900 million,
16,5 % for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An
indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II to
this decision.

In accordance with Annex II to the framework programme, the
amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific
including a maximum of
programme is EUR 940 million,
16,5 % for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An
indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II to
this decision.

Article 3

All research activities carried out under the specific programme
shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical
principles.

Article 3

Article 4

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

Unchanged

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.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

Article 4

AMENDED PROPOSAL

Article 5

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 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, including the instruments to be
used on a priority basis, and the timetable for implementation.

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.

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,
including in relation to the use
of instruments on a priority basis.

Article 5

Article 6

The Commission shall be responsible for the implemen-

1.
tation of the specific programme.

Unchanged

of

the

the

For

purposes

implementing

2.
specific
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

Article 7

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

1.
The Commission shall regularly report on the overall
progress of the implementation of the specific programme, in
accordance with Article 5(2) of the framework programme,
information on financial aspects shall be included.

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

2.
The Commission shall arrange for the independent moni-
toring and assessment provided for in Articles 5 and 6 of the
conducted concerning the
framework programme
activities carried out
in the fields covered by the specific
programme.

to be

Article 7

Article 8

This decision is addressed to the Member States.

Unchanged

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

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND BROAD LINES OF THE ACTIVITIES

1.

INTRODUCTION

Unchanged

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 elec-
tricity. The priority is to make progress towards demonstrating the
fusion energy and
scientific and technological
term, ways of
assessing its sustainable qualities.
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
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.

long-lived waste.

In the short

feasibility of

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 elec-
tricity. The priority is to make progress towards demonstrating the
fusion energy and
scientific and technological
term, ways of
assessing its sustainable qualities.
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
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. The high standards of radiation
protection in the Community must be maintained through
focused and co-ordinated research,
in particular into the effects
of low levels of exposure.

long-lived waste.

In the short

feasibility of

Co-operation at European level,
including the exchange of
scientists and common research programmes, is already well estab-
lished 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 estab-
and networking will be
lished with national programmes
in particular, USA, Canada and
promoted with third countries,
Japan. In the case of fusion, the Community and, Member States
will continue to work within the framework of an integrated
programme of activities.

level

Co-operation at European level,
including the exchange of
scientists and common research programmes, is already well estab-
lished in this field. In respect of nuclear waste, radiation protection
and other activities,
this will be intensified and deepened at
in order to make better use of
programme and project
resources (both human resources and experimental facilities) and
promote a common European view on key problems and
approaches,
the European
research area. Links will be established with national programmes
in
and networking will be promoted with third countries,
particular, USA,
the Former
Soviet Union (NIS), Canada and Japan. In the case of fusion, the
Community, the Member States and Countries Associated with the
activities covered by the Euratom Framework Programme will
framework of an integrated
continue
programme of activities.

in accordance with the needs of

the Newly Independent States of

to work within the

Co-ordination will be assured with the JRC programme on ‘nuclear
safety and safeguards’.

Unchanged

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
in particular on JET, have
on the existing devices world-wide,
established the
the
construction of a project of the next generation after JET with

and technical

readiness

scientific

for

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

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 realisation of
the

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
the Next Step. Subject
decision about
to a
positive outcome of
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.

the realisation of
the

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
the Next Step. Subject
decision about
to a
positive outcome of
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 750 Mio EUR, up to a maximum of
200 Mio EUR is 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
fusion and
the European partners of Euratom in the field of
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-
including the transition between the
ingful R & D programme,
activities
the
Associations (1) and JET, and what would become the ‘accom-
panying programme’ in physics and technology for fusion once
construction of the Next Step/ITER device has reached its steady
state after 2006.

framework of

carried out

currently

in the

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
550 Mio EUR is proposed to allow the continuation of a mean-
including the transition between the
ingful R & D programme,
activities
the
Associations (1) and JET, and what would become the ‘accom-
panying programme’ in physics and technology for fusion once
construction of the Next Step/ITER device has reached its steady
state after 2006.

framework of

carried out

currently

in the

P r i o r i t i e s

Unchanged

(i) Associations' programme in physics and technology

The Associations' programme will include:

— R & D in fusion physics and plasma engineering, focusing
on the study and evaluation of magnetic confinement
formulas, with in particular
the
the Wendelstein 7-X ‘stellarator’ and
construction of
operation of
the existing installations in the Euratom
Associations.

the continuation of

___________
(1) Established under contracts of associations between the Community and

___________
(1) Established under contracts of associations between the Community and

entities in the Members States.

entities in the Members States.

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— 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.

— Investigations of

socio-economic aspects,

focusing on
evaluation of economic costs and social acceptability of
in complement to the further studies on
fusion energy,
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.

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
training.
Depending on a decision on the realisation of ITER and its
timing, the current Community support to the Associations
activities will be adjusted, and the phasing out of the exploi-
tation 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.

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 maintaining experimentation on fusion
in Europe beyond the start of
devices at world-class level
operation of
tech-
nological development.

ITER and an adequate programme of

(ii) Exploitation of the JET facilities

in view of completing the exploitation of

The JET facilities will continue to be exploited in the
framework of the European Fusion Development Agreement
the
(EFDA),
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.

(iii) Next Step/ITER

for

The Proposal
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 inter-
national 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.

for

The Proposal
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 inter-
national 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 studies performed in preparation of
possible European site(s) will be completed.

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AMENDED PROPOSAL

Unchanged

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 to be given to, 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 partici-
pation would also include contribution to the costs to be
borne by Europe as a Host Party.

2.2. Treatment and disposal of radioactive waste

2.2. Management of radioactive waste

O b j e c t i v e s

Unchanged

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 develop and test the repository technologies, investigate suitable
sites, promote basic scientific understanding 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
fissile
reactor types and/or fuel cycles to make better use of
material and generate less waste, while meeting appropriate cost
expectations, and to clarify the prospects for conducting parti-
tioning 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.

Research is also needed to explore the technical and economic
potential of concepts for nuclear energy generation able to make
better use of fissile material and generate less waste and of parti-
tioning and transmutation to reduce the hazard of the waste on an
industrial scale.

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

Unchanged

(i) Research on geological disposal

The aims are to establish a sound technical basis for demon-
strating 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.

The aims are to establish a sound technical basis for demon-
strating the safety of disposing spent fuel and long lived radio-
active wastes in geological formations and underpin the devel-
opment of a common European view on the main issues
related to the disposal of waste.

— Improvement of fundamental knowledge, developing and
testing technologies: research will focus on key physical,
chemical and biological processes; interaction between the
different natural and engineered barriers, their long-term
stability and means of implementing disposal technologies
in underground research laboratories.

Unchanged

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— New and improved tools: research will focus on models for
performance, safety assessment and methodologies to demon-
strate long term safety,
including sensitivity and uncertainty
analyses, evaluation of alternative measures of performance
and processes to the public concerns on waste disposal.

— New and improved tools: research will focus on models
for performance and safety assessment, and methodologies
to demonstrate long term safety, including sensitivity and
uncertainty analyses, and development and evaluation of
and of better
alternative measures of performance
governance processes
address public
that properly
concerns on waste disposal.

(ii) Partitioning and transmutation and reactor nuclear energy

(ii) Partitioning and transmutation and other concepts to produce less

waste in nuclear energy generation

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.

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 concepts for nuclear energy to produce less waste.

— Partitioning and transmutation:

research will

focus on
fundamental assessments of the overall concept; demon-
stration at pilot scale of the most promising partitioning
technologies;
for
transmutation; and evaluation of their industrial practica-
bility.

further development of

technologies

Unchanged

— New reactor to produce less waste: research will

focus
in
primarily on The High Temperature Reactor (HTR),
particular,
in particular with regard to power conversion
system for direct cycle, material properties in a high
fuel
temperature
coatings, process heat
and
licensing issues.

helium environment,
applications

innovative
and safety

— Concepts

to produce less waste:

focus on
exploring the potential for the more efficient use of fissile
material
to
produce less waste in nuclear energy generation.

in existing reactors and of other concepts

research will

2.3. Radiation protection

O b j e c t i v e s

European policy

research underpins

Radiation is used extensively in medicine and industry (including
the generation of nuclear energy) and its safety is predicated on a
sound radiation protection policy and its effective implementation.
Community
and has
contributed to the high levels of protection achieved in practice.
These standards must be maintained and, in some cases, improved
and research has a key role in this process. The main objective is
to resolve uncertainties in the risk from exposures to radiation at
low and protracted doses (i.e. at levels typically encountered by the
population and in workplaces) which remains a controversial
scientific and policy issue, and has important implications for
the use of radiation in both medicine and industry. Community
research in other areas will focus on making better use of national
efforts, principally through their more effective integration by
networking and targeted research where this would either be
complementary to, or provide synergy with, national programmes.

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

— Quantification of risks associated with low and protracted
exposures: research will focus on epidemiological studies of
suitable exposed populations, complemented by cellular and
molecular biology research on the
interaction between
radiation and the DNA, cells, organs and the body.

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— Medical exposures and natural sources of radiation: enhancing
the safety and efficacy of medical uses of radiation; better
assessment and management of natural sources, in particular,
naturally occurring radioactive materials.

— Protection of the environment and radioecology: conceptual
and methodological basis for protection of the environment;
better assessment and management of the impact of natural
and artificial sources of radiation on man and the environment.

— Risk and emergency management: better approaches for risk
emergency
of

and
including

rehabilitation

coherent

effective

Europe,

governance; more
management
contaminated areas.

in

the workplace:
— Protection of
management
occupational
of
involving exposure to radiation.

improved monitoring and
industries
in

exposures

3. OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR SAFETY

3. OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR TECH-

NOLOGIES AND SAFETY

O b j e c t i v e s

Unchanged

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

fission and the other uses of

The objectives are to support EU policies in the fields of health,
energy and the environment, to ensure that European capability is
maintained at a high level in relevant fields not covered by the
thematic priorities and to contribute towards the creation of the
European Research Area.

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

Unchanged

(i) Radiation protection

Deleted

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 capa-
the research effort.
integration of
bility through better
Research will focus on:

— quantification of risks at low and protracted doses typical
those encountered in the environment and the
of
through epidemiological studies of suitable
workplace,
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.

— better integration of European research, in particular in
the areas of health and environmental protection, radio-
ecology, emergency and environmental management,
medical uses of
radiation and exposure to natural
sources of radiation.

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(ii) Innovative concepts ways of producing nuclear energy

(i) Innovative concepts

The aim is
concepts for nuclear energy. Research will focus on:

to investigate possible evaluate innovative

The aims are to evaluate innovative concepts and develop
improved and safer processes in the field of nuclear energy.
Research will focus on:

— further development of

innovative concepts and for
nuclear energy that have been identified as offering
longer term benefits such as in terms of cost, safety,
waste management, costs and sustainability.

— Evaluation of innovative concepts and development of
improved and safer processes for the generation and
exploitation of nuclear energy that have been identified
as offering longer term benefits in terms of, cost, safety,
environmental
impact, resource utilisation, proliferation
resistance, or diversity of application.

(iii) Education and training

(ii) Education and training

The aim is to better integrate European education and
training in the nuclear sciences to combat the decline in
thus
both student numbers and teaching establishments,
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:

The aim is to better integrate European education and
training in nuclear
safety and radiation protection 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:

— development of

a more harmonised approach for
education in the nuclear sciences and engineering in
Europe and its implementation, including and the better
integration of national resources and capabilities.

Unchanged

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

for

fellowships,
This will be complemented by support
special
for
young research workers from the NIS and CEE countries,
and transnational access to infrastructure.

training networks, grants

training courses,

for

(iii) Safety of existing nuclear installations

The aim is to improve safety in existing nuclear installations
in Member States and candidate countries during their
lifetimes and subsequent decommis-
remaining operational
sioning, making use of
the considerable knowledge and
experience gained internationally from experimental and
theoretical research. Research will focus on:

— plant management including effects of ageing and fuel
performance; severe accident management, in particular
the development of advanced numerical simulation codes;
integration of European capabilities and knowledge from
practical
harmonised
approaches to safety and best practice, both operational
and regulatory, at a European level.

decommissioning;

developing

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ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT

Types of activities

Amount (EUR million)

1.

Priority thematic areas of research

1.1. Controlled thermonuclear fusion

1.2. Management of radioactive waste

1.3. Radiation protection

2. Other activities in the field of nuclear

technologies and safety

890

750

90

50

50

Total

940

ANNEX III

MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME

the European Parliament and of

In order to implement the specific programme, and in accordance with
the Decisions of
the Council
concerning the multiannual Framework Programme 2002-2006 of
the European Atomic Energy 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 partici-
pation of undertakings,
the
implementation of
the framework programme (2002/. . ./Euratom),
the Commission will use various instruments.

research centres and universities

for

Unchanged

The Commission will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the
evaluation criteria set out in the abovementioned 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.

The Commission will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the
evaluation criteria set out in the abovementioned Decisions.

As regards the thematic priority areas, management of radioactive
waste and radiation protection, the importance of the new instruments
(Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence) is recognised as being
an overall priority means to attain the objectives of critical mass,
management simplification and European added value contributed by
is already undertaken at
Community research in relation to what
national
the research capacities.
the integration of
However, the size of projects is not a criterion for exclusion, and
access to new instruments is ensured for SMEs and other small entities.

level, and of

The new instruments will be used from the start of
the sixth
framework programme in each theme and, where deemed appropriate,
as a priority means, while maintaining the use of specific targeted
projects and coordination actions.

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The indirect RTD actions implemented in the area of thermonuclear
fusion and in the framework of contracts, agreements or legal entities
to which the Community is a party or of which it is a member,
conform to the rules which have been established for them,
in
conformity with the Decision on the rules of participation.

In carrying out the programme, the Commission may have recourse to
technical assistance.

In 2004 an evaluation will be undertaken by independent experts of
the efficiency of each of
instruments in the
execution of the sixth framework programme.

these two types of

A. New instruments

Unchanged

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
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.

their

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.

currently existing or

The purpose of networks of excellence is to strengthen and
develop Community scientific and technological excellence by
the integration, at European level, of research and
means of
training capacities
emerging at both
national and regional
level. Each network will also aim at
advancing knowledge in a particular area by assembling a
critical mass of expertise. They will foster cooperation between
capacities of excellence in universities, research centres, enter-
prises, including SMEs, and science and technology organisations.
The activities concerned will be generally targeted towards
than predefined
long-term, multidisciplinary objectives,
results in terms of products, processes or services.

rather

A network of excellence will be implemented by a joint
programme of activities involving some or, where appropriate,
all of the research and training capacities and activities of the
participants in the relevant area to attain a critical mass of
expertise and European added value. A joint programme of
activities could aim at
the creation of a self-standing virtual
centre of excellence that may result in developing the necessary
means for achieving a durable integration of the research and
training capacities. A joint programme of activities will necessarily
include those aimed at integration, as well as activities related to
the spreading of excellence and dissemination of results outside
the network.

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

Unchanged

— Research activities integrated by its participants

— Research and training activities integrated by its participants

— Integration activities which will comprise in particular:

Unchanged

— adaptation of the participants' research activities in order to

strengthen their complementarity;

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— development and utilisation of electronic information and
communication means, and development of virtual and
interactive working methods;

— short-, medium- and long-term exchanges of personnel, the
opening of positions to researchers from other members of
the network, or their training;

— development and use of joint research infrastructures, and
adaptation of the existing facilities with a view to a shared
use;

— joint management and exploitation of

the knowledge

generated, and actions to promote innovation.

— Activities of spreading of excellence which will comprise, as

appropriate:

— training of researchers;

— communication concerning

the

achievements of

the

network and the dissemination of knowledge;

— services in support of technological innovation, aimed in

particular at the take-up of new technologies;

— analyses of science/society issues related to the research

carried out by the network.

In carrying out
training of
researchers), the network will endeavour to ensure publicity by
publishing calls for applications.

its activities

some of

(such as

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:

— 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;

— a general outline of the joint programme of activities, and its
the first period, broken down into research
integration activities, and activities for spreading

for

content
activities,
excellence;

— the role of

the participants,

identifying the activities and

Unchanged

resources that they will integrate;

— the operation of the network (co-ordination and management

of activities);

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— 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 publi-
cation of a call for applications.

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 publi-
cation of a competitive call.

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
for
example, an extension of the integrated activities of the existing
network or the integration of new participants.

to cover,

Unchanged

The Community's
financial contribution will be a specified
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,
reports. As a
taking into account activities
complement
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.

to the resources of

the participants

and financial

for integration,

The Community's financial contribution shall take the form of a
grant
the amount of which is determined in
relation to the value of the capacities and resources which all
the participants propose to integrate.
It shall complement the
resources deployed by the participants in order to carry out the
joint programme of activities. It should be sufficient to act as an
incentive
financial
dependence that might jeopardise the lasting association of the
network.

integration, but without

creating a

for

A.2. Integrated projects

Unchanged

this instrument

to strengthen European
The objective of
competitiveness or contribute to resolve major societal problems
by mobilising a critical mass of research and technological devel-
opment resources and skills existing in Europe.

is

Integrated projects are designed to give increased impetus to the
Community's competitiveness or to address major societal needs
by mobilising a critical mass of research and training resources
and competence. Each integrated project will be assigned clearly
defined scientific and technological objectives and should be
directed at obtaining specific results applicable in terms of, for
instance, products, processes or services. Under these objectives
they may include more long-term or ‘risky’ research.

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.

Integrated projects will comprise a coherent set of component
actions which may vary in size and structure according to the
tasks to be carried out, each dealing with different aspects of the
research needed to achieve common overall objectives, and
forming a coherent whole and implemented in close coordination.

In general,
around a core group made up of the main participants.

the participants in the projects will be organised

They will be carried out on the basis of overall financing plans
preferably involving significant mobilisation of public and private
sector funding,
including funding from EIB and collaboration
schemes such as Eureka.

All the activities carried out in the context of an integrated project
will be defined in the general framework of an ‘execution plan’
comprising activities relating to:

All the activities carried out in the context of an integrated project
will be defined in the general framework of an ‘implementation
plan’ comprising activities relating to:

— research, technological development and/or demonstration;

Unchanged

— management, dissemination and transfer of knowledge with a

view to promoting innovation;

— analysis and assessment of the technologies concerned, as well

as the factors relating to their exploitation.

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

— training

researchers,

students,

engineers

and

industrial

executives;

— support for the take-up of new technologies;

— 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.

Deleted

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

Unchanged

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.

Deleted

Integrated project proposals
elements:

should contain the

following

Unchanged

— the scientific and technological objectives of the project;

— the main lines and timetable of the execution plan, high-

lighting the articulation of the various components;

— the stages of implementation and the results expected in each

one of them;

— the role of the participants within the consortium and the

specific skills of each of them;

— the organisation and management of the project;

— the plan for the dissemination of knowledge and the exploi-

tation of results;

— the global budget estimate and the budget for the different
including a financial plan identifying the various

activities,
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 publi-
cation of a call for applications.

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 publi-
cation of a competitive call.

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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,
identify these
activities and the participants who will carry them out, by
means of a call for proposals.

the Commission will

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

contribution is needed,

The Community contribution will be part of a financing plan
which may involve recourse to other
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, and adjusted according to
the activities and the financial reports.

financing schemes,

The Community contribution shall take the form of a grant to the
budget, calculated as a percentage of the budget allocated by the
participants to carry out the project, adapted according to the
type of activity.

A.3. Integrated infrastructure initiatives

Integrated infrastructure initiatives shall combine in a single action
several activities essential to reinforce and develop research infra-
structures, in order to provide services at the European level. To
this end, they shall combine networking activities with a support
activity (such as relating to transnational access) or research
activities
performance,
excluding, however, the financing of investment for new infra-
structures, which can only be financed as
specific support
actions. They will
include a component of dissemination of
knowledge to potential users, including industry and in particular
to SMEs.

infrastructure

improve

needed

to

B. Other instruments

Unchanged

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

In order to implement the programme, other instruments may
also be used:

— specific targeted projects in order to carry out research or

Deleted

demonstration activities

— 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

— mobility and training actions

— specific co-ordination and support actions in order to achieve
the objectives identified in all the areas of the programme.

— 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 tech-
nological development policy.

B.1. Specific targeted research or training projects

I. Specific targeted research projects will aim at

improving
European competitiveness. They will be sharply focussed and
will take either of the following two forms, or a combination
of the two:

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AMENDED PROPOSAL

(a) a research and technological development project designed
to gain new knowledge either to improve considerably or
to develop new products, processes or services or to meet
other needs of society and Community policies;

(b) a demonstration project designed to prove the viability of
new technologies offering potential economic advantage
but which cannot be commercialised directly.

II. Specific targeted projects on training are designed to facilitate
the timely diffusion of new knowledge on a European scale
and better integrate national activities.

B.2. Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility

These actions will be targeted at
training, development of
expertise or transfer of knowledge. They will involve support to
actions carried out by natural persons, host structures, including
training networks, and also by European research teams.

B.3. Coordination actions

Coordination actions are intended to promote and support the
coordinated initiatives of a range of research and innovation
operators aiming at
improved integration. They will cover
activities such as the organisation of conferences, meetings, the
performance of studies, exchanges of personnel, the exchange and
dissemination of good practices, setting up information systems
and expert groups, and may, if necessary, include support for the
definition, organisation and management of
joint or common
initiatives.

B.4. Specific support actions

Specific support actions will complement the implementation of
the framework programme and may be used to help in prep-
arations for future Community research and technological devel-
opment policy activities including monitoring and assessment
activities. In particular, they will involve transnational access to
infrastructures,
and analyses,
working groups and expert groups, operational support and
dissemination,
information and communication activities, or a
combination of these, as appropriate in each case.

conferences,

seminars,

studies

C.

Specific implementation rules in the area of research into
thermonuclear fusion

Deleted

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

fusion,

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:

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— the contracts of association with the Member States and
the Associated States or organisations in those States,

— the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA),

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

— other contracts of

limited duration,

organisations in the Member States or
states without an association,

in particular with
the associated

— 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 the Associations and to contracts of
limited duration will be progressively and substantially
reduced from its current annual rate, over the duration of
the framework programme.

the

framework

related to the joint
out within

the Community in the
The modalities of participation of
implementation of projects
activities
carried
international
co-operations such as ITER are defined in the relevant inter-
national 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.

of

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—

AMENDED PROPOSAL

RTDT activities and Community financial contribution according to type of instrument

Type of instrument

RTD activities

Community contribution (1)

Networks of Excellence

Priority thematic areas

Other activities in the field of nuclear
technology and safety (2)

Grant for integration: maximum of 25 %
of the value of the capacity and resources
proposed for integration by participants as
joint
a fixed amount
programme of activities (3)

to support

the

Integrated Projects

Priority thematic areas

Grant to the budget of a maximum of:

Other activities in the field of nuclear
technology and safety (2)

50 % for research

35 % for demonstration

100 % for certain other activities such as
training of
researchers and consortium
management (4) (5)

Specific targeted research or
training projects

Priority thematic areas (2)

Other activities in the field of nuclear
technology and safety

to the budget of a maximum of

Grant
50 % of the budget (4) (5)

to promote

Actions
and
develop human resources
and mobility

Priority thematic areas

Other activities in the field of nuclear
technology and safety

Grant
to the budget of a maximum of
100 % of the budget (4), if necessary as a
lump sum

Coordination actions

Priority thematic areas

Other activities in the field of nuclear
technology and safety

to the budget of a maximum of

Grant
100 % of the budget (4)

Specific support actions

Priority thematic areas

Other activities in the field of nuclear
technology and safety

Grant
to the budget of a maximum of
100 % of the budget (4) (7), if necessary as
a lump sum

Integrated initiatives
relating to infrastructure

Priority thematic areas

Other activities in the field of nuclear
technology and safety

Grant
to the budget: depending on the
type of activity, of 50 to 100 % of the
budget (4) (5) (6)

(1) As a general principle, the Community financial contribution cannot cover 100 % of the expenditure of an indirect action with the
exception of proposals covering a purchase price governed by the terms applicable to public procurement procedures or taking the
form of a pre-defined lump sum pre-set by the Commission.
However, the Community financial contribution may bear up to 100 % of the expenditure of an indirect action if they complement
those otherwise borne by the participants. Also, in the specific case of coordination actions, it covers up to 100 % of the budget
necessary for the coordination of activities funded by the participants themselves.

(2) In duly justified cases.
(3) This rate varies for different areas.
(4) Subject to specific conditions specific legal entities, particularly public bodies, will receive funding of up to 100 % of their marginal/

additional cost.

(5) The rates of assistance may be differentiated in accordance with the rules of the Community framework for State aid for research and
development depending on whether activities relate to research (maximum 50 %) or demonstration (maximum 35 %) or to other
activities implemented, such as training of researchers (maximum 100 %) or the management of the consortium (maximum 100 %).
(6) The activities of an integrated initiative relating to infrastructure must include one networking activity (Coordination Action:
maximum 100 % of the budget) and at least one of the following activities: research activities (maximum 50 % of the budget) or
specific service activities (Specific Support Action, for example, transnational access to research infrastructures: maximum 100 % of
the budget).

(7) For actions in support of research infrastructure relating to preparatory technical work (including feasibility studies) and the devel-
opment of new infrastructure, 6th framework programme participation is restricted to maximum of 50 % and 10 % of the budget
respectively.