SP(2007)0054

PURPOSE: to adopt a Specific Programme for direct Nuclear research and training activities to be carried out by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) under the 7 th Euratom Framework Programme

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2006/977/Euratom 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 – 2011).

CONTENT: the adoption of a Specific Programme for the direct nuclear research and training to be carried out by the JRC stems from Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom concerning the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2011). See: CNS/2005/0044 .

Two Specific Programmes were approved by the 7 th Framework Programme of the European Atomic Community (Euratom). The first, the subject of thus summary, concerns “direct” research activities of the Joint Research Centre relating to nuclear energy. The second, concerns “indirect” actions on fusion energy research, nuclear fission and radiation protection. See CNS/2005/0190 .

The stated objective of this JRC Specific Programme in the field of nuclear energy is to provide scientific and technical support to the European Union for the preparation and enactment of its energy policies. The work of the JRC will help secure the effective implementation of the Community’s energy policies by guaranteeing the EU institutions a scientific back-up for its energy strategy as well as offering an extensive monitoring system of existing policies. The JRC is committed to undertaking 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. Other JRC activities include offering advice and support to both the Commission and the Member States on nuclear safeguards, nuclear non-proliferation, and waste management, the safety of nuclear installations and fuel cycle analysis, environmental radioactivity and radiation protection issues. The Programme has been awarded a EUR 517 million budget to help realise these objectives.

The Specific Programme is characterised by three activities:

1) Nuclear Waste Management, environmental impact : Under this heading the following topics will be given priority research: spent fuel characterisation, storage and disposal; partitioning, transmutation and conditioning; basic actinide research; nuclear data; medical applications from nuclear research; measurement of radioactivity in the environment; and knowledge management, training and education.

2) Nuclear Safety : Under this heading the JRC will be expected to focus on the following subjects: nuclear reactor safety; nuclear fuel safety in power reactors operating in the EU; and the safe operation of advanced nuclear energy systems.

3) Nuclear Security: Under this heading the following policies will be prioritised: nuclear safeguards; additional protocol; open source information collection on nuclear non-proliferation; and combating illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, including nuclear forensic analysis:

Lastly, both at the implementation level and the research level, the JRC is committed to respecting fundamental ethical principles based, inter alia , on those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental EU Rights.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 2 January 2007.

Decision 2006/977
OJ L 400 30.12.2006, p. 0433

Results of vote in Parliament

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the report drafted by Daniel CASPARY (EPP-ED, DE) and made some amendments to the proposal, which conformed, for the most part, to the report of its competent committee. (Please refer to the summary of 10/10/2006.)

T6-0523/2006

Debate in Parliament

A6-0357/2006

A6-0357/2006

The committee adopted the report by Daniel CASPARY (EPP-ED, DE) amending - under the consultation procedure - the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre implementing the 7th EURATOM Framework Programme (2007-2011) for nuclear research and training activities. In the legislative resolution, the committee said that the indicative financial reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the new multiannual financial framework, and pointed out that the annual amount would be decided within the annual budgetary procedure. It also adopted a new Article 5a stipulating that the Commission should provide prior information to the budgetary authority whenever it intends to depart from the breakdown of expenditure stated in the remarks and annex to the annual budget. The other key amendments were as follows:

- the JRC should seek to "maintain its own level of scientific excellence" and hence "step up activities devoted strictly to research, without prejudice to those directly intended to meet the requirements of Community policies";

- given the lack of new scientists and engineers in the area of nuclear technology, the JRC should establish itself as a European centre for the dissemination of information and for training and education. It should implement a programme aimed at retaining knowledge, as well as a programme designed to attract young people into the field of nuclear energy research;

- another objective should be the further development of collaboration through networking, leading to a broad consensus on a number of issues at European and world level. The committee stressed that the application of safeguards by the Euratom Safeguards Office and the International Atomic Energy Agency required R&D support and direct assistance, and that special attention would be given to cooperation with future EU Member States;

- the JRC should contribute to the search for solutions to the increasingly important urgent of nuclear waste disposal and environmental impact;

- lastly, the committee felt that it was crucially important that the necessary technical capacities to evaluate and deal with the threat of proliferation of nuclear weapons should continue to be available within the JRC.

PE374.076

On 21 September 2005, the Commission presented a proposal for a Council Decision concerning the Specific Programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre implementing the 7th Framework Programme (2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities.

The overall financial amount initially proposed by the Commission amounted to EUR 539,077 million .

The Commission subsequently adapted the budgetary aspects of these proposals following the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 on the Financial Framework 2007-2013.

The new overall amount is set at EUR 517 million.

Please refer to the financial statement for more details.

COM(2005)0444/2
EUR-Lex

Package of legislative proposals following the Interinstitutional Agreement on

budgetary discipline and sound financial management

The conclusion on 17 May 2006 by the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament of the agreement on the 2007-2013 financial framework (Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial management – please refer to procedure ACI/2004/2099 ) marks a real success for Europe, providing a stable financial framework for the political priorities of the enlarged Union for the next seven years. It is now up to the institutions and Member States to ensure that the financial resources available are used and implemented as well as possible. Action at European level must contribute true added value to that taken at national, regional or local level and must have an optimum impact on each European player. The Commission is ready to play a full role in all these areas.

The agreement marks a decisive step forward towards the ultimate objective of providing the Union with operational programmes by the beginning of 2007. Work must now be continued on each legislative act. To this end, the Commission intends to continue to provide momentum and act as a facilitator, as it has been doing since the start of the negotiations.

As part of the negotiations on the 2007-2013 financial framework, in October 2005 the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted a joint declaration in which they undertook to continue work on the legislative proposals currently being discussed and then, once the interinstitutional agreement had been adopted and on the basis of amended proposals by the Commission, to reach agreement on each of these proposals. Thus, in accordance with Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty and in order to facilitate this phase for each legislative act, the Commission has adopted a total of 30 proposals, 26 of which are amended and 4 new.

The proposals amended as a result of the IIA are as follows:

Programmes concerning the external policy of the Union and development cooperation:

Ø COD/2004/0219 ( European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument )

Ø COD/2004/0220 ( development co-operation and economic co-operation instrument )

Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows Programme (JHA):

Ø COD/2005/0046 (European Refugee Fund)

Ø COD/2005/0047 ( External borders fund, 2007-2013 )

Ø COD/2005/0049 ( European Return Fund )

Fundamental Rights and Justice Programme (JHA):

Ø COD/2005/0037/A (DAPHNE )

Ø COD/2005/0037/B ( drugs prevention and information )

RDT Framework Programme and specific programmes :

Ø COD/2005/0043 ( RDT Framework Programme )

Ø CNS/2005/0044 (Nuclear Research Programme )

Ø CNS/2005/0184 ( Joint Research Centre - JRC )

Ø CNS/2005/0185 ( Transnational cooperation specific programme )

Ø CNS/2005/0186 ( Specific programme Ideas, frontier research )

Ø CNS/2005/0187 (S pecific programme supporting researchers )

Ø CNS/2005/0188 ( RDT Capacities specific programme )

Ø CNS/2005/0189 ( specific programme direct actions by the Joint Research Centre JRC )

Ø CNS/2005/0190 ( fusion energy, nuclear fission and radiation protection specific programme)

Employment and social cohesion Programme: COD/2004/0158

Programmes in the fields of youth and education:

Ø COD/2004/0152 ( Youth )

Ø COD/2004/0153 ( Education – lifelong learning )

Consumer Protection and Public Health Framework programme:

Ø COD/2005/0042/A ( Public health )

Ø COD/2005/0042/B ( Consumers )

Programme in the fields of energy, environment and transport :

Ø COD/2004/0218 ( LIFE+)

Ø COD/2004/0154 ( TransEuropean networks in the areas of energy and transport )

Ø CNS/2004/0221 ( Decommissioning of the Bohunice nuclear plant )

GALILEO ( radio-navigation by satellite ): COD/2004/0156

In terms of new proposals , the Commission has already submitted three in the area of agriculture and rural development policy and fisheries and aquaculture policy:

Ø CNS/2006/0081 ( fisheries and aquaculture )

Ø CNS/2006/0082 ( rural development )

Ø CNS/2006/0083 ( common agricultural policy ).

Certain legislative acts do not form part of this package of measures, in particular those on which political agreement has been reached since 17 May. For these measures, the Commission has played a full part in helping to bring about agreement between the arms of the legislative authority. The same applies to the acts for which conclusion of the interinstitutional agreement does not modify the Commission’s original proposal. For all the others, which are included in the package presented, the changes proposed by the Commission take account of the content of the interinstitutional agreement adopted, either in a simplified form, where the financial resources allocated to each programme must be adapted, or in a more detailed form where the structure or even the content of the act must be revised. It should also be noted that four of the amended proposals contain amendments already voted on by the European Parliament at first reading and that one proposal has been divided into two amended proposals in response to a request by the Council and the European Parliament, although Parliament has not yet proceeded to a first reading of this proposal.

Based on these amended proposals, the Commission calls on the European Parliament and the Council to continue their discussions of these proposals and conclude them as soon as possible in order to ensure that all the legal instruments are available in time for the effective launch of the programmes in January 2007.

COM(2006)0239
EUR-Lex

PE374.084

PE368.073

2715

PURPOSE: The establishment of a specific programme setting up direct actions in the field of nuclear research and training activities for the Joint Research Centre (JRC) within the context of the Euratom Treaty

PROPOSED ACT : Council Decision

CONTENT: The European Commission is presenting two “specific programmes” in follow up to the adoption in April 2005 of its proposal for the 7 th Framework Programme of the European Atomic Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities. The Euratom framework programme is to last from 2007 to 2011. The first specific programme of the Euratom Treaty, being discussed here, concerns “direct” research activities of the Joint Research Centre relating to nuclear energy. The second, which is the subject of a separate Commission proposal (2005/0190), concerns “indirect” actions on fusion energy research, nuclear fission and radiation protection.

Background:

The specific programmes of the 7 th Euratom Framework Programme have been designed to address the major challenges facing European nuclear research. Financial support at a European level offers European nuclear researchers the kind of opportunities that can not be achieved at a national level. The specific programmes represent a further consolidation of the European Research Area by achieving a critical mass of knowledge in new areas of research. In addition, European funded RT&D supports the free movement of ideas, knowledge and researchers. An emphasis on flexibility will allow researchers to respond to emerging industrial as well as social needs. Flexibility aside, the Commission also promises to streamline management methods by significantly cutting red tape as well as simplifying the funding and reporting requirements.

Specific programme – Direct Actions of the Joint Research Centre concerning nuclear energy:

The stated objective of the JRC specific programme in the field of nuclear energy is to provide scientific and technical support to the European Union for the preparation and enactment of its energy policies. The work of the JRC will help to secure the effective implementation of the Communities energy policies by guaranteeing the EU institutions a scientific back-up for its energy strategy as well as offering an extensive monitoring system of existing policies. The JRC is committed to undertaking 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. Other JRC activities include offering advice and support to both the Commission and the Member States on nuclear safeguards, nuclear non-proliferation, and waste management, the safety of nuclear installations and fuel cycle analysis, environmental radioactivity and radiation protection issues. Bearing these factors in mind, the Commission proposes dividing the special programme into three activities; the first focuses on nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic knowledge; the second, deals with nuclear safety and the third, nuclear security.

Concerning the first activity, nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic knowledge, the following topics will be given priority research:

- Spent fuel characterisation, storage and disposal . The JRC will, inter alia , seek to obtain data pertinent to the long-term behaviour of spent fuel as well as developing methods for the reliable assessment of the engineered systems. Emphasis will be given to the integrity of the waste packages and benchmarking risk-orientated criterias for decision making.

- Partitioning, Transmutation and Conditioning : The major challenge here is optimising fuel partitioning and to separate selected long-lived radio nuclides. The study of this alternative waste management is given high consideration given that it could considerably reduce the long-term hazardous nature of nuclear waste disposal. The JRC will operate new facilities for advanced partitioning and for the production of fuels and targets in this area.

- Basic actinide research : The basic research activity related to this research will focus on trying to understand the physical processes of nuclear fuel. Focus will be given to thermo-physical properties of materials, surface properties of actinide bearing systems and fundamental physical and chemical properties. The JRC will continue to host scientists from across European universities in its facilities such as the Actinide User Laboratory.

- Nuclear Data : The JRC will perform measurements of nuclear data for waste management purposes

- Medical applications from nuclear research : A number of medical applications are the result of work carried out at the JRC’s nuclear facilities. The JRC will seek to apply these new applications in hospitals as well as extending its scope to the pharmaceutical industry.

- Measurement of radioactivity in the environment : Currently, the JRC is conducting on-going research into tracing radioactive discharges and emissions from nuclear installations. Work includes studies on speciation, migration patterns in the biosphere and the radio-toxicology of actinides. The JRC proposes to continue this work to developing analytical techniques and producing scientific studies on 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 radioactive measurement system.

- Knowledge management, training and education : Under this heading the JRC will seek to maintain and deepen the understanding of nuclear research based on past research and experiments. The JRC will continue to contribute towards disseminating nuclear knowledge by offering well documented archives and by offering support to European universities. The JRC will, in addition, seek to offer enhanced communication to the wider public on energy related issues.

Under the second heading, Nuclear Safety, the JRC will be expected to focus on the following subjects:

- Nuclear reactor safety : Under this heading the JRC will be expected to maintain as well as improve upon the safety levels of both Western and Russian type nuclear power plants. In order to validate and assess safety the JRC will carry out targeted experimental investigations. The JRC will remain fully involved in international efforts for an advanced nuclear reactor safety.

- Nuclear fuel safety in power reactors operating in the EU : There are two key topics, which concern researchers under this heading, namely, the mechanical integrity of fuel assemblies during a reactor’s life-time and the fuel response to transient conditions and a severe reactor accident including a core melt-down. The JRC is therefore, focusing on fuel development strategy with an emphasis on safety ad reducing civil and military plutonium stockpiles. The JRC will make the best use of the HFR to test fuel behaviour and properties. Measurement of performance-affecting properties will also be carried out.

- Safe Operation of Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems : The JCR will continue its essential, collaborative work with the Generation IV Roadmap, which is a global initiative to improve safety, reduce waste and halt proliferation.

Under the third heading, Nuclear Security, the following policies will be prioritised:

- Nuclear Safeguards : Within the context of the Non-proliferation Treaty, the JRC will continue to offer technical support to both the European Commission as well as the IAEA. The main objective of this sub-heading will be to increase automation and discover more efficient tools relating to information analysis. They will also be a growing effort to reduce inspector workload.

- Additional Protocol : The purpose of the Additional Protocol is to guarantee the absence of undeclared nuclear operations. The techniques used to implement its provisions are different to those needed for verifying nuclear material accountancy. These can include, for example, off-site monitoring and monitoring activities outside the facility boundaries as well as environment particle analysis as a tool to detect undeclared nuclear activity. Under this sub-heading, therefore, the JRC will attempt to move towards real-time follow-up of nuclear material transfers.

- Open source Information collection on Nuclear non-Proliferation : The JRC will systematically collect and analyse information from a variety of sources, such as the internet, specialised literature and data bases. Country Reports will be prepared on the basis of the information gathered.

- Combating illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, including nuclear forensic analysis : The detection and identification of illegally transported or stored nuclear material acts as a major line of defence in the fight against illicit trafficking. Nuclear forensic science provides clues as to the origin of seized material. Establishing appropriate response plans for handling cases of detection remains a relevant issue. Hence, the JRC’s continuing collaboration with national and international organisations in finding a lasting response to this issue.

Lastly, both at the implementation level and the research level, the JRC is committed to respecting fundamental ethical principles based, inter alia , on those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental EU Rights.

For further information concerning the financial implications of this measure, please refer to the financial statement.

COM(2005)0444
EUR-Lex

PURPOSE: The establishment of a specific programme setting up direct actions in the field of nuclear research and training activities for the Joint Research Centre (JRC) within the context of the Euratom Treaty

PROPOSED ACT : Council Decision

CONTENT: The European Commission is presenting two “specific programmes” in follow up to the adoption in April 2005 of its proposal for the 7 th Framework Programme of the European Atomic Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities. The Euratom framework programme is to last from 2007 to 2011. The first specific programme of the Euratom Treaty, being discussed here, concerns “direct” research activities of the Joint Research Centre relating to nuclear energy. The second, which is the subject of a separate Commission proposal (2005/0190), concerns “indirect” actions on fusion energy research, nuclear fission and radiation protection.

Background:

The specific programmes of the 7 th Euratom Framework Programme have been designed to address the major challenges facing European nuclear research. Financial support at a European level offers European nuclear researchers the kind of opportunities that can not be achieved at a national level. The specific programmes represent a further consolidation of the European Research Area by achieving a critical mass of knowledge in new areas of research. In addition, European funded RT&D supports the free movement of ideas, knowledge and researchers. An emphasis on flexibility will allow researchers to respond to emerging industrial as well as social needs. Flexibility aside, the Commission also promises to streamline management methods by significantly cutting red tape as well as simplifying the funding and reporting requirements.

Specific programme – Direct Actions of the Joint Research Centre concerning nuclear energy:

The stated objective of the JRC specific programme in the field of nuclear energy is to provide scientific and technical support to the European Union for the preparation and enactment of its energy policies. The work of the JRC will help to secure the effective implementation of the Communities energy policies by guaranteeing the EU institutions a scientific back-up for its energy strategy as well as offering an extensive monitoring system of existing policies. The JRC is committed to undertaking 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. Other JRC activities include offering advice and support to both the Commission and the Member States on nuclear safeguards, nuclear non-proliferation, and waste management, the safety of nuclear installations and fuel cycle analysis, environmental radioactivity and radiation protection issues. Bearing these factors in mind, the Commission proposes dividing the special programme into three activities; the first focuses on nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic knowledge; the second, deals with nuclear safety and the third, nuclear security.

Concerning the first activity, nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic knowledge, the following topics will be given priority research:

- Spent fuel characterisation, storage and disposal . The JRC will, inter alia , seek to obtain data pertinent to the long-term behaviour of spent fuel as well as developing methods for the reliable assessment of the engineered systems. Emphasis will be given to the integrity of the waste packages and benchmarking risk-orientated criterias for decision making.

- Partitioning, Transmutation and Conditioning : The major challenge here is optimising fuel partitioning and to separate selected long-lived radio nuclides. The study of this alternative waste management is given high consideration given that it could considerably reduce the long-term hazardous nature of nuclear waste disposal. The JRC will operate new facilities for advanced partitioning and for the production of fuels and targets in this area.

- Basic actinide research : The basic research activity related to this research will focus on trying to understand the physical processes of nuclear fuel. Focus will be given to thermo-physical properties of materials, surface properties of actinide bearing systems and fundamental physical and chemical properties. The JRC will continue to host scientists from across European universities in its facilities such as the Actinide User Laboratory.

- Nuclear Data : The JRC will perform measurements of nuclear data for waste management purposes

- Medical applications from nuclear research : A number of medical applications are the result of work carried out at the JRC’s nuclear facilities. The JRC will seek to apply these new applications in hospitals as well as extending its scope to the pharmaceutical industry.

- Measurement of radioactivity in the environment : Currently, the JRC is conducting on-going research into tracing radioactive discharges and emissions from nuclear installations. Work includes studies on speciation, migration patterns in the biosphere and the radio-toxicology of actinides. The JRC proposes to continue this work to developing analytical techniques and producing scientific studies on 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 radioactive measurement system.

- Knowledge management, training and education : Under this heading the JRC will seek to maintain and deepen the understanding of nuclear research based on past research and experiments. The JRC will continue to contribute towards disseminating nuclear knowledge by offering well documented archives and by offering support to European universities. The JRC will, in addition, seek to offer enhanced communication to the wider public on energy related issues.

Under the second heading, Nuclear Safety, the JRC will be expected to focus on the following subjects:

- Nuclear reactor safety : Under this heading the JRC will be expected to maintain as well as improve upon the safety levels of both Western and Russian type nuclear power plants. In order to validate and assess safety the JRC will carry out targeted experimental investigations. The JRC will remain fully involved in international efforts for an advanced nuclear reactor safety.

- Nuclear fuel safety in power reactors operating in the EU : There are two key topics, which concern researchers under this heading, namely, the mechanical integrity of fuel assemblies during a reactor’s life-time and the fuel response to transient conditions and a severe reactor accident including a core melt-down. The JRC is therefore, focusing on fuel development strategy with an emphasis on safety ad reducing civil and military plutonium stockpiles. The JRC will make the best use of the HFR to test fuel behaviour and properties. Measurement of performance-affecting properties will also be carried out.

- Safe Operation of Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems : The JCR will continue its essential, collaborative work with the Generation IV Roadmap, which is a global initiative to improve safety, reduce waste and halt proliferation.

Under the third heading, Nuclear Security, the following policies will be prioritised:

- Nuclear Safeguards : Within the context of the Non-proliferation Treaty, the JRC will continue to offer technical support to both the European Commission as well as the IAEA. The main objective of this sub-heading will be to increase automation and discover more efficient tools relating to information analysis. They will also be a growing effort to reduce inspector workload.

- Additional Protocol : The purpose of the Additional Protocol is to guarantee the absence of undeclared nuclear operations. The techniques used to implement its provisions are different to those needed for verifying nuclear material accountancy. These can include, for example, off-site monitoring and monitoring activities outside the facility boundaries as well as environment particle analysis as a tool to detect undeclared nuclear activity. Under this sub-heading, therefore, the JRC will attempt to move towards real-time follow-up of nuclear material transfers.

- Open source Information collection on Nuclear non-Proliferation : The JRC will systematically collect and analyse information from a variety of sources, such as the internet, specialised literature and data bases. Country Reports will be prepared on the basis of the information gathered.

- Combating illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, including nuclear forensic analysis : The detection and identification of illegally transported or stored nuclear material acts as a major line of defence in the fight against illicit trafficking. Nuclear forensic science provides clues as to the origin of seized material. Establishing appropriate response plans for handling cases of detection remains a relevant issue. Hence, the JRC’s continuing collaboration with national and international organisations in finding a lasting response to this issue.

Lastly, both at the implementation level and the research level, the JRC is committed to respecting fundamental ethical principles based, inter alia , on those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental EU Rights.

For further information concerning the financial implications of this measure, please refer to the financial statement.

COM(2005)0444
EUR-Lex