European Parliament legislative resolution on the 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 (COM(2005)0445 - C6-0386/2005 - 2005/0190(CNS))
Date: 2006-11-30
Institutions: Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, European Parliament
Subjects: EU programme, EU research policy, nuclear energy, nuclear research, research and development, research programme, vocational training

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BY PARLIAMENT

fuels. The development of safety and quality goals, safety
requirements and advanced evaluation methodology for reactors
will be addressed. This
information will be systematically
disseminated to interested Member States authorities and Com-
mission services,
through regular coordination
meetings.

in particular

This includes primarily safety and safeguard aspects of innova-
tive nuclear fuel cycles, in particular characterisation, test and
analysis of new fuels. The development of safety and quality
goals, safety requirements and advanced evaluation methodol-
ogy for reactors will be addressed. This information will be sys-
tematically disseminated to interested Member States authorities
and Commission services, in particular through regular coordi-
nation meetings.

Amendment 16
Annex, Section 3.3.1: ‘Nuclear Safeguards’, paragraph 1a (new)

As a result of the proliferation of nuclear weapons, or at least
of the efforts of certain countries in this direction, the inter-
national context has recently changed for the worse. The
dimension of non-proliferation, alongside other security issues,
is growing in importance. Against this background, it is vital
for the safety of EU citizens that the necessary capacities con-
tinue to be available within the JRC.

P6_TA(2006)0524

Specific programme of
Nuclear Research and Training Framework Programme, 2007-2011) *

the European Atomic Energy Community (Seventh

European Parliament legislative resolution on the 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 (COM(2005)0445
— C6-0386/2005 — 2005/0190(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

— having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2005)0445) (1) and the amended

proposal (COM(2005)0445/2) (1),

— having regard to Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament

(C6-0386/2005),

— having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

— having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the

Committee on Budgets (A6-0333/2006),

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.
Considers that the indicative financial reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be
compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the financial framework for 2007-2013 and points out that
the annual amount will be decided within the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the provi-
sions of point 38 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the
Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management of 17 May 2006 (2);

(1) Not yet published in OJ.
(2) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

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Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 119, second paragraph,

3.
of the Euratom Treaty;

4.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal sub-

5.
stantially;

6.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

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Amendment 1
Recital 12

(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 accor-
dance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of
25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the gen-
eral budget of the European Communities, Commission Regula-
tion (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying
down detailed rules for implementation of the Financial Regula-
tion and any future amendments, Council Regulations (EC,
Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection
of the European Communities financial interests, (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 Communities' financial interests against
fraud and other irregularities and Regulation (EC) No 1074/
1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council concern-
ing investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office
(OLAF).

(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 accor-
dance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of
25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the gen-
eral budget of the European Communities, Commission Regula-
tion (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying
down detailed rules for implementation of the Financial Regula-
tion and any future amendments, Council Regulations (EC,
Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection
of the European Communities financial interests, (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 Communities' financial interests against
fraud and other irregularities and Regulation (EC) No 1074/
1999 of
the Council of
25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the Euro-
pean Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). All funds recovered on the
basis of those regulations should be allocated to the imple-
mentation of activities under the Framework Programme.

the European Parliament and of

Amendments 22 and 23
Article 2, paragraph 2

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

Within the field of Fusion energy research, a joint undertaking
established under Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty shall be cre-
ated for managing and administering the European contribution
to the ITER Organisation, as well as the activities in support of
ITER construction, set out in the sub-heading ‘The realization
of ITER’ in the Annex. All other activities in the field of
fusion energy will be implemented and managed separately
from the ITER Joint Undertaking, whilst maintaining an inte-
grated approach and the full involvement of the Fusion Asso-
ciations.

Amendment 2
Article 3, paragraph 1, before the table

In accordance with Article 3 of the Framework Programme, the
amount deemed necessary for the execution of the Specific Pro-
gramme shall be EUR 2 234 million, of which 15 % shall be for
the Commission's administrative expenditure.

In accordance with Article 3 of the Framework Programme, the
amount deemed necessary for the execution of the Specific Pro-
gramme shall be EUR 2 234 million, of which less than 15 %
shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

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Amendment 3
Article 3, paragraph 1a (new), after the table

The Commission shall take all necessary steps to verify that
the actions financed are carried out effectively and in compli-
ance with the provisions of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No
1605/2002.

Amendment 4
Article 3, paragraph 1b (new), after the table

The overall administrative expenditure of the Specific Pro-
gramme, including internal and management expenditure for
the executive agency, should be proportional to the actions
established under the Specific Programme and is subject to
the decision of the budgetary and legislative authorities.

Amendment 5
Article 3, paragraph 1c (new), after the table

Budget appropriations shall be used in accordance with the
principle of sound financial management, namely in accor-
dance with the principles of economy, efficiency and effective-
ness, as well as proportionality.

Amendment 6
Article 4, paragraph 1

1.
All research activities carried out under the specific pro-
gramme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental
ethical principles.

1.
All research activities carried out under the specific pro-
gramme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental
ethical principles. Their essential aim shall be both to contri-
bute to the safe peaceful use of nuclear energy (safety) and to
help avert its misuse for military purposes (security).

Amendment 7
Article 5a (new)

Article 5a

The Commission shall provide prior information to the bud-
getary authority whenever it intends to depart from the break-
down of expenditure stated in the remarks in and annex to the
general budget of the European Union.

Amendment 9
Article 7, paragraph 1a (new)

1a.
The Commission shall draw up an evaluation report
containing an assessment of the soundness of financial man-
agement and an evaluation of the efficiency and regularity of
the budgetary and economic management of the Specific Pro-
gramme.

Amendment 10
Article 7, paragraph 3, subparagraph 1a (new)

This information shall be available at all times and shall be
transmitted on request to the European Parliament, the Com-
mittee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social
Committee and the European Ombudsman.

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Amendment 11
Annex, Part 1, paragraph 1a (new)

Without prejudice to the efforts which the European Union is
making and must continue to make in research into renewable
energies, nuclear energy can have a major role to play in
achieving secure and sustainable energy supply within the
European Union.

Amendment 12
Annex, Part 1, paragraph 2

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.

In the longer term, nuclear fusion offers the prospect of an
almost limitless supply of clean energy, with ITER being an
important 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.

Amendment 13
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.1, subtitle ‘Activities’, point (ii), paragraph 1, introductory part

A focused physics and technology programme will aim at con-
solidation 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 coordinated 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:

A focused physics and technology programme will aim at con-
solidation 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 coordinated experimental,
theoretical and
modelling activities using the JET facilities, magnetic confine-
ment devices (tokamaks, stellarators and RFPs, already in
existence or in process of being constructed in all Member
States) 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:

Amendment 14
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.1, subtitle ‘Activities’, point (v), indent 3a (new)

— encouragement in the generation of patents.

Amendments 15 and 16
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, paragraph 1

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 dif-
ferent activities must be adequately accommodated. Crucial in
this respect are support for training activities and research infra-
structures. Training needs must constitute a key aspect of all
EU-funded projects in this sector, and these together with sup-
port
in
addressing the nuclear competence issue.

infrastructures will be an essential component

for

In all of the European Union's nuclear fission research activ-
ities, safety and security will be the prime concerns. Specifi-
cally, the aim will be, on the one hand, to make generation
installations safer (safety) and, on the other, to avert their
misuse for military and terrorist purposes (security). 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 is support for training activities, scientific and techno-
information exchange and research infrastructures.
logical

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Training needs must constitute a key aspect of all EU-funded
projects in this sector, and these together with support for infra-
structures will be an essential component in addressing the
nuclear competence issue.

Amendment 17
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, point (ii), subtitle ‘Activities’, indent 1

— Nuclear installation safety: RTD in operational safety of cur-
rent 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.

— Nuclear installation safety: RTD in operational safety of cur-
rent and future nuclear installations, especially plant life
assessment and management, safety culture (minimising
the risk of human and organisational error), 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 compe-
tences.

Amendment 18
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, point (iii), subtitle ‘Objectives’, paragraph 2

A key objective of this research will be to help resolve the con-
troversy 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.

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

Amendment 19
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, point (v), subtitle ‘Objectives’

Owing to the concern in all sectors of nuclear fission and radia-
tion 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 sup-
port, through a variety of measures, the spreading of scientific
competence and know-how throughout the sector. These mea-
sures aim to guarantee the availability of suitably qualified
instance through improved
researchers and technicians,
for
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 scien-
tists. Only a truly European approach can ensure the required
incentives and harmonised levels of higher education and train-
ing, thus facilitating the mobility of a new generation of scien-
tists and catering for the career-long training needs of engineers
faced with tomorrow's scientific and technological challenges in
an increasingly integrated nuclear sector.

Owing to the concern in all sectors of nuclear fission and radia-
tion 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 sup-
port, through a variety of measures, the spreading of scientific
competence and know-how throughout the sector. These mea-
sures aim to guarantee the earliest possible availability of suita-
bly 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.

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Amendment 20
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, point (v), subtitle ‘Activities’, indent 1

— Training: Coordination of national programmes and provi-
sion for general training needs in nuclear science and tech-
nology through a range of instruments, including competi-
tive ones, as part of general support to human resources in
all thematic domains. Includes support for training courses
and training networks.

— Training: Coordination of national programmes and provi-
sion for general training needs in nuclear science and tech-
nology through a range of instruments, including competi-
tive ones, as part of general support to human resources in
all thematic domains. Includes support for training courses
and training networks.
In addition, and taking into
account the objectives of the specific programme ‘People’
and other activities connected with the training of profes-
sionals, encouragement will be given to ensure that out-
standing young people consider the nuclear energy indus-
try to be an attractive field in which to pursue their
future careers.

Amendment 21
Annex, Part 3a (new)

3a.

DISSEMINATION

Information on nuclear energy needs to be disseminated in
representatives by
exchanges between citizens and their
means of
the setting up of multi-annual campaigns to
increase understanding of nuclear energy, with the aim of
encouraging debate and facilitating decision-making. To
make them as effective as possible, the campaigns will be
devised using social science methodologies.

P6_TA(2006)0525

Area of freedom, security and justice

European Parliament resolution on the progress made in the EU towards the Area of freedom,
security and justice (AFSJ) (Articles 2 and 39 of the EU Treaty)

The European Parliament,

— having regard to Article 2 of the EU Treaty which sets the Union the objective of maintaining and

developing itself as an area of freedom, security and justice,

— having regard to Article 39 of the EU Treaty which instructs Parliament to hold a debate on the pro-

gress made in this area,

— having regard to the answers given by the Council at the debate of 27 September 2006 to Oral Ques-
tion B6-0428/2006, and to the Commission's presentation of its communications reporting on the
implementation of the Hague programme and future prospects,

— having regard to the debates held at the parliamentary meeting of 2-3 October 2006, organised in

conjunction with the Finnish Parliament,

— having regard to Rule 108(5) of its Rules of Procedure,