Euratom Framework Programme 2012-2013: nuclear waste management, nuclear safety and security; specific programme for direct actions of the JRC

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.