CELEX: 32006D0977
Language: en
Date: 2006-12-19 00:00:00
Title: 2006/977/Euratom: Council Decision of 19 December 2006 concerning the Specific Programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011)

L 400/434        EN                Official Journal of the European Union              30.12.2006
                                       COUNCIL DECISION
                                         of 19 December 2006
                      concerning the Specific Programme to be carried out
                     by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre
                        implementing the Seventh Framework Programme
                     of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom)
                    for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011)
                                          (2006/977/Euratom)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular
Article 7 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament1,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee2,
Having consulted the Scientific and Technical Committee and the Board of Governors of the Joint
Research Centre,
1
        Opinion of 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).
2
        OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006       EN                 Official Journal of the European Union                    L 400/435
Whereas:
(1)       In accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, Council Decision 2006/975/Euratom of 19
         December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic
         Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007-2011) 1
         (hereinafter referred to as "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.
(2)      The Joint Research Centre, hereinafter referred to as "the JRC", should implement the
         research and training activities carried out by means of the so-called Direct Actions under a
         JRC Specific Programme implementing the Euratom Framework Programme.
(3)       In implementing its mission, the JRC should provide customer driven scientific and
         technical support to the EU policy making process, ensuring support to the implementation
         and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands. In order to
         achieve its mission the JRC should carry out research of the highest comparable European
         quality, including by maintaining its own level of scientific excellence.
(4)      In implementing this specific programme, emphasis should be given to promoting the
         mobility and training of researchers, and innovation, in the Community. In particular, the
         JRC should undertake appropriate training activities in nuclear safety and security.
1
        OJ L 400, 30.12.2006.
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/436         EN                 Official Journal of the European Union                     30.12.2006
(5)       This specific programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent
          manner, taking into account the relevant need of JRC's user and Community polices, as
          well as respecting the objective of protecting the Community's financial interests. The
          research activities carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to
          these needs and to scientific and technological developments and aim to achieve scientific
          excellence.
(6)       The rules for participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the
          dissemination of research results, for the EC Framework Programme (hereinafter referred
          as "the rules for participation and dissemination") relating to direct actions should also
          apply to the R&D activities carried out under this Specific Programme.
(7)       For the purpose of implementing this programme, in addition to cooperation covered by
          the Agreement on the European Economic Area or by an Association Agreement, it may
          be appropriate to engage in international cooperation activities, in particular on the basis of
          Articles 2h, 101 and 102 of the Treaty, with third countries and international organisations.
(8)       In the context of enlargement and integration activities, the JRC aims at promoting the
          integration of New Member States' organisations and researchers in its activities in
          particular on the implementation of the S&T components of the EU acquis, as well as an
          increased cooperation with those from Accession and Candidate Countries. A progressive
          opening is also envisaged towards the Neighbouring Countries, specifically on priority
          topics of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006       EN                Official Journal of the European Union                     L 400/437
(9)      Research activities carried out within this specific programme should respect fundamental
         ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights
         of the European Union.
(10)     The JRC should continue to generate additional resources through competitive activities;
         these include participation to the indirect actions of the Framework Programme, third party
         work and to a lesser extent the exploitation of intellectual property.
(11)      Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should
         be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal
         certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, 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 Communities1 and
         Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/20022 laying down detailed rules for the
         implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments.
1
        OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.
2
        OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC,
        Euratom) No 1261/2005 (OJ L 201, 2.8.2005, p. 3).
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/438         EN                 Official Journal of the European Union                      30.12.2006
(12)      Appropriate measures – proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests –
          should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the
          effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud
          and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly
          used in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002, Commission Regulation
          No 2342/2002, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on
          the protection of the European Communities' financial interests1, (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 irregularities2 and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European
          Parliament and of the Council concerning investigations conducted by the European
          Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)3.
(13)      The Commission should in due course arrange for an independent assessment to be
          conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by this programme,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
1
        OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.
2
        OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.
3
        OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006       EN               Official Journal of the European Union                      L 400/439
                                                Article 1
The Specific Programme related to the direct actions in research and training activities to be carried
out by the Joint Research Centre, hereinafter the "specific programme" is hereby adopted for the
period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011.
                                                Article 2
The Specific Programme shall establish the activities for the nuclear actions of the Joint Research
Centre, supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in
the following thematic areas:
(a)      nuclear waste management, environmental impact;
(b)      nuclear safety;
(c)      nuclear security.
The objectives and broad lines of those activities are set out in the 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 517 million.
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/440         EN                 Official Journal of the European Union                    30.12.2006
                                                   Article 4
All research activities carried out under the Specific Programme shall be carried out in compliance
with fundamental ethical principles.
                                                   Article 5
1.        The Specific Programme shall be implemented by means of direct actions as established in
          Annex II to the Framework Programme.
2.        The rules for participation and dissemination relating to direct actions shall apply to this
          Specific Programme.
                                                   Article 6
1.        The Commission shall draw up a multi-annual Work Programme for the implementation of
          the Specific Programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and
          technological priorities set out in the Annex, and the timetable for implementation.
2.        The multi-annual 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.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006       EN                Official Journal of the European Union                       L 400/441
                                                 Article 7
The Commission shall arrange for the independent assessment provided for in Article 6 of the
Framework Programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered
by the Specific Programme.
                                                 Article 8
This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal
of the European Union.
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.
                                                For the Council
                                                The President
                                             J. KORKEAOJA
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/442       EN                Official Journal of the European Union                     30.12.2006
                                                ANNEX
                                      JRC Euratom Programme
1.        Objective
To provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the Community policy related to
nuclear energy, ensuring support for the implementation and monitoring of existing policies while
flexibly responding to new policy demands.
2.        Approach
The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the
conception, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies, aiming at
keeping European research at the forefront. The JRC mission also underlines the need for the JRC
to undertake high quality research activities in close contact with industry and other bodies and to
develop networks with public and private institutions in the Member States. In all of the activities of
the JRC, both dimensions are present, but their respective importance varies from direct support to
Commission Services to basic research undertaken in a wide European or international perspective.
The nuclear activities of the JRC aim at satisfying the R&D obligations of the Euratom Treaty and
supporting both Commission and Member States in the field of safeguards and non-proliferation,
waste management, safety of nuclear installation and fuel cycle, radioactivity in the environment
and radiation protection.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006        EN                Official Journal of the European Union                      L 400/443
The objective of this Specific Programme is to develop and assemble knowledge, to provide crucial
scientific/technical data and support for safety/security and reliability, sustainability and control of
nuclear energy, including the assessment of innovative/future systems. The participation in the
indirect actions of the Framework Programme will strive to maximise complementarity with the
institutional work programme, as outlined in section 3 below.
One of today's major concerns in the nuclear field is the loss of knowledge, expertise and especially
technology and engineering for handling radioactive material and radiation fields. The JRC will
continue to act as a European reference for the dissemination of information, training and education
for young scientists and to provide access to its infrastructures for other researchers, thus sustaining
nuclear know-how in Europe.
Another objective will be further development of collaboration through networking at European and
world level. The possibility of the JRC taking part in networks of excellence and integrated projects
will be particularly important in this connection.
In addition, the JRC will facilitate a fact-based debate and informed decision-making on the
appropriate energy mix to meet the European energy needs (including renewable sources of energy
and nuclear power).
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/444         EN                Official Journal of the European Union                   30.12.2006
3.        Activities
3.1.      Nuclear waste management, environmental impact
3.1.1.    Spent fuel characterisation, storage and disposal
The management of spent fuel and nuclear high level waste involves transport conditioning, storage
and geological disposal. Major objective is to prevent the release of radionuclides to the biosphere
over a very long time scale. The design, assessment and functioning of the engineered and natural
barrier system over the relevant time scales are key components for the achievement of these
objectives and depend inter alia on the fuel behaviour.
The JRC aims at obtaining data for the long-term behaviour of spent fuel and developing methods
for the reliable assessment of the engineered systems with the emphasis on the integrity of the waste
packages and the benchmarking of risk-oriented decision criteria.
Laboratory experiments on fuel behaviour under representative conditions will provide relevant
input to the models for long-term predictions and allow their validation. JRC will also participate in
the various European efforts for safe waste disposal solutions and actively support transfer of
knowledge between different countries.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006        EN                 Official Journal of the European Union                     L 400/445
3.1.2.    Partitioning, Transmutation and Conditioning
The major challenges of this programme remain both the optimisation of fuel partitioning to
separate selected long-lived radionuclides as well as the fabrication and characterisation of safe and
reliable fuels or targets for actinide transmutation.
The study of these alternative waste management strategies continues to gain high attention,
because they would considerably reduce the long-term hazard of the waste disposal. For the
transmutation, both fast and thermal reactors are considered along with dedicated actinide burning
facilities. Most proposed concepts for future reactor systems incorporate such selective radionuclide
separation.
Strong reduction of the long-lived radionuclide amount and substantial volume reductions in waste
facilities will entail that development of inert matrices for HLW ("High Level Waste") conditioning
will represent in the long term a key improvement in nuclear waste management.
The JRC will operate new facilities for advanced partitioning and for the production of fuels and
targets (the Minor Actinide Laboratory) in this area. It will also conduct irradiation tests on targets
and fuels, as well as to produce basic nuclear data for transmutation. Finally, the chemical durability
of the matrices for conditioning of actinides will be determined from corrosion and leaching studies.
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/446        EN                 Official Journal of the European Union                    30.12.2006
3.1.3.    Basic actinide research
The basic research activities aim at providing basic knowledge to underpin the understanding of
physical processes in nuclear fuel (from production of energy to waste management) and are closely
linked to training and education activities. The basic research actions will focus on thermo-physical
properties of materials, surface properties of actinide bearing systems and fundamental physical and
chemical properties.
The JRC facilities like the Actinide User Laboratory will continue to host scientists, in particular
from European universities.
3.1.4.    Nuclear data
The proposed designs for dedicated minor actinide burners and advanced concepts for nuclear
energy production result in new demands for nuclear data with significantly improved accuracy.
JRC will perform measurements of nuclear data for nuclear waste management. New technological
developments have led to significant improvements in the measurement capabilities. JRC also
fosters an important effort in the development of basic nuclear theory for the modelling of reactions
not accessible experimentally.
Radionuclide metrology complements this work with measurements for improved nuclear decay
data of fissile materials and fission products. Accurate experimental data are also needed to validate
theories and models on which radiation protection regulations are based.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006        EN               Official Journal of the European Union                      L 400/447
3.1.5.    Medical applications from nuclear research
A number of medical applications have resulted from JRC's nuclear facilities and expertise. These
emerge from research on new isotope production, development of clinical reference materials and
support to new cancer therapies. The JRC aims to make these new applications available for
implementation by hospitals and pharmaceutical industry.
3.1.6.    Measurement of Radioactivity in the environment
JRC is applying its expertise in trace analysis to verification of radioactive discharges and emissions
from nuclear installations. Work also includes studies on speciation, migration patterns in the
biosphere and radio-toxicology of actinides. In view of the new limits for radionuclides in food
ingredients, JRC will develop analytical techniques and produce corresponding reference materials.
Inter-laboratory comparisons will be organised with the monitoring laboratories of the Member
States to assess the comparability of the reported monitoring data and to support the harmonisation
of the radioactivity measurement systems.
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/448         EN               Official Journal of the European Union                      30.12.2006
3.1.7.    Knowledge Management, Training and Education
It is important for the new generations of nuclear scientists and engineers, to maintain and deepen
the knowledge of nuclear research through the experiments, results, interpretations and skills
acquired in the past. This applies especially to domains where three decades experience in analysis
of reactor performance and safety was concentrated in complex analytical tools such as models and
computer codes. With a view to preventing the possible loss of knowledge and the lack of new
scientists and engineers in the area of nuclear technology, the JRC will aim at retaining the
necessary knowledge, ensuring that this knowledge is readily available, properly organised and well
documented. In addition, it will encourage the development of new scientists and engineers in the
field of nuclear energy including by attracting young scientists and engineers in this field. It will
also support higher education activities in Europe. Furthermore, the JRC will contribute to the
development of better communication on nuclear issues, in particular in relations with public
acceptability and more globally of strategies for overall energy awareness.
3.2.      Nuclear safety
3.2.1.    Nuclear reactor safety
To maintain and improve the safety level of both Western and Russian type of nuclear power plants
advanced and refined safety assessment methodologies and corresponding analytical tools have to
be extended and validated. Targeted experimental investigations will be carried out to enable the
validation and verification of the safety assessment tools and to improve the understanding of the
underlying physical phenomena and processes. The JRC is fully involved in the international efforts
for an advanced nuclear reactor safety.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006         EN                Official Journal of the European Union                     L 400/449
3.2.2.    Nuclear fuel safety in power reactors operating in the EU
Fuel safety concentrates on prevention and mitigation of the consequences of hypothetical
accidents. The two main aspects in this research concern: mechanical integrity of the fuel
assemblies during reactor lifetime, and fuel response to transient conditions and to severe reactor
accident conditions up to core melt down.
In this context the JRC is involved in the current fuel development strategy aimed at improving
safety and reducing civil and military stockpiles of plutonium. The JRC will make use of the HFR
to test fuel behaviour and properties. Measurements of performance-affecting properties will also be
carried out.
3.2.3.    Safe Operation of Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems
New reactor strategies are considered worldwide as an open research topic, with e.g. the
Generation IV Roadmap scenario, inspired by a comprehensive assessment including public
concerns, such as improved safety, reduced wastes and improved resistance to proliferation.
It is essential for the JRC to play its full role, directly and in coordinating European contributions in
this world-wide initiative in which the principal research organisations are involved. This includes
exclusively areas that can improve safety and safeguard aspects of innovative nuclear fuel cycles, in
particular characterisation, test and analysis of new fuels. The development of safety and quality
goals, safety requirements and advanced evaluation methodology for systems will be addressed.
This information will be systematically disseminated to interested Member States authorities and
Commission services, in particular through regular coordination meetings.
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/450         EN               Official Journal of the European Union                      30.12.2006
3.3.      Nuclear security
3.3.1.    Nuclear Safeguards
The dimension of non-proliferation is growing in importance and it is vital for the security of EU
citizens that the necessary capacities continue to be available. The JRC activities in this area consist
of technical support to Commission services under the Euratom Treaty and to IAEA (International
Atomic Energy Agency) under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The goal will be to implement
increased automation and better tools for information analysis to reduce both inspector workload
and burden on the nuclear industry.
Although the JRC has over 30 years experience in supporting the Euratom and Non-Proliferation
Treaties, technical innovations and improvements continue to be required to implement the
evolving safeguards policy. While evolving to cope with these objectives, the JRC activity will
continue to include verification and detection as well as containment and surveillance technologies,
measurement methods of nuclear material, production of nuclear reference materials, and provision
of training, in particular for IAEA and Commission inspectors.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006        EN                Official Journal of the European Union                      L 400/451
3.3.2.     Additional Protocol
The Additional Protocol aims to assure the absence of undeclared nuclear operations. Its
implementation requires a number of techniques different from those involved in verifying nuclear
material accountancy. It requires an overall description of a country's nuclear activities, provision
for more extensive site declarations and more varied inspection requirements. These can include
off-site monitoring and monitoring activities outside the facility boundaries and environment
particle analysis as a tool to detect undeclared nuclear activities.
The JRC objectives are to move towards real-time follow-up of nuclear material transfers and
integrated information analysis. JRC will particularly work on the development and validation of
information analysis tools and on a methodology based on systems analysis.
3.3.3.     Open source Information collection on Nuclear Non Proliferation
With the aim to support Commission services and to collaborate with IAEA and Member States
authorities, the JRC will continue to systematically collect and analyse information from a variety
of sources (internet, specialised literature, data bases) on nuclear non-proliferation issues (possibly
extending into other WMD – Weapons of Mass Destruction – and delivery systems). This
information will be used to produce country reports where the evolution of nuclear activities and of
import and/or export of nuclear direct and dual use equipment and technology in selected countries
will be closely followed. The information from these open sources will be corroborated with
satellite imagery. To underpin this work, JRC will further develop multilingual web search,
knowledge management and data mining technologies.
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/452         EN                Official Journal of the European Union                     30.12.2006
3.3.4.    Combating illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, including nuclear forensic analysis
The detection and the identification of illegally transported or stored nuclear material constitute a
major line of defence against the illicit trafficking. Nuclear forensic science provides clues on the
origin of the seized material. Establishing appropriate response plans for handling cases of detection
remains an important issue. In the field of nuclear forensics and illicit trafficking JRC will increase
its collaboration with national authorities and international organisations (ITWG, IAEA, etc.)
Ethical aspects
During the implementation of this specific 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 and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of
Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine 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.
 ---pagebreak--- 30.12.2006        EN               Official Journal of the European Union                      L 400/453
Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical
Implications of Bio-technology (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.
 ---pagebreak--- L 400/454         EN                Official Journal of the European Union                     30.12.2006
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
principles of bio-diversity are respected.
During 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.