Euratom Framework Programme 2012-2013: nuclear research and training activities
PURPOSE: to ensure the continuation of research and training activities funded by the EU in the area of nuclear science and technology for the period 2012-2013.
NON LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2012/93/Euratom concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013).
CONTENT: the Council extended, for a two-year period, the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) framework programme for nuclear research.
The Euratom programme, which expires at the end of 2011, has been extended in order to align it with the end of the EU's current financial cycle in 2013. Euratom programmes are limited by the Euratom Treaty to five years, whereas the general 7th framework programme for research, which runs until the end of 2013, lasts for seven years.
This Decision forms part of the package of decisions relating to framework programmes comprising two types of activities (direct and indirect actions) and the rules of participation.
The Framework Programme will build on the achievements of the Seventh Framework Programme adopted by Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of Euratom for the period 2007 to 2011), whilst including necessary reinforced emphasis on nuclear safety contributing to reorientation of nuclear research. Regarding policy, the most significant development has been the adoption and endorsement of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) as part of a broad portfolio approach to addressing future energy challenges.
Priorities: the programme will place particular stress on nuclear safety and security as well as radiation protection and, at the same time, will contribute to Innovation Union and to the creation of the European Research Area.
The Framework Programme will cover Community research, technological development, international cooperation, and dissemination of technical information, exploitation activities and training, to be set out in two specific programmes.
The first specific programme shall cover the following indirect actions:
· fusion energy research, with the objective of developing the technology for a safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible and economically viable energy source;
· 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.
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.
Ethical principles: all the research activities carried out under the Framework Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Financial envelope: the maximum amount for the implementation of the Framework Programme shall be EUR 2 560 270 000. This amount shall be distributed as follows:
· for the specific programme to be carried out by means of indirect actions: (i) fusion energy research EUR 2 208 809 000 ; (ii) nuclear fission, safety, and radiation protection EUR 118 245 000;
· for the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions: nuclear activities of the JRC : EUR 233 216 000.
Monitoring, assessment and review: 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.
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.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 21/02/2012.