Communication from the Commission concerning the conclusion of an Agreement for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy between the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
Date: 2003-04-22
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EAEC, Ukraine, cooperation agreement, nuclear energy, peaceful use of energy












EUR-Lex - 52003DC0129 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



52003DC0129

Communication from the Commission concerning the conclusion of an Agreement for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy between the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine  /* COM/2003/0129 final */  









COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION concerning the conclusion of an Agreement for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy between the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine(presented by the Commission)Since the independence of Ukraine in 1991 nuclear issues have been high on the agenda in the relationship between the EU and Ukraine. Significant progress has been achieved in specific matters related to nuclear safety, in particular the closing down of the Chernobyl NPP, and Ukraine gradually rid itself of its nuclear weapon inheritance and joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty as non-nuclear weapon state.The precarious energy situation in Ukraine, due to a heavy dependence on oil and gas imports and inefficient coalmining have left the country vulnerable to energy supply disruptions. Nuclear energy is thus a key industry for the country as reflects its important share in Ukraine's electricity supply.Having adressed more urgent matters in the past, it is now time for a general agreement on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy which will provide a framework for a strengthened co-operation between the EU and Ukraine in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy to the benefit of both parties in this area of mutual interest. The areas of co-operation include nuclear safety, controlled nuclear fusion, nuclear research and development, trade in nuclear materials and the prevention of illicit trafficking of nuclear material. In this context, on 13 November 2002, two research agreements on nuclear safety and controlled nuclear fusion have entered into force, for which the present legal text constitutes a framework.The legal basis of the relationship between the EU and Ukraine is the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement. The specific legal basis of the Agreement for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy between the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is article 62 of the the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement.On 30 April 1999, the Council adopted a decision directing the Commission to negotiate an agreement for co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy between the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine pursuant to the second paragraph of Article 101 of the Euratom Treaty.The negotiations between the Commission and the Ukrainian authorities were completed without running into any particular difficulties and the resulting text complies with the negotiating directives the Council issued to the Commission.The Commission calls on the Council to adopt the annexed proposal approving the conclusion of the agreement.