Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation 2007-2013: establishment

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL, Finland) and made some amendments to the proposal:

- the Community might finance measures to support efficient implementation in cases which result in a nuclear safety level corresponding to the technological, regulatory and operational state of the art in the Union, taking into consideration the latest scientific and technological developments. Parliament also introduced a reference to the polluter pays principle;

- the programme may fund the promotion of effective regulatory frameworks, procedures and systems to ensure adequate protection against ionising radiations from radioactive materials, in particular from high activity radioactive sources, and the safe disposal of such materials, the financial liability for which must continue to be borne solely by the operator;

- Parliament inserted accident prevention and the mitigation of consequences as objectives of the programme;

- the JRC will be eligible for funding;

- debt-relief will be exceptionally funded pursuant to an internationally agreed debt relief programme;

- the Commission evaluation should be done with the help of independent experts;

- the financial reference amount for implementation of the Regulation for the period 2007-2013 is EUR 524 million. Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the two budget authorities within the limits of the financial perspectives;

- the Commission must report every two years after the first evaluation report;

- Community financing shall in principle not be used for paying taxes, customs duties or other fiscal charges in beneficiary countries.