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:
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.