2002/668/Euratom: Council Decision of 3 June 2002 concerning the sixth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities, also contributing to the creation of the European Research Area (2002 to 2006)
Date: 2002-06-03
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EAEC, EU programme, EU research policy, research programme, shareholding, technological change

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II

(Acts whose publication is not obligatory)

COUNCIL

COUNCIL DECISION

of 3 June 2002

concerning the sixth framework programme of
the European Atomic Energy Community
(Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities, also contributing to the creation of the
European Research Area (2002 to 2006)

(2002/668/Euratom)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

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

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),

Having regard to the opinion of
Committee (3),

the Economic and Social

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

A framework programme covering all research activities,
including demonstration and training activities in the
field of nuclear energy, to be implemented by means of
research and training programmes, may be adopted
pursuant to Article 7 of the Treaty.

the

2000

submitted

In
two
Commission
communications, respectively on the prospects for and
the objectives of creating a European Research Area,
and on making a reality of the European Research Area
and guidelines for European Union research activities in
the period 2002 to 2006. In 2000 the Commission also
submitted a
communication on innovation in a
knowledge-driven economy.

The European Councils in Lisbon in March 2000, Santa
Maria de Feira in June 2000 and Stockholm in March
rapid
2001
establishment of a European research and innovation

conclusions

adopted

aimed

the

at

(1) OJ C 180 E, 26.6.2001, p. 177.
(2) OJ C 140 E, 13.6.2002, p. 371.
(3) OJ C 260, 17.9.2001, p. 3.

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

area with a view to sustainable economic growth, more
employment
cohesion. The G(cid:246)teborg
and
in June 2001 agreed a strategy for
European Council
sustainable
third,
a
environmental dimension to the Lisbon strategy.

development

added

social

and

The European Parliament (4) (5), the Council (6) (7), the
Economic and Social Committee (8) and the Committee
of the Regions (9) have also supported the establishment
of the European Research Area.

of

On 19 October 2000 the Commission submitted the
conclusions
the
external
implementation and results of the Community activities
carried out in the five years preceding that assessment,
accompanied by its observations.

assessment

an

of

It is therefore important
programme
contributing to the establishment of
Research Area and encouraging innovation.

to adopt a new framework
also
the European

the period 2002 to 2006,

for

and priorities of

activities which will

The sixth framework programme sets out the scientific
and technological objectives
the
activities envisaged and indicates the broad lines of
those
in
implemented
compliance with the objective of protecting
the
Community’s financial interest. It is important to ensure
sound financial management of
the sixth framework
programme.

be

(4) Resolution of 18 May 2000 (OJ C 59, 23.2.2001, p. 250).
(5) Resolution of 15 February 2001 (C 276, 1. 10. 2001, p. 271).
(6) Resolution of 15 June 2000 (OJ C 205, 19.7.2000, p. 1).
(7) Resolution of 16 November 2000 (OJ C 374, 28.12.2000, p. 1).
(8) Opinion of 24 May 2000 (OJ C 204, 18.7.2000, p. 70).
(9) Opinion of 12 April 2000 (OJ C 226, 8.8.2000, p. 18).

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

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A financial reference amount within the meaning of
point 34 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May
1999 between the European Parliament,
the Council
and the Commission on budgetary discipline and
improvement of the budgetary procedure (1) is included
the
the
in this Decision for
framework programme, without
thereby affecting the
powers of the budgetary authority as they are defined in
the Treaty.

entire duration of

(15)

The Joint Research Centre should contribute to the
implementation of the framework programme where it
can provide independent, customer-driven support for
the formulation and implementation of Community
the
including
policies,
implementation of such policies,
its
specific competence.

in the areas of

monitoring

the

of

carried

should respect

out within the

sixth
Research activities
framework programme
fundamental
ethical principles, including those reflected in Article 6
of the Treaty on 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.

Following the Commission communication (cid:145)Women and
science(cid:146), and the Resolutions of the Council of 20 May
1999 (2) and 26 June 2001 (3) and the Resolution of
the European Parliament of 3 February 2000 (4) on this
theme, an action plan is being implemented in order to
boost and increase the place and role of women in
science and research in Europe, which should ensure the
respect of
irrespective of
gender.

equality of opportunity,

having concluded the necessary agreements
to this
effect, and is also 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 cooperation.

to

the

The sixth framework programme should contribute to
enlargement by bringing scientific and technological
the
support
for
candidate
their
implementation of Community acquis and for
integration into te European Research Area. Information
on the opportunities for participating in the programme
should be provided to potential participants in a timely
and thorough manner.

countries

(16)

The Scientific and Technical Committee has been
consulted by the Commission and has delivered its
opinion,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

A multi-annual

framework programme

for nuclear
1.
research and training activities, hereinafter referred to as the
(cid:145)sixth framework programme(cid:146), is hereby adopted for the period
2002 to 2006.

The

sixth

framework

2.
comprise
Community research, technological development, international
cooperation, dissemination and exploitation activities as well as
training under the following headings:

programme

shall

The Commission Green Paper (cid:145)Towards a European
strategy for energy supply security(cid:146) constitutes an
element
in the debate on the means of combating
climate change and reducing Europe’s dependence on
imported energy.

(cid:151) controlled thermonuclear fusion,

(cid:151) management of radioactive waste,

implementation of

It is appropriate that the Commission should submit
regular progress reports to the European Parliament and
the Council on the
sixth
framework programme and that
it should have an
independent assessment carried out concerning the
implementation of the activities in good time and before
submitting
framework
programme. Such assessment should be carried out in a
spirit of openness with respect to all the relevant actors.

its proposal

the next

the

for

(cid:151) radiation protection,

(cid:151) other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and

safety,

(cid:151) nuclear activities of the Joint Research Centre.

Annex I

3.
and technological
objectives and the related priorities and indicates the broad
lines of the activities envisaged.

sets out

scientific

the

(14)

The international and global dimension in European
in the interest of
is
research activities
important
obtaining mutual
framework
benefits. The
programme is open to the participation of countries

sixth

Article 2

(1) OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p. 1.
(2) OJ C 201, 16.7.1999, p. 1.
(3) OJ C 199, 14.7.2001, p. 1.
(4) OJ C 309, 27.10.2000, p. 57.

1.
The financial reference amount for the implementation of
the sixth framework programme for the period 2002 to 2006
shall be EUR 1 230 million. The proportion assigned to each
of the activities is fixed in Annex II.

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for

The detailed rules

2.
financial participation by the
Community shall be governed by the Financial Regulation
applicable
European
to
Communities,
and, where
appropriate, by the research and training programme(s) which
the Council will adopt in order to implement this Decision.

supplemented by Annex

the General

Budget

the

III,

of

the

Progress with implementing

2.
sixth framework
programme, and in particular progress towards achieving its
including its financial
objectives and meeting its priorities,
aspects, shall be presented in detail
to be
in the report
submitted by the Commission each year pursuant to Article 7
of the Treaty.

Article 3

Article 6

All research activities carried out under the sixth framework
programme
in compliance with
carried out
fundamental ethical principles.

shall be

Article 4

sixth framework programme

The
implemented
through research and training programmes. These programmes
shall
for
implementation.

establish precise objectives

and detailed rules

shall be

submitting its proposal

framework
Before
programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment
carried out by independent, highly qualified experts of
the
implementation and achievements of Community activities
during the five years preceding that assessment.

the next

for

The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof,
accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament,
the Council,
the Economic and Social Committee and the
Committee of the Regions.

Article 5

Done at Luxembourg, 3 June 2002.

The Commission shall continually and systematically
1.
monitor, with the help of independent qualified experts, the
implementation of the sixth framework programme and its
research and training programmes.

For the Council

J. C. APARICIO P(cid:201)REZ

The President

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ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, BROAD LINES OF ACTIVITIES AND PRIORITIES

In order to fulfil the objectives concerning nuclear research and training activities as set out in the Euratom Treaty, and
in order to contribute to the establishment of the European Research Area, the sixth framework programme (Euratom),
hereafter referred to as (cid:145)this programme(cid:146), will be structured as outlined below.

Participation in this programme as a whole shall be open to all countries having concluded association agreements with
the Community to this effect. Other third countries may participate in this programme via bilateral cooperation
agreements. Researchers and organisations from third countries may also participate on a case by case basis in projects.

1.

PRIORITY THEMATIC AREAS OF RESEARCH

1.1. Controlled thermonuclear fusion

Controlled thermonuclear fusion could contribute to long-term energy supply and, therefore, to the requirements
of sustainable development for a reliable centralised supply of baseload electricity.

For reasons bound up with the complexity of fundamental knowledge in physics and the technological problems
to be resolved, the developments needed for the possible application of
fusion for energy production will
necessarily take the form of a process in several steps, each of which has an impact on the next one. However, in
a more immediate time frame, research into fusion technologies could give rise to useful technological spin-offs.

The efforts deployed in the context of the integrated European research programme on controlled thermonuclear
fusion have enabled Europe to become a world leader in the field of research into fusion by magnetic
confinement.

The progress made on the research and the results obtained, in particular with the European JET Tokamak, now
make it possible to consider moving on to the (cid:145)Next Step(cid:146), which would produce a machine capable of generating
fusion reactions in conditions comparable to that of an energy production reactor.

The completion of the preparatory work on the detailed design of the (cid:145)Next Step(cid:146) in the context of the ITER
international cooperation project makes it possible to take a decision about the launching of this project and the
construction of the machine.

this will be to demonstrate the scientific and technological

fusion energy
The objective of
production, bearing in mind the socio-economic aspects. The precise arrangements for implementing the project
will depend on the outcome of
international
cooperation and subsequent developments, more particularly the decisions taken concerning Europe’s contribution
to the ITER project and the site where the machine is to be installed. An appropriate legal framework will need to
be established.

the negotiations at present under way in the framework of

feasibility of

Participation in the ITER initiative requires the implementation of an accompanying programme including the
following elements:

(cid:151) operation of the JET machine in such a way as to derive benefit from the improvements currently being
made. Possible participation in the research activities needed for the decommissioning of fusion facilities,

(cid:151) the continuation of research into fusion physics and technology, including: 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; coordinated activities
regarding technological research, in particular research into materials for fusion.

1.2. Management of radioactive waste

Nuclear fission energy today supplies 35 % of electricity in the Community. It constitutes an element in the
debate on the means of combating climate change and reducing Europe’s dependence on imported energy. Some
of the power plants of the current generation will continue to be operated for at least 20 years.

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For these reasons, the exploitation of nuclear fission energy for energy production requires progress to be made
implementation of technical solutions for the
in the problem of waste, and more particularly the industrial
management of long-lived waste.

European public and private sector research efforts with regard to nuclear waste treatment and storage
technologies are significant. Through its coordination effects, Community action in this area makes it possible to
assemble them into a critical mass and ensure the coherence of the guidelines adopted by the waste management
organisations and industries concerned.

Actions will cover both the problem of waste management and the question of reducing its impact. In this
connection, they will address the following aspects:

(cid:151) research into processes for long-term storage in deep geological strata, with the networking of the activities

carried out on various sites in the three main types of geological formations envisaged,

(cid:151) research aimed at reducing the impact of waste, in particular through the development of new technologies
to reduce the hazards associated with waste by means of partitioning and transmutation techniques, as well
as exploring the potential of concepts to produce less waste in nuclear energy generation.

1.3. Radiation protection

Vigilance is still required to ensure a continuation of the Community’s outstanding safety record. The enlargement
of the Union also introduces new challenges. The improvement of radiation protection continues to be a priority
area. In this programme these activities will be carried out mainly in the following areas:

(cid:151) the quantification of the risks associated with low levels of exposure,

(cid:151) medical exposure and exposure to natural sources,

(cid:151) radio-ecology,

(cid:151) risk and emergency management,

(cid:151) protection of the workplace and the environment.

2.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES AND SAFETY

The activities carried out under this heading are intended to:

(cid:151) respond to the scientific and technical needs of the policies of the Community in the fields of health, energy

and the environment,

(cid:151) ensure that the European capability is maintained at a high level in relevant fields not covered by priority

thematic areas,

(cid:151) contribute towards the creation of the European Research Area.

These activities will be carried out mainly in the following areas:

(cid:151) innovative concepts: evaluation of the potential of innovative concepts that offer advantages in terms of
safety, environmental impact, resource utilisation, proliferation resistance; development of improved and safer
processes in the field of nuclear energy,

(cid:151) education and training concerning nuclear safety and radiation protection aimed at

integration and
consolidation of national efforts to achieve economy of scale, and covering in addition such areas as mobility
and human resources, transnational access to infrastructure, and coordination activities,

(cid:151) measures for the safety of existing nuclear installations.

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3.

NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES OF THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE (JRC)

The JRC’s activities will aim to support related Community policies and specific Treaty obligations. Focussing its
activities in areas where Community involvement is appropriate, the JRC operates where its European identity
provides added value and where its action is justified by the cross-border aspects of nuclear safety and security or
by public concern. The principal objective will be to further develop collaboration through networking, leading to
broad consensus on a range of these issues at a European and world level. Special attention will be given to
cooperation with candidate countries. Training activities will be an important component for the JRC to help
equip the Community with a future generation of scientists with the necessary competencies and expertise. The
main areas of research activity will therefore be as follows (1):

3.1. Nuclear safety and security

Research into waste treatment and storage (in particular separation and transmutation techniques for long-lived
actinides) and radiation protection; safety of different types of reactors with priority for reactors in the candidate
countries, and the development of control methods with regard to fissile materials, as well as technical support
for nuclear non-proliferation. Staff for monitoring the decommissioning of obsolete nuclear installations will be
provided.

3.2. Measurements and reference materials

in particular in the case of low activity and round robin tests in the framework of
Radionuclide metrology,
networks of laboratories of excellence; interaction between neutrons and matter for the generation of base data
for studies concerning the transmutation of waste and the development of new systems. This activity will
principally provide horizontal support for actions under title 3.1 above.

(1) In addition, the JRC is entitled to participate in all research activities on the same basis as entities established in Member States.

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MAXIMUM OVERALL AMOUNT, RESPECTIVE SHARES AND INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN

ANNEX II

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

3. Nuclear activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC)

Total

750

90

50

(EUR million)

890

50

290

1 230

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ANNEX III

INSTRUMENTS

Introduction

The Community’s budgetary intervention in indirect actions (i.e. those not undertaken by the JRC) is aimed at research
centres, universities, businesses and national or international bodies situated in the Member States and the European
associated states which carry out research activities. The latter may also act as intermediaries for Community budgetary
intervention. Where this proves necessary to achieve the objectives of the programme, bodies in the newly independent
states (NIS) and international organisations may exceptionally receive Community funding.

1.

INSTRUMENTS IN FUSION ENERGY

In the field of fusion energy research under Heading 1.1 of Annex I, the particular nature of the activities in this
area necessitates the implementation of specific arrangements. The projects undertaken will be carried out on the
basis of procedures set out in:

(cid:151) contracts of association,

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

(cid:151) any other multilateral agreement concluded between the Community and associated organisations and/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 bodies in the Member States or the States associated

with the Euratom framework programme,

(cid:151) international agreements covering projects carried out in the framework of cooperation with third countries,

such as the ITER.

The activities to coordinate and support fusion energy research may concern studies in support of these activities,
including for the independent
support
evaluation of activities, fellowships and training schemes, publications and other actions to promote technology
transfer.

for information exchange, recourse to external expertise capacities,

2.

INSTRUMENTS IN OTHER FIELDS

In the fields of management of radioactive waste and radiation protection of the priority thematic areas of research
under Headings 1.2 and 1.3 of Annex I as well in other activities under Heading 2, the Community, subject to the
specific programmes and rules for participation, will contribute:

(cid:151) to networks of excellence, aimed at strengthening and developing Community scientific and technological
excellence by means of the integration, at European level, of research capacities currently existing or emerging
at both national and regional level,

(cid:151) to integrated projects, designed to give increased impetus to the Community’s competitiveness or to address
major societal needs by mobilising a critical mass of research and technological development resources and
competences,

(cid:151) specific targeted projects, 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 or to demonstrate
the viability of new technologies offering potential economic advantage but which cannot be commercialised
directly,

(cid:151) actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility,

(cid:151) coordination actions,

intended to promote and support coordinated initiatives of a range of research and

innovation operators aiming at improved integration,

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(cid:151) specific support actions, such as actions aimed at exploiting the results of research and transfer of knowledge
and actions in support of research infrastructure relating to, for instance, transnational access or preparatory
technical work (including feasibility studies),

(cid:151) integrated infrastructure initiatives, combining in a single action several activities essential to reinforce and

develop research infrastructures in order to provide services at the European level.

3. DIRECT ACTIONS (cid:151) JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE

Direct actions will be implemented by the JRC.