PURPOSE: to adopt the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre, implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013).

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2012/95/Euratom concerning the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre, implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013).

CONTENT: the Council extended, for a two-year period , the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) framework programme for nuclear research and training activities. 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.

It should be noted that this Decision is closely linked to the proposal on the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research (2012 -2013), the proposal on the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in indirect actions under the Framework Programme and the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions , implementing the Framework Programme.

The Council Decision concerns the adoption of the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013). The programme is to be adopted for the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013.

Thematic areas : the specific programme shall establish the activities for the nuclear actions of the JRC, supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas:

nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic knowledge; nuclear safety of reactor systems of relevance to Europe; nuclear security (including nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation, combating illicit trafficking and nuclear forensics).

This specific programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner , taking into account the relevant needs of the JRC users and Union policies, while protecting the Union financial interests. The research activities carried out under this specific programme should be adapted where appropriate to these needs and to scientific and technological developments and aim to achieve scientific excellence.

In the context of enlargement and integration activities, the JRC aims to promote the integration of the organisations and researchers of new Member States within its activities in particular for implementing of the science and technology components of the Union acquis, as well as increased cooperation with organisations and researchers from accession and candidate countries. A progressive opening should also be envisaged towards the neighbouring countries, specifically on priority topics of the European Neighbourhood Policy.

Ethical issues : research activities carried out within this specific programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

Financial envelope : the maximum amount for the execution of the specific programme is EUR 233 216 000 .

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 21/02/2012.

The European Parliament adopted by 502 votes to 119, with 22 abstentions, a legislative resolution amending the 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 Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013).

The main amendments are as follows:

Implementation of the Framework Programme (2012 - 2013) : this should be based on the principles of simplicity, stability, transparency, legal certainty, consistency, excellence and trust following the recommendations of the European Parliament in its resolution on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes.

Funding : new recitals state that the JRC should aid in the supervision of the quality and efficiency of training, as well as the coordination of existing educational programmes in the field of nuclear energy within the Union, and within candidate and neighbouring countries. Increased attention and budget spending are needed for initiatives ancillary to core nuclear research, in particular as regards investment in human capital and actions aimed at addressing the risk of skills shortages in the coming years (e.g. grants to researchers in the nuclear field) and the consequent loss of leadership for the Union.

In addition, the management of Union research funding should be more trust-based and risk-tolerant at all stages of the projects, while ensuring accountability, with flexible Union rules.

Special attention should be paid to the development of contractual arrangements that reduce the risk of failure to perform as well as the reallocation of risks and costs over time.

Activities under the programme : Parliament added decommissioning to the types of activities which will be supported under this specific programme.

Work programme : the Commission, in its setting out of the multi-annual work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, must also set out the necessary funds when specifying in greater detail the objectives and technological priorities of the programme.

Annex : Parliament deleted basic actinide research from the activities listed in the Annex. It also adds the following:

· the JRC will continue, in collaboration with its international partners, to develop networks for measuring radioactivity in the environment while making all findings immediately available to the public;

· with regard to the JRC’s activities on drinking water, this will take into account the Council directive, to be adopted pursuant to Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty, laying down requirements for the protection of the health of the general public with regard to radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption;

· in view of the growing importance of decommissioning of nuclear reactors and the associated expanding market and engineering aspects, the JRC will also enhance its scientific expertise in the field. It will include in its programme key aspects on research and training of experts on decommissioning of reactors (methodologies, on-the-job training, and scientific background).

Lastly, a new recital states that the implementation of the Framework Programme (2012-2013) should be based on the principles of simplicity, stability, transparency, legal certainty, consistency, excellence and trust following the recommendations of the European Parliament in its Report on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes.

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the report by Jan BREZINA (EPP, CZ) on the 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 Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013).

It recommended that the European Parliament made some amendments to the Commission proposal. The main amendments are as follows:

Funding : new recitals state that increased attention and budget spending are needed for initiatives ancillary to core nuclear research, in particular as regards investment in human capital and actions aimed at addressing the risk of skills shortages in the coming years (e.g. grants to researchers in the nuclear field) and the consequent loss of leadership for the Union.

In addition, the management of Union research funding should be more trust-based and risk-tolerant at all stages of the projects, while ensuring accountability, with flexible Union rules.

Special attention should be paid to the development of contractual arrangements that reduce the risk of failure to perform as well as the reallocation of risks and costs over time.

Activities under the programme : the committee added decommissioning to the types of activities which will be supported under this specific programme.

Work programme : the Commission, in its setting out of the multi-annual work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, must also set out the necessary funds when specifying in greater detail the objectives and technological priorities of the programme.

Annex : the committee deleted basic actinide research from the activities listed in the Annex. It also adds the following:

the JRC will continue, in collaboration with its international partners, to develop networks for measuring radioactivity in the environment while making all findings immediately available to the public; with regard to the JRC’s activities on drinking water, this will take into account the Council directive, to be adopted pursuant to Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty, laying down requirements for the protection of the health of the general public with regard to radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption; in view of the growing importance of decommissioning of nuclear reactors and the associated expanding market and engineering aspects, the JRC will also enhance its scientific expertise in the field. It will include in its programme key aspects on research and training of experts on decommissioning of reactors (methodologies, on-the-job training, and scientific background).

Lastly, a new recital states that the implementation of the Framework Programme (2012-2013) should be based on the principles of simplicity, stability, transparency, legal certainty, consistency, excellence and trust following the recommendations of the European Parliament in its Report on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes.

This ex-ante evaluation accompanies the legislative package of Commission's proposals for the Euratom nuclear research and training activities (2012-13).

The legislative package consists of:

the draft Council Decisions for the Framework Programme ; specific Programmes for direct and indirect actions; rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in actions under the framework programme and for the dissemination of research results.

The legislative package aims to continue supporting R&D actions in the nuclear field carried out under the 7th Euratom Framework Programme (2007-2011). The proposals will only cover two years (2012-13), in accordance with the current financial perspectives (2007-2013) and in line with the timeframe of the EU 7th Framework Programme (2007-2013).

Research co-funded by Euratom plays an important role in enhancing the safety, resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear fission and other uses of radiation in industry and medicine, and some of the research project are playing a key initiating role in the recently launched European Sustainable Nuclear Industrial Initiative (ESNII), one of the six European industrial initiatives launched under the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-plan) in 2010.

The proposals for the Euratom Framework Programme are clearly linked to the objectives of the Europe 2020 and Energy 2020 strategies. The programme will contribute to the Innovation Union flagship by supporting pre-commercial research and facilitating technology transfer process between academia and industry and to the Resource efficient Europe flagship by greatly increasing the overall sustainability of nuclear energy. By putting emphasis on training in all its activities, boosting competitiveness in the current nuclear industry and creating a new sector of high-tech industry for fusion energy in particular, the Euratom programme will lead to growth and new jobs in a wide range of disciplines. Proposals for the Euratom Framework Programme follow up the conclusions of the European Council (4 February 2011) which agreed that the EU and its Member States will promote investment in renewables, safe and sustainable low carbon technologies and focus on implementing the technology priorities established in the SET-plan. Both nuclear fission and fusion are identified in the SET-Plan as energy technologies which Europe must maintain, develop and deploy in order to meet its short and longer term energy objectives.

Lastly, proposals for the Euratom Framework Programme (2012-2013) take account of the simplification process, launched by the Commission in 2010, which makes current and future research programme more attractive and more accessible to the best researchers and most innovative companies. Simplification measures for the Euratom Framework Programme (2012-2013) will be implemented through the Commission decision C(2011)174 of 24 January 2011.

PURPOSE: to adopt the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre, implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013)

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: joint national and European efforts in the area of research and training are essential to promote and ensure economic growth and the well-being of citizens in Europe. Under Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty, the Euratom Framework Programme is the Community’s main instrument for supporting and complementing Member States’ activities in nuclear research and development (R&D). The existing provisions are contained in Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom on the Euratom Framework Programme and they will expire at the end of 2011.

The principal aim of this proposal is to ensure the continuation of EU-funded research in these fields for a further two years in line with the activities carried out successfully during 2007-2011.

In accordance with the Council Decision concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013), the Framework Programme (2012-2013) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. The Framework Programme (2012 - 2013) comprises two types of activities: indirect actions in fusion energy research and research on nuclear fission and radiation protection, and direct actions for activities of the Joint Research Centre in the field of nuclear energy.

It should be noted that this proposal is closely linked to the proposal on the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research (2012 -2013), the proposal on the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in indirect actions under the Framework Programme and the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions , implementing the Framework Programme.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: in accordance with Article 21 of the Implementing Rules for the Financial Regulation (Commission Regulation N° 2342/2002), the Commission has prepared an ex ante evaluation. Since this proposal aims to continue the activities of the Euratom Framework Programme for 2012-13 under the same financial perspectives, the requirement for an Impact Assessment has been waived.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 7 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

CONTENT: this proposal concerns the adoption of the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013). The programme is to be adopted for the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013.

The specific programme will establish the activities for the nuclear actions of the JRC, supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas:

nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic knowledge; nuclear safety (of present and future generations of nuclear reactors, and of their fuel cycle); nuclear security (including nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation, combating illicit trafficking and nuclear forensics).

The JRC programme will focus on research on waste management, and the safety and security of present and advanced nuclear systems. The research programme will improve scientific knowledge in these fields and will provide support to policy options for the energy mix of the 21st century, and for the safe and efficient deployment of nuclear energy. Supporting basic and targeted scientific research will be needed to maintain a thorough understanding of a key phenomenon. There will also be a particular focus on support for the education and training of present and future scientists and engineers.

The Commission will 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. The multi-annual work programme will take account of relevant research activities carried out by Member States, associated states and European and international organisations. It will be updated where appropriate.

Ethical aspects: the proposal states that during the implementation of the specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include the principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and given the diversity of approaches in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to the 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 Euratom funding in that Member State or country.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the total amount in commitment and payment appropriations for DG JRC is EUR 233 216 000.

PURPOSE: to adopt the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre, implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013)

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: joint national and European efforts in the area of research and training are essential to promote and ensure economic growth and the well-being of citizens in Europe. Under Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty, the Euratom Framework Programme is the Community’s main instrument for supporting and complementing Member States’ activities in nuclear research and development (R&D). The existing provisions are contained in Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom on the Euratom Framework Programme and they will expire at the end of 2011.

The principal aim of this proposal is to ensure the continuation of EU-funded research in these fields for a further two years in line with the activities carried out successfully during 2007-2011.

In accordance with the Council Decision concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013), the Framework Programme (2012-2013) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. The Framework Programme (2012 - 2013) comprises two types of activities: indirect actions in fusion energy research and research on nuclear fission and radiation protection, and direct actions for activities of the Joint Research Centre in the field of nuclear energy.

It should be noted that this proposal is closely linked to the proposal on the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research (2012 -2013), the proposal on the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in indirect actions under the Framework Programme and the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions , implementing the Framework Programme.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: in accordance with Article 21 of the Implementing Rules for the Financial Regulation (Commission Regulation N° 2342/2002), the Commission has prepared an ex ante evaluation. Since this proposal aims to continue the activities of the Euratom Framework Programme for 2012-13 under the same financial perspectives, the requirement for an Impact Assessment has been waived.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 7 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

CONTENT: this proposal concerns the adoption of the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013). The programme is to be adopted for the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013.

The specific programme will establish the activities for the nuclear actions of the JRC, supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas:

nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic knowledge; nuclear safety (of present and future generations of nuclear reactors, and of their fuel cycle); nuclear security (including nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation, combating illicit trafficking and nuclear forensics).

The JRC programme will focus on research on waste management, and the safety and security of present and advanced nuclear systems. The research programme will improve scientific knowledge in these fields and will provide support to policy options for the energy mix of the 21st century, and for the safe and efficient deployment of nuclear energy. Supporting basic and targeted scientific research will be needed to maintain a thorough understanding of a key phenomenon. There will also be a particular focus on support for the education and training of present and future scientists and engineers.

The Commission will 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. The multi-annual work programme will take account of relevant research activities carried out by Member States, associated states and European and international organisations. It will be updated where appropriate.

Ethical aspects: the proposal states that during the implementation of the specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include the principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and given the diversity of approaches in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to the 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 Euratom funding in that Member State or country.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the total amount in commitment and payment appropriations for DG JRC is EUR 233 216 000.