Article 1 Adoption of the Framework Programme
A multiannual framework programme for nuclear research and training activities (hereinafter the ‘Framework Programme’), is adopted for the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013.
Article 2 Objectives
1. The Framework Programme shall pursue the general objectives set out in Article 1 and Article 2(a) of the Treaty with special consideration of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, while contributing towards the creation of the Innovation Union and building on the European Research Area. 2. The Framework Programme shall cover Community research, technological development, international cooperation, dissemination of technical information, exploitation activities and training, to be set out in two specific programmes. 3. The first specific programme shall cover the following indirect actions: (a) fusion energy research, with the objective of developing the technology for a safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible and economically viable energy source; (b) nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection, with the objective of enhancing the safety of nuclear fission and other uses of radiation in industry, in medicine and in improving the management of radioactive waste. 4. The second specific programme shall cover the direct research activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in the field of nuclear waste management, environmental impact, safety and security. 5. The objectives and broad lines of the two specific programmes are set out in Annex I.
Article 3 Maximum amount and shares assigned to each specific programme
The maximum amount for the implementation of the Framework Programme shall be EUR 2 560 270 000. This amount shall be distributed as follows: (a) for the specific programme, referred to in Article 2(3), to be carried out by means of indirect actions: — fusion energy research EUR 2 208 809 000 ( 10 ) , — nuclear fission, safety, and radiation protection EUR 118 245 000; (b) for the specific programme, referred to in Article 2(4), to be carried out by means of direct actions: — nuclear activities of the JRC EUR 233 216 000. The detailed rules for Community financial participation in the Framework Programme are set out in Annex II.
Article 4 Protection of the Union’s financial interests
For Community actions financed under this Decision, Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 and (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 shall apply to any infringement of a provision of Union law, including the infringement of a contractual obligation under the Framework Programme, resulting from an act or omission by an economic operator, which has, or would have, the effect of prejudicing the general budget of the European Union or budgets managed by it as a result of an unjustified item of expenditure.
Article 5 Fundamental ethical principles
All the research activities carried out under the Framework Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.
Article 6 Monitoring, assessment and review
1. The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor the implementation of the Framework Programme and its specific programmes and regularly report and disseminate the results of this monitoring. In early 2013, a specific monitoring report shall be presented to the Council, dedicated to the implementation of nuclear safety and security activities of the Framework Programme. 2. Following the completion of the Framework Programme, the Commission shall, by 31 December 2015, have an external evaluation carried out by independent experts of its rationale, implementation and achievements. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Article 7 Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union .