Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities * European Parliament legislative resolution of 17 November 2011 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 - 2013) (COM(2011)0072 – C7-0077/2011 – 2011/0046(NLE))
Date: 2011-11-17
Institutions: Committee on Budgets, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, European Parliament
Subjects: Framework Programme for Research and Development, distribution of EU funding, nuclear energy, nuclear fission, nuclear research, radiation protection, radioactive waste, scientific research, technological change, waste management








CE2013153EN.01027503.xml










31.5.2013   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


CE 153/275





Thursday 17 November 2011Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities *
P7_TA(2011)0509
European Parliament legislative resolution of 17 November 2011 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 - 2013) (COM(2011)0072 – C7-0077/2011 – 2011/0046(NLE))
2013/C 153 E/43
(Consultation)

The European Parliament,






—


having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2011)0072),










—


having regard to Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C7-0077/2011),










—


having regard to Rule 55 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 (A7-0360/2011),










1.


Approves the Commission proposal as amended;










2.


Considers that the prime reference amount set in the legislative proposal is not compatible with the ceiling of Heading 1a of the current Multiannual Financial Framework 2007- 2013 (MFF); takes note of the Commission proposal (1) to revise the current MFF on the basis of points 21 to 23 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (2) (IIA) in order to accommodate the additional unforeseen funding for ITER for the years 2012-2013; is willing to enter into negotiations with the other arm of the budgetary authority, on the basis of all the means provided in the IIA, with a view to reaching a swift agreement on the financing of the Euratom research programme by the end of 2011; recalls its opposition to any form of redeployment from the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (3) as proposed in the above-mentioned Commission proposal;










3.


Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty;










4.


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










5.


Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;










6.


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










TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION


AMENDMENT





Amendment 1






Proposal for a decision


Recital 4 a (new)





 










(4a)






The design and implementation of the Framework Programme (2012 - 2013) should be based on the principles of simplicity, stability, transparency, legal certainty, consistency, excellence and trust following the recommendations of the European Parliament in its resolution of 11 November 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes (4).











Amendment 2






Proposal for a decision


Recital 5 a (new)





 










(5a)






The improvement of nuclear safety and, where relevant, security aspects, should be prioritised given the possible cross-border impact of nuclear incidents.











Amendment 3






Proposal for a decision


Recital 6 a (new)





 










(6a)






The European Sustainable Nuclear Industrial Initiative (ESNII) has as its aim the deployment of Gen-IV Fast Neutron Reactors with closed fuel cycle between 2035 and 2040. It follows three lines of technological development and includes four major projects: the ASTRID prototype (sodium cooled), the ALLEGRO experimental model (gas cooled), the ALFRED demonstrator (lead cooled) and, as support infrastructure for the latter technology, the MYRRHA fast neutron irradiation facility (lead-bismuth cooled).











Amendment 4






Proposal for a decision


Recital 6 b (new)





 










(6b)






Three major European cooperative initiatives in nuclear science and technology were launched under the Seventh Euratom Framework Programme (2007 to 2011). They are the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP), the Implementing Geological Disposal Technology Platform (IGDTP) and the Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative (MELODI). Both SNETP and IGDTP correspond with SET-Plan objectives.











Amendment 5






Proposal for a decision


Recital 6 c (new)





 










(6c)






In view of the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan resulting from the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011, additional research work in the field of nuclear fission safety is necessary in order to reassure Union citizens that the safety of nuclear facilities based in the Union continues to meet the highest international standards. Such additional work requires an increase in the budget allocation for nuclear fission.











Amendment 6






Proposal for a decision


Recital 9 a (new)





 










(9a)






An agreement on additional funding of ITER solely through transfers of unused 2011 margins of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and without redeployments from the Seventh EU Framework Programme (2007-2013) to the Framework Programme (2012-2013) would allow for swift adoption of the programme in 2011.











Amendment 7






Proposal for a decision


Recital 11











(11)


The Council Conclusions on the need for skills in the nuclear field, adopted at its meeting held on 1 and 2 December 2008, recognise that it is essential to maintain within the Community a high level of training in the nuclear field.












(11)


The Council Conclusions on the need for skills in the nuclear field, adopted at its meeting held on 1 and 2 December 2008, recognise that it is essential to maintain within the Community a high level of training
, and proper working conditions,
 in the nuclear field.









Amendment 8






Proposal for a decision


Recital 14 a (new)





 










(14a)






The Commission, the European Council, the Council and the Member States are to start a process to amend the Euratom Treaty, strengthening its provisions on the information and co-legislation rights of the European Parliament on Euratom research and environmental protection issues in order to facilitate, inter alia, future budgetary procedures.











Amendment 9






Proposal for a decision


Recital 16











(16)


This Decision should establish, for the entire duration of the Framework Programme (2012-2013), a financial envelope that constitutes the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure.












(16)


This Decision should establish, for the entire duration of the Framework Programme (2012-2013), a financial envelope that constitutes the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management 
(IIA)
, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure. 
To accommodate the Framework Programme (2012-2013) in the MFF for the years 2012 and 2013, it will be necessary to amend the MFF by increasing the ceiling of Heading 1a. If no other 2011 MFF margins are available to be transferred in 2012 and 2013, the Flexibility Instrument, as provided for in point 27 of the IIA, should be mobilised.











Amendment 10






Proposal for a decision


Recital 16 a (new)





 










(16a)






For the 2014-2020 MFF, the financial resources dedicated to the ITER project should be fixed for the whole programming period so that any over-running of the costs beyond the EU share of EUR 6 600 000 000 for the ITER construction period, currently planned to be finalised in 2020, should be financed outside the MFF ceilings (‧ring fencing‧).











Amendment 11






Proposal for a decision


Recital 18











(18)


The international and global dimension of European research activities is important with a view to obtain mutual benefits. The Framework Programme (2012-2013) should be open to the participation of countries that have concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and should also be open, at project level and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation.












(18)


The international and global dimension of European research activities is important with a view to obtain mutual benefits. The Framework Programme (2012-2013) should 
therefore on the one hand
 be open to the participation of countries that have concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and should also be open, at project level and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. 
On the other hand, this also means that, particularly with regard to the ITER project, the international partners should fully respect their financial obligations.











Amendment 12






Proposal for a decision


Article 2 – paragraph 1





1.   The Framework Programme (2012-2013) shall pursue the general objectives set out in Article 1 and Article 2(a) of the Treaty, while contributing towards the creation of the Innovation Union and building on the European Research Area.


1.   The Framework Programme (2012-2013) shall pursue the general objectives set out in Article 1 and Article 2(a) of the Treaty, 
placing particular emphasis on nuclear safety, security and radiation protection,
 while contributing towards the creation of the Innovation Union and building on the European Research Area.





Amendment 13






Proposal for a decision


Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)





 




2a.
   
The Framework Programme (2012-2013) shall contribute to implementing the SET-plan. Its actions should take into account the Strategic Research Agenda of the three existing European technology platforms on nuclear energy: SNETP, IGDTP and MELODI.







Amendment 14






Proposal for a decision


Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part





The maximum amount for the implementation of the Framework Programme (2012-2013) shall be 
EUR 2 560 270 000
. This amount shall be distributed as follows (in EUR):


The maximum amount for the implementation of the Framework Programme (2012-2013) shall be 
EUR 2 100 270 000
. This amount shall be distributed as follows (in EUR):





Amendment 30






Proposal for a decision


Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – indent 1











—


fusion energy research 
2 208 809 000
;












—


fusion energy research 
1 748 809 000
; 
this figure include the necessary funds for the continuation of the JET programme in Culham;











Amendment 16






Proposal for a decision


Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – indent 2











—


nuclear fission and radiation protection 118 245 000;












—


nuclear fission
, especially safety, improving the management of nuclear waste
 and radiation protection 118 245 000;









Amendment 17






Proposal for a decision


Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1











—


nuclear activities of the JRC 233 216 000
.














—


nuclear activities of the JRC 
relating to nuclear safety, environmental protection and decommissioning
233 216 000









Amendment 18






Proposal for a decision


Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)





 




Special attention shall be paid to the development of contractual arrangements that reduce the risk of failure to perform as well as the reallocation of risks and costs over time.







Amendment 19






Proposal for a decision


Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)





 




1a.
   
Special attention shall be paid to initiatives ancillary to core nuclear research, in particular as regards investment in human capital and adequate working conditions and actions aimed at addressing the risk of skills shortages in the coming years.







Amendment 20






Proposal for a decision


Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)





 




2a.
   
The Member States and the Commission shall establish a review of professional qualifications, training and skills in the nuclear field in the Union, which gives an overall picture of the current situation and enable appropriate solutions to be identified and implemented.







Amendment 21






Proposal for a decision


Annex I – part I.A – section 3 – point 2





A focused physics and technology programme will exploit the Joint European Torus (JET) and other ITER-relevant magnetic confinement devices. It will assess specific key ITER technologies, consolidate ITER project choices, and prepare for ITER operation.


A focused physics and technology programme will exploit the Joint European Torus (JET) and other ITER-relevant magnetic confinement devices 
(including, potentially, via new experiments to be implemented and run in parallel with ITER)
. It will assess specific key ITER technologies, consolidate ITER project choices, and prepare for ITER operation.





Amendment 22






Proposal for a decision


Annex I – part I.B – section 1 – Objective





Establishing a sound scientific and technical basis in order to accelerate practical developments for the safer management of long-lived radioactive waste, enhancing in particular the safety, resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy and ensuring a robust and socially acceptable system of protection of man and the environment against the effects of ionising radiation.


Establishing a sound scientific and technical basis in order to accelerate practical developments for the safer management of long-lived radioactive waste, enhancing in particular the safety, resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy and ensuring a robust and socially acceptable system of protection of man and the environment against the effects of ionising radiation. 
Special attention should be given to long-lived nuclear waste when decommissioning outdated systems.







Amendment 23






Proposal for a decision


Annex I – part I.B – section 3 - point 5





Support for the retention and 
further
 development of 
scientific competence and human capacity in order to guarantee the availability of suitably qualified researchers, engineers and employees in the nuclear sector over the longer term.






Continued
 support for the retention and development of 
qualified personnel required to maintain the nuclear independence of the Union and consistently ensure, and improve the level of, nuclear safety. It is crucial to keep nuclear expertise in the Union, as regards radioprotection and the dismantling of nuclear facilities, as nuclear energy will play a key role in the Union's energy mix, including decommissioning and long-life waste-management activities.







Amendment 24






Proposal for a decision


Annex I – part II – section 2 - paragraph 2





To fulfil this goal, there is a clear need for developing knowledge, skills and competence to provide the required scientific state of the art independent and reliable expertise in support to the Union's policies in the domains of 
nuclear reactor and fuel cycles safety,
 nuclear safeguards and security. The 
customer driven support to the Union's policy underlined in the
 JRC's mission will be complemented with a proactive role within the European Research Area in undertaking high quality research activities in close contact with industry and other bodies and developing networks with public and private institutions in the Member States


To fulfil this goal, there is a clear need for developing knowledge, skills and competence to provide the required scientific state of the art independent and reliable expertise in support to the Union's policies in the domains of nuclear safeguards and security. The JRC's mission will be complemented with a proactive role within the European Research Area in undertaking high quality research activities in close contact with industry and other bodies and developing networks with public and private institutions in the Member States. 
Its role as the supplier of information to the public will be enhanced.







Amendment 25






Proposal for a decision


Annex I – part II – section 3 – point 3











3.


Nuclear security, will further support the accomplishment of Community commitments, in particular development of methods for the control of the fuel cycle facilities, the implementation of the additional protocol including environmental sampling and integrated safeguards, and the prevention of the diversion of nuclear and radioactive materials associated with illicit trafficking of such materials including the nuclear forensics.












3.


Nuclear security, will further support the accomplishment of Community commitments, in particular development of methods for the control of the fuel cycle facilities, the implementation of the additional protocol including environmental sampling and integrated safeguards, and the prevention of the diversion of nuclear and radioactive materials associated with illicit trafficking of such materials including the nuclear forensics. 
It is necessary to make use of optimal monitoring instruments of all civilian nuclear activities, including transportation operations or storage location of any radioactive materials.











Amendment 28






Proposal for a decision


Annex II – introduction – paragraph 1 a (new)





 




The management of European research funding should be more trust-based and risk-tolerant towards participants at all stages of the projects, while ensuring accountability, with flexible Union rules to improve alignment, where possible, with existing different national regulations and recognised accounting practices.







Amendment 29






Proposal for a decision


Annex II – introduction – paragraph 1 b (new)





 




It is necessary to strike a balance between trust and control – between risk taking and the dangers that risk involves – in ensuring the sound financial management of Union research funds.







Amendment 26






Proposal for a decision


Annex II – point 2 – point a – point 1





Support for research projects carried out by consortia with participants from different countries, aiming to develop new knowledge, new technology, products or common resources for research. The size, scope and internal organisation of projects can vary from field to field and from topic to topic. Projects can range from small or medium-scale focused research actions to larger integrating projects that mobilise a significant volume of resources for achieving a defined objective. Support for the training and career development of researchers will be included in project work plans.


Support for research projects carried out by consortia with participants from different countries, aiming to develop new knowledge, new technology, products or common resources for research. The size, scope and internal organisation of projects can vary from field to field and from topic to topic. Projects can range from small or medium-scale focused research actions to larger integrating projects that mobilise a significant volume of resources for achieving a defined objective. Support for the training and career development of researchers will be included in project work plans. 
Standardisation activities will be included in project work programme.







Amendment 27






Proposal for a decision


Annex II – point 2– point a – point 3





Support for activities to coordinate coordinating or supporting research (networking, exchanges, trans-national access to research infrastructures, studies, conferences, contributions during construction of new infrastructure, etc.) or to promote the development of human resources (e.g. networking and setting up training schemes). These actions may also be implemented by means other than calls for proposals.


Support for activities to coordinate coordinating or supporting research (networking, exchanges, trans-national access to research infrastructures, studies, conferences, 
participation in standardisation bodies,
 contributions during construction of new infrastructure, etc.) or to promote the development of human resources (e.g. networking and setting up training schemes). These actions may also be implemented by means other than calls for proposals.






(1)  COM(2011)0226.

(2)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(4)  
Texts adopted, P7_TA (2010)0401.