Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the specific Programme implementing the seventh Framework Programme (2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities
Date: 2005-09-21
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, EU research policy, nuclear energy, nuclear research, research and development, research programme, vocational training

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 21.9.2005 
COM(2005) 445 final 

2005/0190 (CNS) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

concerning the specific Programme implementing the seventh Framework Programme 
(2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear 
research and training activities 

(presented by the Commission) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSALS 

The  Commission  adopted  its  proposal1  for  the  7th  Framework  Programme  of  the  European 
Atomic  Energy  Community  (Euratom)  for  nuclear  research  and  training  activities  (2007  to 
2011) on 6 April 2005. The Commission indicated that the activities were to be organised in 
two Specific Programmes corresponding to “indirect” actions on fusion energy research and 
nuclear  fission  and  radiation  protection  and  the  “direct”  research  activities  of  the  Joint 
Research  Centre  in  the  field  of  nuclear  energy,  and  these  are  the  subject  of  the  present 
proposals.  The  Commission  will  be  presenting  proposals  for  the  associated  “Rules  for 
Participation and Dissemination”. 

The policy context and objectives are those set out in the Communication “Building the ERA 
of knowledge for growth”2.  

The Specific Programmes of the 7th Euratom Framework Programme are designed to address, 
in  combination  with  the  necessary  national  and  industrial  efforts,  the  major  issues  and 
challenges in this field of research in Europe. 

Financial  support  at  a  European  level  offers  opportunities  to  increase  the  excellence  and 
effectiveness  of  research  in  a  way  that  cannot  be  achieved  at  national  level.  The  Specific 
Programmes of the 7th Euratom Framework Programme represent further consolidation of the 
European Research Area in this sector, achieving critical mass and structures in new areas of 
research  and  by  new  means,  and  further  supporting  the  free  movement  of  ideas,  knowledge 
and researchers. 

Throughout the implementation of the Specific Programmes, the potential for European level 
actions  to  strengthen  excellence  in  research  will  be  utilised  to  the  maximum.  This  implies 
identifying  and  supporting  existing  excellence  in  this  field  wherever  it  exists  across  the 
European Union as well as creating capacities for future research excellence.  

Where  possible,  the  impact  of  the  Specific  Programmes  will  be  enhanced  through 
complementarities with other Community programmes, such as the Structural Funds. This is 
in  conformity  with  the  approach  to  be  followed  in  the  EC  Capacities  Specific  Programme, 
since an important aspect of the Euratom Specific Programme for indirect actions will also be 
the  support  for  research  infrastructures,  though  in  this  case  in  the  specific  area  of  nuclear 
science and technology. 

2. 

PRIOR CONSULTATION 

In  the  preparation  of  current  proposals,  as  for  the  Framework  Programme,  the  Commission 
has  taken  into  account  the  views  expressed  by  the  other  EU  institutions  and  the  Member 
States,  as  well  as  by  many  stakeholders  in  a  broad  consultation,  including  the  scientific 
community  and  industry.  In  addition,  the  Specific  Programme  proposals  draw  from  the  in-

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COM(2005) 119. 
COM(2005) 118. 

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depth  impact  assessment  undertaken  for  the  7th  Framework  Programme  proposal3  and  the 
outcome of the five year assessment of the Framework Programme4.  

3. 

LEGAL ASPECTS 

The  present  Specific  Programme  proposals  cover  the  same  period  as  the  Framework 
Programme,  2007-2011,  which  in  turn  is  based  on  Article  7  of  the  Euratom  Treaty.  In 
accordance  with  this  Article,  second  paragraph,  research  programmes  are  drawn  up  for  a 
period of not more than five years. Hence, the present proposals are not for the same duration 
as the EC Specific Programmes.  

The  Commission  proposes  that,  unless  extenuating  circumstances  arise,  these  Specific 
Programmes  will  be  renewed  for  the  period  2012-2013,  in  accordance  with  the  foreseen 
legislative procedure. 

4. 

BUDGETARY IMPLEMENTATION 

The  “legislative  financial  statement”  attached  to  this  Decision  sets  out  the  budgetary 
implications and the human and administrative resources, and also provides indicative figures 
for the period 2012-2013. 

The Commission intends to set up an executive agency which will be entrusted with certain 
tasks required to implement the specific programme of indirect actions5. 

5. 

A COHERENT AND FLEXIBLE IMPLEMENTATION 

5.1. 

Adapting to new needs and opportunities 

It is vital that the implementation of the Specific Programmes is sufficiently flexible to enable 
them  to  remain  at  the  forefront  of  scientific  and  technological  developments  in  the  nuclear 
field  in  general  and  to  respond  to  emerging  industrial,  policy  or  societal  needs.  For  the 
indirect actions, this will be achieved primarily through the work programmes which will be 
updated  on  an  annual  basis  with  the  assistance  of  the  committees  of  Member  State 
representatives and identify the topics for calls for proposals to be launched. Revisions may 
be  made  more  rapidly  in  case  of  new  priorities  requiring  an  urgent  response,  in  particular 
arising from unforeseen policy needs. 

This  multi-annual  programming  will  benefit  from  a  wide  range  of  inputs  to  ensure  that  the 
activities supported maintain direct relevance to the evolving research needs of industry and 

3 
4 
5 

SEC(2005) 430. 
COM (2005) 387. 
Article 54.2 (a) of the Financial Regulation (EC, Euratom) allows the Commission to entrust tasks of 
public authority to executive agencies. However, Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 laying down the 
statute for the executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community 
programmes,  and  Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1653/2004,  on  a  standard  financial  regulation  for 
executive agencies pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 58/2003, are EC Regulations which, consequently, 
would  not  apply  in  the  Euratom  field.  The  Commission  intends  to  request  the  Council  to  extend  the 
scope of these regulations to the Euratom Treaty. 

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EU policies in the nuclear field. The external advisory group for energy established under the 
EC  Cooperation  Specific  Programme,  with  effective  multi-disciplinary  membership  and  a 
balance of academic and industrial views, will provide one of these inputs. 

Additional external inputs may also be forthcoming from the technology platforms that it is 
envisaged could be established in certain thematic domains of the Specific Programmes in the 
near future.  

Other  forums  and  groups,  such  as  European  Strategy  Forum  on  Research  Infrastructures 
(ESFRI), may provide the Commission with timely advice on opportunities and priorities with 
relevance to the Euratom research sector. 

5.2. 

Cross-cutting issues 

Overall coherence in the implementation of the 7th Euratom Framework  Programme will be 
ensured by the Commission. The work programmes across the Specific Programmes will be 
revised in a coordinated way to allow cross cutting issues to be fully taken into account. 

The  committees  of  Member  State  representatives  also  have  an  important  responsibility  in 
assisting  the  Commission  in  the  effective  coherence  and  coordination  of  implementation 
across  and  within  Specific  Programmes.  This  implies  a  strong  level  of  coordination  within 
Member States between representatives of different committee configurations. 

Particular  attention  will  be  paid  to  those  actions  cutting  across  Euratom  and  EC  Specific 
Programmes, for example the use of advanced reactors in the production of hydrogen, or the 
development  of  advanced  materials.  Where  feasible  in  view  of  the  difficulties  posed  by  the 
existence of two Framework Programmes coming under separate Treaties, joint calls may be 
used building on the experience gained in the 6th Framework Programme. 

The following issues are of particular importance, and specific arrangements for a coordinated 
approach are foreseen:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

International  cooperation:  This  is  an  important  aspect  of  the  Euratom  programme 
and  a  strategic  approach  will  be  taken  to  promote  actions  in  this  respect  and  to 
address specific issues where there is a mutual interest and benefit. 

Research  infrastructures:  There  needs  to  be  close  collaboration  with  the  EC 
Capacities programme to ensure support for key nuclear research infrastructures with 
more general research applications. 

Link  with  Community  policy:  Arrangements  for  effective  coordination  within  the 
Commission  services  will  be  put  in  place,  in  particular  to  ensure  that  activities 
continue  to  meet  the  needs  of  developments  in  EU  policies.  For  this  purpose,  the 
multi-annual  programming  may  draw  on  the  help  of  user  groups  of  different 
Commission services associated with the policies concerned.  

Dissemination  and  knowledge  transfer:  The  need  to  foster  the  uptake  of  research 
results is a strong feature across the Specific Programmes, with a particular emphasis 
on transferring knowledge between countries, across disciplines and from academia 
to industry, including through the mobility of researchers. 

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– 

Science in society: This activity in the EC Capacities programme also has parallels in 
activities in the nuclear sector, and there is a clear potential for mutually beneficial 
cross-fertilisation  in  areas  such  as  governance  and  stakeholder  issues,  especially 
those associated with the local acceptance of controversial facilities. 

6. 

SIMPLIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT METHODS 

A  significant  simplification  will  be  achieved  in  the  implementation  of  the  7th  Framework 
Programme, following the ideas presented in the Commission Working Document of 6 April 
2005  and  the  extensive  dialogue  on  the  basis  of  this  document.  Many  of  the  proposed 
measures  are  to  be  presented  in  the  Rules  for  Participation  and  Dissemination,  notably  to 
reduce “red tape” significantly and simplify the funding schemes and reporting requirements.  

Within the fission part of the Specific Programme for indirect actions, improvements will be 
proposed that are comparable with those foreseen for actions in the collaborative part of the 
EC programme. 

7. 

CONTENT OF THE SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES 

7.1. 

Nuclear research and training activities (indirect actions) 

This Specific Programme covers the following two thematic priorities: 

(i) Fusion energy research: to develop the  knowledge base for, and to realise ITER as the 
major  step  towards,  the  creation  of  prototype  reactors  for  power  stations  that  are  safe, 
sustainable,  environmentally  responsible  and  economically  viable.  This  thematic  priority 
includes the following areas of activity: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

The realisation of ITER 

R&D in preparation of ITER operation 

Technology activities in preparation of DEMO  

R&D activities for the longer term 

Human resources, education and training 

Infrastructures 

Responding to emerging and unforeseen policy needs. 

(ii)  Nuclear  fission  and  radiation  protection:  to  promote  the  safe  use  and  exploitation  of 
nuclear  fission  and  other  uses  of  radiation  in  industry  and  medicine.  This  thematic  priority 
includes the following areas of activity: 

–  Management of radioactive waste  

– 

– 

Reactor systems  

Radiation protection  

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– 

– 

Support for and access to research infrastructures 

Human resources and training including mobility. 

In  general,  this  Specific  Programme  represents  strong  elements  of  continuity  with  previous 
framework  programmes  building  on  the  demonstrated  added  value  of  European  support  of 
this type. There are, in addition, important novelties in this Specific Programme which require 
specific consideration for the implementation: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

A strengthened approach to the coordinating of national research programmes in the 
field of nuclear fission and radiation protection. 

The joint implementation of ITER in an international framework, the establishment 
of  a  Euratom  Joint  Undertaking  for  ITER,  and  a  further  strengthening  of  the  co-
ordination of the integrated European fusion energy research activities.  

A more targeted approach to international cooperation within each theme is foreseen 
with  specific  cooperation  actions  to  be  identified  in  the  work  programmes  in  line 
with the strategic approach for international cooperation foreseen. 

A component to allow a flexible response to emerging needs and unforeseen policy 
needs will be supported under each of the themes and the implementation will build 
on  the  experience  of  the  Scientific  Support  for  Policy  and  New  and  Emerging 
Science  and  Technology  schemes  introduced  in  the  6th  Framework  Programme,  as 
well as the Future and Emerging Technology scheme in the ICT area.  

During  the  lifetime  of  this  Specific  Programme,  and  the  foreseen  extension  to  2013, 
opportunities  for  the  creation  of  effective  Joint  Undertakings  may  arise,  for  example  in  the 
field of radioactive waste management6. The Commission services will submit proposals for 
the creation of such undertakings to Council at the appropriate time. 

7.2. 

JRC (direct actions) 

The  JRC  will  implement  its  mission  in  taking  into  account  the  internal  evolution  within 
Commission services, as well as the European and worldwide context in the nuclear field. 

To  this  end,  the  strengthening  of  JRC  relations  with  Member  States  research  organisations 
will be systematically sought. 

In connection with the Lisbon agenda and upon request of most of JRC stakeholders, the JRC 
will make a significant effort on training and knowledge management. The JRC will pursue 
its R&D activities in areas linked to waste management and environmental impact. 

In  nuclear  safety,  the  most  important  changes  are  an  answer  to  the  Community  policy 
developments,  new  needs  expressed  by  Commission  services  and  to  the  Community 
involvement in international initiatives, such as Generation IV. 

6 

See the Explanatory Memorandum to the Commission’s revised proposal for the “Nuclear Package” - 
COM(2004) 526, 8.9.2004. 

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The  JRC  is  involved  in  nuclear  safety  for  30  years,  but  the  international  context  has 
significantly  changed these very last years and  the  non-proliferation dimension is  becoming 
more  important.  However,  internal  evolution  of  Commission  Services  also  relies  on  JRC 
continuous support in more traditional areas. 

8. 

BUILDING THE ERA OF KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWTH 

Achieving the necessary rapid progress towards a knowledge economy and society requires a 
new ambition and effectiveness in European research. All actors across the European Union – 
national governments, research establishments, industry – have their role.  

All  Specific  Programmes  implementing  the  7th  Framework  Programmes  (EC  and  Euratom) 
are designed to maximise the leverage and impact of European-level research spending within 
the  available  budget.  Key  features  are:  the  focus  on  the  thematic  priorities  in  the 
corresponding Specific Programmes with activities and means of implementation designed to 
meet  these  objectives;  a  strong  element  of  continuity;  a  consistent  focus  on  supporting 
existing  excellence  and  creating  the  capacity  for  tomorrow’s  research  excellence;  a 
streamlined and simplified management to ensure user friendliness and cost effectiveness; and 
an  inbuilt  flexibility  such  that  the  Framework  Programme  can  respond  to  new  needs  and 
opportunities. 

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2005/0190 (CNS) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

concerning the specific Programme implementing the seventh Framework Programme 
(2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear 
research and training activities 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

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 Commission7, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament8, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee9, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

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In  accordance  with  Council  Decision  No  xxx/Euratom  concerning  the  seventh 
framework  programme  of  the  European  Atomic  Energy  Community  (Euratom)  for 
nuclear  research  and  training  activities,  (2007-2011)  (hereinafter  referred  to  as  ‘the 
Framework  Programme’),  the  Framework  Programme  is  to  be  implemented  through 
specific  programmes  that  define  detailed  rules  for  their  implementation,  fix  their 
duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. 

The Framework Programme is structured in two types of activities: (i) indirect actions 
in fusion energy research and research on nuclear fission and radiation protection, and 
(ii)  direct  actions  for  activities  of  the  Joint  Research  Centre  in  the  field  of  nuclear 
energy. The activities under (i) should be implemented by this specific programme. 

The  rules  for  the  participation  of  undertakings,  research  centres  and  universities  and 
for  the  dissemination  of  research  results, for  the  Framework  Programme  (hereinafter 
referred  to  as  ‘the  rules  for  participation  and  dissemination’)  should  apply  to  this 
programme. 

The  Framework  Programme  should  complement  other  EU  actions  in  the  area  of  the 
the 
research  policy 

the  overall  strategic  effort  for 

that  are  necessary  for 

OJ C , , p. . 
OJ C , , p. . 
OJ C , , p. . 

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implementation of the Lisbon strategy, alongside in particular with those on education, 
training,  competitiveness  and  innovation,  industry,  health,  consumer  protection, 
employment, energy, transport and environment. 

(5)  With reference to the Council Decision of 26 November 2004 amending the directives 
of negotiations on ITER10, the realisation of ITER in Europe, in a broader approach to 
fusion energy, will be the central feature of the activities on fusion research carried out 
under the Framework Programme. 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

The  EU  activities  to  contribute  to  the  realisation  of  ITER,  and  in  particular  those 
necessary for starting the construction of ITER at Cadarache and executing the ITER 
Technology  R&D  during  the  Framework  Programme  shall  be  steered  by  a  joint 
undertaking within the meaning of Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty .  

Aspects  of  research  and  technological  development  in  the  field  of  nuclear  fission 
science  and  technology  may  also  be  amenable  to  implementation  through  Joint 
Undertakings established under Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty. 

In accordance with Article 101 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number 
of international agreements in the field of nuclear research and efforts should be made 
to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the 
Community  into  the  world-wide  research  community.  Therefore,  this  specific 
programme  should  be  open  to  the  participation  of  countries  having  concluded 
agreements to this effect and should be 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. 

(9) 

Research  activities  carried  out  within  this  programme  should  respect  fundamental 
ethical  principles,  including  those  which  are  reflected  in the  Charter  of  Fundamental 
Rights of the European Union. 

(10)  The  Framework  Programme  should  contribute  towards  promoting  sustainable 

development.  

(11)  Sound  financial  management  of  the  Framework  Programme  and  its  implementation 
should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, as well as 
ease  of  access  for  all  participants,  in  compliance  with  Council  Regulation  (EC, 
Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the 
general budget of the European Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 
No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for implementation of 
the Financial Regulation and any future amendments. 

(12)  Appropriate measures should also be taken to prevent irregularities and fraud and the 
necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used 
in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 
on  the  Financial  Regulation  applicable  to  the  general  budget  of  the  European 
Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 
2002  laying  down  detailed  rules  for  implementation  of  the  Financial  Regulation  and 

10 

Not published in the OJ. 

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any  future  amendments,  Council  Regulations  (EC,  Euratom)  No  2988/95  of  18 
December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests11, 
(Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and 
inspections  carried  out  by  the  Commission  in  order  to  protect  the  European 
irregularities12  and 
Communities’  financial 
Regulation  (EC)  No  1074/1999  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council 
concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)13. 

interests  against  fraud  and  other 

(13)  Each  thematic  area  should  have  its  own  budget  line  in  the  General  Budget  of  the 

European Communities. 

(14) 

In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender 
mainstreaming,  as  well  as  to,  inter  alia,  the  working  conditions,  transparency  of 
recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on 
projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the 
Commission  Recommendation  of  11  March  2005  on  the  European  Charter  for 
Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers14 offers a 
reference framework. 

(15)  The Scientific and Technical Committee has been consulted, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:  

Article 1 

The  specific  programme  for  nuclear  research  and  training  activities  in  the  fields  of  Fusion 
Energy,  Nuclear  Fission  and  Radiation  Protection  under  the  7th  Euratom  Framework 
Programme,  hereinafter  the  “Specific  Programme”  is  hereby  adopted  for  the  period  from  1 
January 2007 to 31 December 2011. 

Article 2 

The  Specific  Programme  shall  support  the  activities  for  research  and  training  on  nuclear 
energy, supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in the following thematic 
areas: 

(a) 

fusion energy research; 

(b) 

research on nuclear fission and radiation protection. 

Within  the  field  of  Fusion  energy  research,  a  joint  undertaking  established  under  Title  II, 
Chapter  5  of  the  Treaty  shall  be  created  for  managing  and  administering  the  European 
contribution  to  ITER  as  well  as  complementary  activities  aimed  at  the  fast  realisation  of 
fusion energy. 

11 
12 
13 
14 

OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1. 
OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2. 
OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1. 
C(2005) 576. 

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The objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in Annex. 

Article 3 

In accordance with Article 3 of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for 
the execution of the Specific Programme shall be EUR 2 553 million, of which 15 % shall be 
for the Commission’s administrative expenditure. 

Fusion energy research 

Nuclear Fission and radiation protection 

2 159 

394 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Article 4 

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

The following research shall not be financed under this programme: 

– 

– 

research activities that are prohibited in all the Member States, 

research activities to be carried out in a Member State where such research is 
prohibited. 

Article 5 

The  specific  programme  shall  be  implemented  by  means  of  the  funding  schemes 
established in Annex II to the Framework Programme. 

The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this Specific Programme. 

Article 6 

The  Commission  shall  draw  up  a  work  programme  for  the  implementation  of  the 
specific  programme,  setting  out  in  greater  detail  the  objectives  and  scientific  and 
technological priorities set out in Annex, the funding schemes to be used for the topic 
on which proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation. 

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

The work programme will specify the criteria on which proposals for indirect actions 
under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected. The criteria will 
be  those  of  excellence,  impact  and  implementation  and  within  this  framework 
additional  requirements,  weightings  and  thresholds  may  be  further  specified  or 
complemented in the work programme.  

4. 

The work programme may identify: 

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1. 

2. 

(a) 

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; 

(b) 

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. 

Article 7 

The  Commission  shall  be  responsible  for  the  implementation  of  the  specific 
programme. 

For the purposes of implementing the 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 
in  Council  Decision 
84/338/Euratom, ECSC, EEC of 29 June 1984 dealing with structures and procedures 
for  the  management  and  coordination  of  Community  research,  development  and 
demonstration activities15. For the fusion-related aspects they shall be as laid down in 
the Council Decision of 16 December 1980 setting up a Consultative Committee for 
the  fusion  programme,  as  amended  by  Council  Decision  2005/336/Euratom  of  18 
April 200516. 

it  shall  be  as 

laid  down 

to 

3. 

The Commission shall regularly inform the committee of the overall progress of the 
implementation  of  the  specific  programme,  and  shall  provide  it  with  information 
about all RTD actions funded under this programme. 

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

15 
16 

OJ L 177, 4.7.1984, p. 25. 
OJ L 108, 29.4.2005, p. 64. 

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ANNEX 

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, BROAD LINES OF THE 
THEMES AND ACTIVITIES 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

Nuclear power is the principal carbon-free source of base load electricity in the EU, 
totalling some 135GWe of installed capacity and accounting for one-third of current 
electricity generation. It therefore plays a key role in limiting the EU’s emissions of 
greenhouse  gases,  and  makes  an  important  contribution  to  improving  the  Union’s 
independence, security and diversity of energy supply. 

In the longer term, nuclear fusion offers the prospect of an almost limitless supply of 
clean  energy,  with  ITER  being  the  crucial  next  step  in  the  progress  towards  this 
ultimate  goal.  The  realisation  of  the  ITER  project  therefore  lies  at  the  heart  of  the 
present EU strategy, though must be accompanied by a strong and focused European 
R&D  programme  to  prepare  for  the  exploitation  of  ITER  and  to  develop  the 
technologies  and  knowledge  base  that  will  be  needed  during  its  operation  and 
beyond. 

On the other hand, nuclear fission remains a viable option for those Member States 
wishing  to  avail  themselves  of  this  technology  for  a  balanced  mix  of  their  energy 
supplies.  Research  and  training  activities  are  of  paramount  importance  in  ensuring 
continued high levels of nuclear safety both now and in the future, maintaining the 
progress  towards  implementation  of  sustainable  waste  management  solutions,  and 
improving  efficiency  and  competitiveness  of  the  sector  as  a  whole.  Research  in 
radiation  protection  constitutes  an  essential  aspect  of  this  policy,  ensuring  optimal 
safety of the public and workforce in all medical and industrial applications.  

In  all  domains,  the  right  level  of  investment in  research  is  essential  if  Europe  is  to 
remain competitive; for maximum effectiveness this requires a concerted approach at 
the  EU  level  with  continued  co-operation  between  Member  States  and  significant 
efforts to maintain infrastructures, competences and know-how. In general, research 
will also be needed to explore new scientific and technological opportunities and to 
respond  in  a  flexible  way  to  new  policy  needs  that  arise  during  the  course  of  the 
Framework Programme. 

2. 

THEMATIC AREAS OF RESEARCH 

2.1. 

Fusion energy 

The  construction  of  ITER  at  Cadarache  in  France,  and  of  “Broader  Approach” 
projects  to  accelerate  the  development  of  fusion  energy,  will  take  place  within  the 
framework  of  international  co-operation.  An  international  ITER  agreement  will 
establish  the  ITER  Organisation.  The  construction  of  ITER  and  Broader  Approach 
projects,  and  their  exploitation  together  with  other  facilities  in  international 
collaboration  will  expand  such  collaboration  to  an  unprecedented  level.  This  will 

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provide  significant  benefits  to  Europe,  in  particular  in  terms  of  efficiency  and 
possible cost sharing. 

The Domestic Agency for ITER will be established as a Joint Undertaking under the 
EURATOM  Treaty.  It  will  provide  the  means  for  EURATOM  to  discharge  its 
international obligations under the ITER Agreement and to ensure that EURATOM 
provides in an efficient and coherent manner the European contribution to ITER and 
to  Broader  Approach  projects,  including  the  R&D  activities  in  support  of  these 
projects. 

Europe’s  leading  position  in  fusion  energy  research  is  due  to  the  combination  of  a 
single  and  fully  integrated  European  fusion  programme  of  the  European  Research 
Area  (ERA)  type,  strong  continuous  Community  support,  co-ordination  by 
EURATOM,  and  the  development  of  human  capital  in  the  EURATOM  Fusion 
Associations.  The  Fusion  Associations  are  centres  of  excellence  in  fusion  research 
and have an extensive network of collaborations, largely based on their experimental 
facilities.  The  outstanding  technology  developments  achieved  by  EURATOM  in 
contributing  to  the  ITER  Engineering  Design  Activities  and  the  successful 
exploitation of the JET facilities have contributed significantly to further enhancing 
the strong cohesion of the European fusion programme. This has also given Europe 
the knowledge and experience needed for broad collaborative efforts in all aspects of 
fusion  energy  research,  including  the  realisation  of  ITER  and  Broader  Approach 
projects. Building on these achievements, the organisation and management of FP7 
will  ensure  that  the  R&D  will  be  effectively  and  efficiently  co-ordinated  for  the 
fulfilment of the near and long term goals of the programme. 

The  rapid  development  of  fusion  also  requires  a  wide  industrial  base  to  ensure  a 
timely  deployment  of  fusion  energy.  European  industry  has  already  contributed 
substantially  to  the  ITER  Engineering  Design  Activities.  During  FP7,  European 
industry,  including  SMEs,  will  play  a  leading  role  in  the  construction  of  ITER  and 
will  position  itself  to  participate  fully  in  the  development  of  fusion  power 
technologies for DEMO (a "demonstration" fusion power station) and future fusion 
power plants.  

ITER and the European fusion energy research programme will contribute to some of 
the urgent actions identified in the report of the High Level Group (“Kok Report”) as 
necessary to make progress in the Lisbon strategy. In particular, ITER will become a 
magnet  for  the  best  fusion  scientists  and  engineers  and  high  technology  industries. 
This  will  create  benefits  for  both  the  European  fusion  programme  and  the  overall 
scientific  and  technical  knowledge  base.  The  skills  and  knowledge  which  will  be 
acquired  by European industry  when  building systems and components to meet the 
highly  demanding  technical  requirements  of  the  ITER  device  will  help  boost  its 
competitiveness. 

Overall Objective 

To  develop  the  knowledge  base  for,  and  to  realise  ITER  as  the  major  step  towards,  the 
creation  of  prototype  reactors  for  power  stations  that  are  safe,  sustainable, 
environmentally responsible, and economically viable. 

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Activities 

(i) The realisation of ITER 

This includes activities for the joint realisation of ITER as an international research 
infrastructure: 

–  The  EU  will  have  a  special  responsibility  within  the  ITER  Organisation  as  the 
host  of  the  project  and  will  assume  a  leading  role,  in  particular  regarding  site 
preparation,  establishing  the  ITER  Organisation,  management  and  staffing,  plus 
general technical and administrative support. 

–  EU participation in ITER as a Party will include contributions to the construction 
of equipment and installations which are within the perimeter of the ITER site and 
necessary for its exploitation and support to the project during construction. 

–  The  R&D  activities  in  support  of  ITER  construction  will  be  carried  out  in  the 
fusion Associations and European industries. They will include the development 
and testing of components and systems.  

(ii) R&D in preparation of ITER operation 

A  focused  physics  and  technology  programme  will  aim  at  consolidation  of  ITER 
project  choices  and  preparation  for  a  rapid  start-up  of  ITER  operation,  reducing 
significantly the time and cost needed for ITER to achieve its baseline objectives. It 
will  be  executed  through  co-ordinated  experimental,  theoretical  and  modelling 
activities using the JET facilities and other devices in the Associations, it will ensure 
that Europe has the necessary impact on the ITER project, and it will prepare for a 
strong European role in its exploitation. This programme will include: 

–  assessment  of  specific  key  technologies  for  ITER  operation  through  the 
completion and exploitation of the JET Enhancements (first wall, heating systems, 
diagnostics);  

–  exploration of ITER operating scenarios by means of targeted experiments on JET 

and other facilities, and co-ordinated modelling activities.  

During  FP7,  a  review  will  be  carried  out  of  the  facilities  in  the  programme, 
examining the possibility of phasing out existing facilities, and considering the need 
for new devices in parallel to ITER exploitation. The review will be used as a basis 
for  the  possible  support  of  new  or  upgraded  devices  in  order  to  ensure  that  the 
programme will maintain an adequate set of fusion facilities for the relevant R&D.  

(iii) Technology activities in preparation of DEMO 

Key technologies and materials required for the licensing, construction and operation 
of the DEMO power plant will be further developed in Associations and industry in 
order to test them in ITER and to position European industry to be able to construct 
DEMO  and  develop  future  fusion  power  plants.  The  following  activities  will  be 
implemented: 

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–  establishment of a dedicated project team and implementation of the Engineering 
Validation  and  Engineering  Design  Activities  (EVEDA)  to  prepare  for  the 
construction  of  the  International  Fusion  Materials  Irradiation  Facility  (IFMIF), 
which  will  be  used  for  testing  materials  of  a  fusion  power  station  -  an  essential 
pre-condition for the licensing of DEMO;  

–  development,  irradiation  testing  and  modelling  of  low  activation  and  radiation 
resistant materials; development of the key technologies required for fusion power 
plant  operation;  conceptual  design  activities  of  DEMO,  including  safety  and 
environmental aspects. 

(iv) R&D activities for the longer term 

Building  on  the  activities  aimed  specifically  at  ITER  and  DEMO,  the  fusion 
programme  will  develop  competences  and  enlarge  the  knowledge  base  in  fields 
which  are  strategically  relevant  to  future  fusion  power  stations.  These  research 
activities will lead to enhanced technical feasibility and economic viability of fusion 
power. Specific actions for these purposes in FP7 will include: 

–  improved  concepts  for  magnetic  confinement  schemes  will  be  studied  on  those 
concepts offering a high reactor potential. Work will concentrate on completion of 
the  W7-X  stellarator;  utilisation  of  existing  devices  for  expansion  of  the 
experimental  databases;  and  appraisal  of  the  future  perspectives  for  these 
configurations;  

–  an experimental fusion physics programme will be carried out with the objective 
of  realising  a  comprehensive  understanding  of  fusion  plasmas  aimed  at  the 
optimisation of power station design;  

–  theory  and  further  modelling  with  the  ultimate  aim  of  a  comprehensive 

understanding of reactor-grade fusion plasmas will be pursued; 

–  studies of the sociological aspects and economics of fusion power generation will 
be  undertaken,  and  actions  aimed  at  the  promotion  of  public  awareness  and 
understanding of fusion will be pursued;  

–  the existing activity in Inertial Fusion Energy, which maintains a watching brief 
on Member States’ civil research activities on inertial confinement will continue.  

(v) Human resources, education and training 

Ensuring  adequate  human  resources  and  a  high  level  of  cooperation  within  the 
programme,  both  for  the  immediate  and  medium  term  needs  of  ITER,  and  for  the 
further development of fusion, will be addressed by: 

–  support for the mobility of researchers between organisations participating in the 
programme,  in  order  to  promote  enhanced  collaboration  and  integration  of  the 
programme, and to foster international co-operation;  

–  high-level  training  for  engineers  and  researchers  at  post-graduate  and  post-
doctoral  level,  including  the  use  of  facilities  in  the  programme  as  training 
platforms and dedicated seminars and workshops; 

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–  promotion  of  innovation  and  exchange  of  know-how  with  related  universities, 

research institutes and industry. 

(vi) Infrastructures 

The  realisation  of  ITER  in  Europe,  in  the  international  framework  of  the  ITER 
Organisation,  will  be  an  element  of  the  new  research  infrastructures  with  a  strong 
European dimension. 

(vii) Responding to emerging and unforeseen policy needs 

A  “fast  track”  fusion  development  programme  could  bring  fusion  energy  earlier  to 
the  market,  as  part  of  a  wider  policy  of  addressing  the  issues  of  the  security  of 
Europe’s energy supply, climate change, and sustainable development. The primary 
objective and a major milestone of the “fast track” would be an earlier realisation of 
DEMO.  In  FP7,  this  would  involve  activities  and  projects  embedded  in  the 
international  Broader  Approach  to  fusion  energy,  undertaken  by  EURATOM  in 
collaboration with ITER partners.  

2.2. 

Nuclear fission and radiation protection 

Indirect actions will be undertaken in five principal areas of activity detailed below. 
However,  important  cross-cutting  links  exist  throughout  the  programme,  and 
interactions between different activities must be adequately accommodated. Crucial 
in this respect are support for training activities and research infrastructures. Training 
needs must constitute a key aspect of all EU-funded projects in this sector, and these 
together with support for infrastructures will be an essential component in addressing 
the nuclear competence issue.  

A  common  European  view  on  key  problems  and  approaches  is  required  in 
accordance with the needs of strengthening the European Research Area. Links will 
be  established  among  national  programmes  and  networking  will  be  promoted  with 
international  organisations  and  third  countries  including  USA,  NIS,  Canada  and 
Japan. Where there is a clear Community interest, EURATOM must play a full role 
in  existing  forums  co-ordinating  RTD  (research  and  technological  development) 
activities  at  the  international  level.  Coordination  will  also  be  assured  where 
appropriate with the programme of direct actions carried out by the JRC in this field 
as well as with indirect actions under fusion energy research.  

Equally  important  links  must  be  established  with  research  in  the  EC  Framework 
Programme,  in  particular  in  the  activities  of  European  standards,  education  and 
training,  environmental  protection,  material  science,  governance,  common 
infrastructures, security, safety culture and energy. International collaboration will be 
a key feature of the activities in many of the thematic areas. 

(i) Management of radioactive waste 

Objectives 

Through  implementation-oriented  RTD,  the  activities  aim  to  establish  a  sound 
scientific  and  technical  basis  for  demonstrating  the  technologies  and  safety  of 
disposal of spent fuel and long-lived radioactive wastes in geological formations, to 

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underpin the development of a common European view on the main issues related to 
the  management  and  disposal  of  waste,  and  to  investigate  ways  of  reducing  the 
amount  and/or  hazard  of  the  waste  by  partitioning  and  transmutation  or  other 
techniques. 

Activities 

–  Geological disposal: RTD in the field of geological disposal of high-level and/or 
long-lived  radioactive  waste  involving  engineering  studies  and  demonstration  of 
repository  designs,  in-situ  characterisation  of  repository  host  rocks  (in  both 
generic and site-specific underground research laboratories), understanding of the 
repository environment, studies on relevant processes in the near field (waste form 
and  engineered  barriers)  and  far-field  (bedrock  and  pathways  to  the  biosphere), 
development of robust methodologies for performance and safety assessment and 
investigation of governance and societal issues related to public acceptance.  

–  Partitioning  &  Transmutation:  RTD  in  all  technical  areas  of  partitioning  and 
transmutation (P&T) to develop pilot facilities and demonstration systems for the 
most  advanced  partitioning  processes  and  transmutation  systems,  involving  sub-
critical  and  critical  systems,  with  a  view  to  reducing  the  volumes  and  hazard  of 
high-level  long-lived  radioactive  waste  issuing  from  treatment  of  spent  nuclear 
fuel. Research will also explore the potential of concepts that produce less waste 
in nuclear energy generation, including the more efficient use of fissile material in 
existing reactors.  

(ii) Reactor systems 

Objectives 

The  aims  of  these  actions  are  to  ensure  the  continued  safe  operation  of  existing 
installations and, as a contribution to enhancing diversity and security of supply and 
combating global warming, to explore the potential of more advanced technology to 
deliver  an  even  safer,  more  resource-efficient  and  more  competitive  exploitation  of 
nuclear energy.  

Activities 

–  Nuclear  installation  safety:  RTD  in  operational  safety  of  current  and  future 
nuclear  installations,  especially  plant  life  assessment  and  management,  safety 
culture,  advanced  safety  assessment  methodologies,  numerical  simulation  tools, 
instrumentation  and  control,  and  prevention  and  mitigation  of  severe  accidents, 
with  associated  activities  to  optimise  knowledge  management  and  maintain 
competences.  

–  Sustainable nuclear systems: RTD to improve the efficiency of present systems 
and fuels  and, in collaboration  with  the international efforts in  this field  such as 
the Generation IV International Forum, to investigate aspects of selected advanced 
reactor systems in order to assess their potential, proliferation resistance and long-
term  sustainability,  including  activities  in  the  field  of  basic  research  (especially 
material science) and the study of the fuel cycle and innovative fuels.  

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(iii) Radiation protection 

Objectives 

The  safe  use  of  radiation  in  medicine  and  industry  relies  on  a  sound  radiation 
protection  policy  and  its  effective  implementation.  Research  plays  a  key  role  in 
maintaining  and  improving  the  standards  of  protection,  and  this  is  a  common 
objective  of  all  activities  in  the  programme.  Research  also  has  the  important 
objectives  of  underpinning  Community  policies  and  their  effective  implementation 
and responding rapidly and effectively to emerging needs.  

A key objective of this research will be to help resolve the controversy over the risk 
from exposures to radiation at low and protracted doses. Resolution of this scientific 
and policy issue has potentially important cost and/or health implications for the use 
of radiation in both medicine and industry.  

Activities 

–  Quantification of risks for low and protracted exposures: Better quantification 
of  the  risks  to  health  for  low  and  protracted  exposures,  including  individual 
variability, through epidemiological studies and an improved understanding of the 
mechanisms from cellular and molecular biology research.  

–  Medical  uses  of  radiation:  Enhance  the  safety  and  efficacy  of  medical  uses  of 
radiation  in  diagnosis  and  therapy  (including  nuclear  medicine)  through  new 
technological developments and achieving a proper balance between the benefits 
and risks of such uses. 

–  Emergency  management  and  rehabilitation:  Improve  the  coherence  and 
integration of emergency management (including the rehabilitation of accidentally 
contaminated territories) in Europe through the development of common tools and 
strategies and demonstrate their efficacy in operational environments. 

–  Malevolent  uses  of  radiation  or  radioactive  material:  Develop  robust  and 
practicable  approaches  to  manage  the  impact  of  malevolent  uses  (or  threatened 
uses)  of  radiation  or  radioactive  material  including  direct  and  indirect  health 
effects  and  contamination  of  the  environment,  particularly  inhabited  areas  and 
food and water supplies. 

–  Other topics: National research activities in other areas (e.g. natural radiation, 
radioecology,  protection  of  the  environment,  dosimetry,  occupational  exposure, 
risk governance, etc) will be more effectively integrated. 

(iv) Infrastructures 

Objectives 

Research  infrastructures  are  an  essential  part  of  RTD  in  nuclear  science  and 
technology  and  the  radiological  sciences,  ranging  in  size  from  very  large  and 
expensive plant and laboratory networks to much smaller facilities such as databases, 
numerical simulation tools and tissue banks. The objectives of the programme are to 
provide  support  for  key  infrastructures  where  there  is  clear  EU  added  value, 

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especially  in  order  to  establish  critical  mass  and  for  the  replacement  of  ageing 
facilities such as e.g. research reactors. This will consolidate the success of previous 
Community  programmes,  which  have  facilitated  transnational  access  to  such 
infrastructures,  and  contribute  to  maintaining  the  high  standards  of  technical 
achievement, innovation and safety in the European nuclear sector.  

Infrastructures  also  make  an  important  contribution to the  training  of  scientists  and 
engineers.  

Activities 

–  Supporting infrastructures: Support for the design, refurbishment, construction 
and/or  operation  of  key  research  infrastructures  required  in  any  of  the  above 
thematic areas; for example: underground laboratories for research on geological 
disposal of radioactive waste, pilot/test facilities for partitioning and transmutation 
devices, reactor components and systems, hot cells, facilities for severe  accident 
testing  and  thermal  hydraulic  testing,  material  testing  reactors,  numerical 
simulation tools and radiobiology facilities, databases and tissue banks for use in 
radiation protection research.  

–  Access  to  infrastructures:  Facilitate  transnational  access  to  existing  and  future 

infrastructures by individual research workers and research teams.  

(v) Human resources and training 

Objectives 

Owing to the concern in all sectors of nuclear fission and radiation protection over 
maintaining  the  required  high  level  of  expertise  and  human  resources,  and  the 
implications  this  may  have  especially  on  the  ability  to  retain  current  high  levels  of 
nuclear safety, the objectives of the programme will be to support, through a variety 
of  measures,  the  spreading  of  scientific  competence  and  know-how  throughout  the 
sector.  These  measures  aim  to  guarantee  the  availability  of  suitably  qualified 
researchers and technicians, for instance through improved coordination between EU 
educational  institutions  in  order  to  ensure  qualifications  are  equivalent  across  all 
Member States, or by facilitating the training and mobility of students and scientists. 
Only a truly European approach can ensure the required incentives and harmonised 
levels  of  higher  education  and  training,  thus  facilitating  the  mobility  of  a  new 
generation  of  scientists  and  catering  for  the  career-long  training  needs  of  engineers 
faced  with  tomorrow’s  scientific  and  technological  challenges  in  an  increasingly 
integrated nuclear sector.  

Activities 

–  Training:  Co-ordination  of  national  programmes  and  provision  for  general 
training needs in nuclear science and technology through a range of instruments, 
including  competitive  ones,  as  part  of  general  support  to  human  resources  in  all 
thematic domains. Includes support for training courses and training networks. 

–  Mobility  of  research  workers:  Support  principally 

through  grants  and 
fellowships  for  the  increased  mobility  of  scientists  and  engineers  between 

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different universities and institutes in Member States and also in countries outside 
the EU. Special assistance may be provided in the case of research workers from 
the NIS. 

3. 

ETHICAL ASPECTS 

During  the  implementation  of  this  programme  and  in  the  research  activities  arising 
from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, 
the principles reflected in the Charter of fundamental rights of the EU, including the 
following:  protection  of  human  dignity  and  human  life,  protection  of  personal  data 
and privacy, as well as animals and the environment in accordance with Community 
law  and  the  latest  versions  of  relevant  international  conventions,  guidelines  and 
codes  of  conduct,  e.g.  the  Helsinki  Declaration,  the  Convention  of  the  Council  of 
Europe on Human Rights and Biomedicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its 
Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal 
Declaration  on  the  human  genome  and  human  rights  adopted  by  UNESCO,  UN 
Biological  and  Toxin  Weapons  Convention  (BTWC),  International  Treaty  on  Plant 
Genetic  Resources  for  Food  and  Agriculture,  and  the  relevant  World  Health 
Organisation (WHO) resolutions. 

Account will also be taken to the opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the 
Ethical Implications of Biotechnology (1991-1997) and the opinions of the European 
Group on Ethics in Science and New technologies (as from 1998). 

In  compliance  with  the  principle  of  subsidiarity  and  the  diversity  of  approaches 
existing  in  Europe,  participants  in  research  projects  must  conform  to  current 
legislation,  regulations and ethical rules in the countries  where the research will be 
carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any 
given Member State or other country will be supported by Community funding to be 
carried out in that Member State or country. 

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the 
relevant national or local ethics  committees  prior  to the start of  the  RTD  activities. 
An  ethical  review  will  also  be  implemented  systematically  by  the  Commission  for 
proposals  dealing  with  ethically  sensitive  issues  or  where  ethical  aspects  have  not 
been adequately addressed. In specific cases an ethical review may take place during 
the implementation of a project. 

The  Protocol  on  protection  and  welfare  of  animals  annexed  to  the  Treaty  requires 
that  the  Community  pays  full  regard  to  the  welfare  requirements  of  animals  in 
formulating  and  implementing  Community  policies  including  research.  Council 
Directive 86/609/EEC on the protection of animals used for experimental and other 
scientific  purposes  requires  that  all  experiments  be  designed  to  avoid  distress  and 
unnecessary  pain  and  suffering  to  the  experimental  animals;  use  the  minimum 
number  of  animals;  involve  animals  with  the  lowest  degree  of  neurophysiological 
sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering the 
genetic  heritage  of  animals  and  cloning  of  animals  may  be  considered  only  if  the 
aims  are  ethically  justified  and  the  conditions  are  such  that  the  animals’  welfare  is 
guaranteed  and 
the 
implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international 
provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of 
any developments. 

the  principles  of  biodiversity  are 

respected.During 

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LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

1. 

NAME OF THE PROPOSAL : 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  adopting  a  specific  programme  for  nuclear  research  and 
training activities under the 7th Euratom Framework Programme 

2. 

ABM / ABB FRAMEWORK 

Fusion energy research: 

–  The realisation of ITER 

–  R&D in preparation of ITER operation 

–  Technology activities in preparation of DEMO 

–  R&D activities for the longer term 

–  Human resources, education and training 

–  Infrastructures 

–  Responding to emerging and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on nuclear fission and radiation protection: 

–  Management of radioactive waste 

–  Reactor systems 

–  Radiation protection 

–  Infrastructures 

–  Human resources and training 

3. 

BUDGET LINES 

3.1. 

Budget  lines  (operational  lines  and  related  technical  and  administrative 
assistance lines) including headings: 

08  11  01  01  Controlled  thermonuclear  fusion;  08  11  01  02  Management  of  radioactive 
waste;  08  11  01  03  Radiation  protection;  08  11  02  Other  activities  in  the  field  of  nuclear 
technologies and safety  

(final budgetary nomenclature for FP7 will be established in due course) 

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3.2. 

Duration of the action and of the financial impact: 

2007-2011 subject to the approval of new financial perspectives framework 

3.3. 

Budgetary characteristics (add rows if necessary): 

Budget 
line 

 08 

XX.01 

XX.01.05 

Type of expenditure 

New 

EFTA 
contribution 

Contributions 
from applicant 
countries 

Heading in 
financial 
perspective 

Non-
comp 

Non-
comp 

Non-
comp  

Diff17/ 

Non-
diff18 

Non-
diff 

YES 

NO 

YES 

No [1a] 

NO 

NO 

NO 

No [ 1a…] 

YES 

NO 

YES 

No [ 1a…] 

17 
18 

Differentiated appropriations. 
Non-differentiated appropriations here after referred to as NDA. 

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23 

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4. 

SUMMARY OF RESOURCES 

4.1. 

Financial Resources 

4.1.1. 

Summary of commitment appropriations (CA) and payment appropriations (PA)19 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

Section 
no. 

Expenditure type 

Operational expenditure20 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Total 

Commitment 
Appropriations (CA) 

Payment 
Appropriations (PA) 

8.1 

a  280,916 

358,377 

477,708 

493,220 

527,103 

2.137,324 

b  112,366 

227,626 

354,780 

440,367 

1.002,185
21 

2.137,324 

Administrative expenditure within reference amount22 

Technical 
administrative 
assistance (NDA) 

& 

8.2.4 

c 

177,503 

190,795 

197,945 

203,300 

184,645 

954,188 

TTOOTTAALL  RREEFFEERREENNCCEE  AAMMOOUUNNTT  

Commitment 
Appropriations 

Payment 
Appropriations 

a+c 

458,419 

549,172 

675,653 

696,520 

711,748 

3.091,512 

b+c 

289,869 

418,421 

552,725 

643,667 

1.186,830
23 

3.091,512 

Administrative expenditure not included in reference amount24 

Human resources and 
associated 
expenditure (NDA) 

Administrative  costs, 
than  human 
other 
resources 
and 
associated  costs,  not 
included  in  reference 
amount (NDA) 

8.2.5 d 

8.2.6 e 

4,986 

5,085 

5,187 

5,291 

5,397 

25,946 

0,148 

0,151 

0,154 

0,157 

0,160 

0,770 

Total indicative financial cost of intervention 

19  

20 
21  
22 
23  
24 

These  figures  refer  to  the  expenditure  for  the  entire  Euratom  Framework  Programme  -  see 
COM(2005) 119. 
Expenditure that does not fall under Chapter xx 01 of the Title xx concerned. 
Payment appropriations refers to 2011 and following years. 
Expenditure within article xx 01 05 of Title xx. 
Payment appropriations refers to 2011 and following years. 
Expenditure within chapter xx 01 other than articles xx 01 05. 

EN 

24 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
              
             
             
             
             
             
                                                 
TOTAL  CA 
cost 
Resources 

of 

TOTAL  PA 
cost 
Resources 

of 

including 
Human 

including 
Human 

a+c
+d
+e 

b+c
+d
+e 

Co-financing details 

463,553 

554,408 

680,994 

701,968 

717,305 

3.118,228 

295,003 

423,657 

558,066 

649,115 

1.192,38725 

3.118,228 

If  the  proposal  involves  co-financing  by  Member  States,  or  other  bodies  (please  specify 
which), an estimate of the level of this co-financing should be indicated in the table below 
(additional lines may be added if different bodies are foreseen for the provision of the co-
financing): 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

n + 1 

n + 2 

n + 3 

n + 4 

Year 
n 

n  +  5 
and 
later 

Total 

Co-financing body 

…………………… 

TOTAL CA including co-
financing 

f 

a+c
+d+
e+f 

4.1.2.  Compatibility with Financial Programming 

⌧  Proposal  is  compatible  with  next  financial  programming  (Commission’s 
February  2004  Communication  on  the  financial  perspectives  2007-2013 
COM (2004) 101). 

Proposal  will  entail reprogramming of the relevant  heading in  the financial 

(cid:133) 
perspective. 

Proposal  may  require  application  of  the  provisions  of  the  Interinstitutional 

(cid:133) 
Agreement26 (i.e. flexibility instrument or revision of the financial perspective). 

4.1.3.  Financial impact on Revenue 

(cid:133) 

Proposal has no financial implications on revenue 

⌧ 

Proposal has financial impact – the effect on revenue is as follows: 

Certain Associated States may contribute to the funding of the framework programmes. 

25  
26 

Payment appropriations refers to 2011 and following years. 
See points 19 and 24 of the Interinstitutional agreement. 

EN 

25 

   EN 

 
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
In accordance with Article 161 of the Financial Regulation, the Joint Research Centre may 
benefit  from  revenue  from  various  types  of  competitive  activities  and  from  other  services 
provided for outside bodies. 

In accordance with Article 18 of the Financial Regulation, certain revenue may be used to 
finance specific items. 

Budget line 

Revenue 

EUR million (to one decimal place) 

Prior to
action 
[Year 
n-1] 

[Yea
r n] 

Situation following action 

[n+1] [n+2] [n+3

[n+4]  [n+5]

] 

a) Revenue in absolute terms 

b) Change in revenue 

 ∆ 

4.2. 

Human  Resources  FTE  (including  officials,  temporary  and  external  staff)  – 
see detail under point 8.2.1. 

Annual requirements 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

number 

Total 
human resources27 

of 

1.848 
(+ 15) 

1.848 
(+ 25) 

1.848 
(+ 15) 

1.848 
(+ 5) 

1.848 

5. 

CHARACTERISTICS AND OBJECTIVES 

5.1. 

Need to be met in the short or long term 

This Specific Programme addresses the need to enhance the excellence and innovation and 
to  ensure  cooperation  and  effectiveness  through  support  for  research  and  training  in  the 
areas of (i) Fusion Energy Research and (ii) Nuclear Fission and radiation protection. 

5.2. 

Value-added of Community involvement  and coherence of the proposal with 
other financial instruments and possible synergy 

The  value  added  of  the  support  to  be  provided  in  this  Specific  Programme  will  be  to 
strengthen nuclear research in the area (i) Fusion Energy Research and (ii) Nuclear Fission 
and  radiation  protection  on  Community  level.  Whenever  appropriate,  synergies  and 
complementarity will be sought with other community policies and programmes. 

27  

Figures indicated in the table refer only to the staff financed by the establishment plan for all indirect 
actions  under  the  responsibility  of  DGs  RTD,  INFSO,  TREN,  ENTR  and  FISH,  including  60 
additional  staff  positions  for  ITER.  Therefore  these  figures  do  not  comprise  the  posts  of  the 
establishment plan from the operating budget and the posts from the JRC's establishment plan - see 
documents COM(2005) 439 & 445. 

EN 

26 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
5.3. 

Objectives,  expected  results  and  related  indicators  of  the  proposal  in  the 
context of the ABM framework 

1. Fusion Energy Research: Developing the knowledge base for, and realising ITER asthe 
major  step  towards,  the  creation  of  prototype  reactors  for  power  stations  which  are  safe, 
sustainable, environmentally responsible, and economically viable. 

2.  Nuclear  Fission  and  Radiation  Protection:  Establishing  a  sound  scientific  and  technical 
basis in order to accelerate practical developments for the safer management of long-lived 
radioactive waste, promoting safer, more resource-efficient and competitive exploitation of 
nuclear energy and ensuring a robust and socially acceptable system of protection of man 
and the environment against the effects of ionising radiation. 

Performance  indicators  will  be  developed  at  three  levels.  Quantitative  and  qualitative 
indicators  will  be  developed  to  show  the  path  or  direction  of  scientific  and  technical 
progress,  such  as  new  standards  and  tools,  scientific  techniques,  patent  applications  and 
licence agreements for new products, process and services.  

Management  indicators  will  be  developed  to  monitor  performance  internally  and  support 
senior management decision making. These could include level of budget execution, time to 
contract and time to payment.  

Outcome (impact) indicators will be used to assess the overall effectiveness of the research 
against high level objectives. These could include assessment at the aggregate Framework 
Programme Level (e.g. impact on the achievement of the Lisbon, Goeteborg, Barcelona and 
other objectives) and assessment at the SP level (e.g. contribution made to the EU S&T and 
economic performance).  

5.4.  Method of Implementation (indicative) 

Show below the method(s) chosen for the implementation of the action. 

⌧ Centralised Management 

⌧ 

⌧ 

Directly by the Commission 

Indirectly by delegation to: 

⌧ 

⌧ 

(cid:133) 

Executive Agencies 

Bodies set up by the Communities as referred to in art. 
185 of the Financial Regulation 

National  public-sector  bodies/bodies  with  public-
service mission  

ٱ Shared or decentralised management 

ٱ  With Member states 

ٱ  With Third countries 

EN 

27 

   EN 

 
ٱ Joint management with international organisations (please specify) 

The  Commission  proposes  a  centralised  management  of  this  programme,  both 
directly by the Commission and indirectly by delegation to an Executive Agency or 
to structures created according to the Euratom Treaty. 

Part  of  the  Programme  will  be  executed  through  the  European  Legal  Entity  for 
ITER (Barcelona). 

For certain parts of the programme, where the link between the detailed follow-up 
of  the  actual  projects  funded  and  the  development  of  S&T  policy  is  clear,  an 
executive agency will be entrusted with the administration of calls and evaluations 
and  will  perform  such  tasks  as  the  reception  and  administrative  management  of 
proposals  submitted,  inviting  and  paying  expert  evaluators  (chosen  by  the 
Commission),  providing  logistical  support  to  proposal  evaluation  and  possible 
further  tasks,  such  as  financial  viability  checking  and  provision  of  statistics.  The 
continued  possibility  to  sub-contract  specific  tasks  to  private  companies  (e.g.  for 
the  development,  operation  and  support  of  IT  tools)  will  not  be  ruled  out.  The 
evaluation, contracting and project management of the projects will be carried out 
by  the  Commission  services,  in  order  to  maintain  the  close  link  between  such 
activities and policy formulation. 

6. 

MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

Monitoring and evaluation aspects are set out in the Legislative Financial Statement of the 
proposal of the 7th framework programme, COM(2005) 119 final. 

7. 

ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES  

Appropriate  measures  should  also  be  taken  to  prevent  irregularities  and  fraud  and  the  necessary 
steps  should  be  taken  to  recover  funds  lost,  wrongly  paid  or  incorrectly  used  in  accordance  with 
Council  Regulation  (EC,  Euratom)  No  1605/2002  of  25  June  2002  on  the  Financial  Regulation 
applicable  to  the  general  budget  of  the  European  Communities28,  Commission  Regulation  (EC, 
Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of 
Council Regulation 1605/200229, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 
1995  on  the  protection  of  the  European  Communities  financial  interests30,  (EC,  Euratom)  No 
2185/96  of  11  November  1996  concerning  on-the-spot  checks  and  inspections  carried  out  by  the 
Commission  in  order  to  protect  the  European  Communities’  financial  interests  against  fraud  and 
other  irregularities31  and  Regulation  (EC)  No  1073/1999  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)32. 

28  
29  
30  
31  
32  

OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. 
OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. 
OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1. 
OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2. 
OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1. 

EN 

28 

   EN 

 
                                                 
8. 

DETAILS OF RESOURCES 

8.1. 

Objectives of the proposal in terms of their financial cost 

Year 2007 

Year 2008 

Year 2009 

Year 2010 

Year 2011 

Year 2012 
(indicative) 

Year 2013 
(indicative) 

TOTAL 

No. 
outputs 

Total 
cost 

No. 
outputs 

Total 
cost 

No. 
outputs 

Total 
cost 

No. 
outputs 

Total 
cost 

No. 
outputs 

Total 
cost 

No. 
outputs 

Total 
cost 

No. 
outputs 

Total 
cost 

No. 
outputs 

Total 
cost 

Commitment appropriations in EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

(Headings 
of 
Objectives,  actions 
and  outputs  should 
be provided) 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE  No.1 
33 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No.21 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No.31 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No.41 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No51 

33 

As described under Section 5.3. 

EN 

29 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
TOTAL COST 

356,886 

444,591 

567,903 

585,572 

597,483 

689,751 

713,569 

3.955,754 

EN 

30 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.2. 

Administrative Expenditure 

8.2.1.  Number and type of human resources 

Types of post 

Staff to be assigned to management of the action using existing and/or 
additional resources (number of posts/FTEs) 

Year 2007 

Year 2008 

Year 2009 

Year 2010  Year 2011 

Officials or 
temporary 
staff34 (XX 
01 01) 

A*/AD 

B*, 
C*/AST 

Staff  financed35  by  art. 
XX 01 02 

Other  staff36 
financed  by 
art.  XX  01 
05 

A*/AD 

B*, 
C*/AST 

TOTAL37 

1.848 (+ 15)  1.848 (+ 25) 

1.848 (+ 15) 

1.848 (+ 5) 

1.848 

8.2.2.  Description of tasks deriving from the action 

Implementation of the Framework Programme 

8.2.3. 

Sources of human resources (statutory) 

(When more than one source is stated, please indicate the number of posts originating from each of 
the sources) 

⌧ 

Posts  currently  allocated  to  the  management  of  the  programme  to  be  replaced  or 
extended 

  ⌧ 

Posts pre-allocated within the APS/PDB exercise for year 2006 

⌧ 

Posts to be requested in the next APS/PDB procedure  

34 
35 
36 
37  

Cost of which is NOT covered by the reference amount. 
Cost of which is NOT covered by the reference amount. 
Cost of which is included within the reference amount. 
Figures indicated in the table refer only to the staff financed by the establishment plan for all indirect actions 
under the responsibility of DGs RTD, INFSO, TREN, ENTR and FISH, including 60 additional staff positions 
for ITER. Therefore these figures do not comprise the posts of the establishment plan from the operating budget 
and the posts from the JRC's establishment plan - see documents COM(2005) 439 & 445.  

EN 

31 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
⌧ 

(cid:133) 

Posts to be redeployed using existing resources within the managing service (internal 
redeployment) 

Posts required for year n although not foreseen in the APS/PDB exercise of the year 
in question 

EN 

32 

   EN 

 
8.2.4.  Other Administrative expenditure included in reference amount (XX 01 05 – Expenditure 

on administrative management)38 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

Budget line 

(number and heading) 

Year  

2007 

Year 
2008 

Year  

2009 

Year 
2010 

Year 
2011 

TOTAL 

Statutory staff 

xx.01 05 01 

132,100 

137,665 

142,206 

145,659 

141,128 

698,758 

External staff 

xx.01 05 02 

23,520 

30,809 

32,971 

34,418 

19,830 

141,548 

Other administrative 
expenses 

xx.01 05 03 

21,883 

22,321 

22,768 

23,223 

23,687 

113,882 

   Total 
administrative assistance 

Technical 

and 

177,503 

190,795 

197,945 

203,300 

184,645 

954,188 

8.2.5.  Financial cost of human resources and associated costs not included in the reference 

amount39 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

Type of human resources 

Year  

2007 

Year 
2008 

Year  

Year  

2009 

2010 

Year 
2011 

TOTAL 

Officials  and  temporary  staff 
(08 0101 and ) 

Staff  financed  by  Art  XX  01 
02  (auxiliary,  END,  contract 
staff, etc.) 

Total cost of Human 
Resources and associated 
costs (NOT in reference 
amount) 

4,986 

5,085 

5,187 

5,291 

5,397 

25,946 

4,986 

5,085 

5,187 

5,291 

5,397 

25,946 

Calculation– Administrative expenditures  

Have been calculated taking into account the following hypothesis: 

38  

39  

These figures refer to the expenditure for the entire Euratom Framework Programme - see COM(2005) 
119. 
These figures refer to the expenditure for the entire Euratom Framework Programme - see COM(2005) 
119. 

EN 

33 

   EN 

 
              
             
             
             
             
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              
             
             
             
             
                 
 
                                                 
 - the number of official  staff on the ex part A of the budget remains at 2006 level  

-  expenditures  increased  by  the  2%  each  year  according  to  the  inflation  foreseen  such  as 
indicated in Fiche 1 REV (working document of commission services related to the financial 
perspectives), 

-  the assumption of 108 000 € for each official staff, and 70.000 € for the external staff(2004 

prices) 

Calculation– Staff financed under art. XX 01 02 

Reference should be made to Point 8.2.1, if applicable 

8.2.6 Other administrative expenditure not included in reference amount40 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

Year 
2007 

Year 
2008 

Year 
2009 

Year 
2010 

Year 
2011 

TOTAL 

     XX 01 02 11 01 – Missions 

0,036   

0,036    

0,037    

0,038    

0,038    

0,185    

     XX 01 02 11 02 – Meetings & Conferences 

0,001    

0,001    

0,001    

0,001    

0,001    

0,005    

     XX 01 02 11 03 – Committees41  

0,111    

0,114    

0,116    

0,118    

0,121    

0,580    

     XX 01 02 11 04 – Studies & consultations 

     XX 01 02 11 05 - Information systems 

 2 

  Total  Other  Management 
Expenditure (XX 01 02 11) 

3 

Other 

expenditure 

administrative 
including reference to budget line) 

nature 

of 

an 
(specify 

Total Administrative expenditure, other 
than human resources and associated 
costs (NOT included in reference 
amount) 

0,148 

0,151 

0,154 

0,157 

0,160 

0,770   

40  

41 

These figures refer to the expenditure for the entire Euratom Framework Programme - see COM(2005) 
119. 
CST Euratom. 

EN 

34 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
              
             
             
             
             
                   
              
             
             
             
             
                   
              
             
             
             
             
                   
 
 
 
 
 
                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
Calculation - Other administrative expenditure not included in reference amount 

These figures are estimated on the basis of the 2006 DG RTD requests increased of the 2% for 
the yearly foreseen inflation. (Fiche 1 REV) 

The  needs  for  human  and  administrative  resources  shall  be  covered  within  the  allocation 
granted  to  the  managing  DG  in  the  framework  of  the  annual  allocation  procedure.  The 
allocation  of  posts  should  take  into  account  an  eventual  reallocation  of  posts  between 
departments on the basis of the new financial perspectives. 

EN 

35 

   EN