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Euratom research and training programme 2014-2018

2011/0400(NLE)

PURPOSE: to establish the Euratom Research and Training Programme for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018, complementing the Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Regulation (EURATOM) No 1314/2013 on the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2014-2018) complementing the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

CONTENT: this Regulation establishes the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 (the 'Euratom Programme'). It lays down the rules for participation in that Programme, including the participation in programmes of funding bodies managing the funds granted in accordance with this Regulation and in activities conducted jointly under this Regulation and under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

The general objective of the Euratom Programme is to pursue nuclear research and training activities with an emphasis on continuous improvement of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, notably to potentially contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system in a safe, efficient and secure way.

1) The Euratom Programme indirect actions shall have the following specific objectives:

  • supporting safety of nuclear systems;
  • contributing to the development of safe, longer term solutions for the management of ultimate nuclear waste, including final geological disposal as well as partitioning and transmutation;
  • supporting the development and sustainability of nuclear expertise and excellence in the Union;
  • supporting radiation protection and development of medical applications of radiation, including, inter alia, the secure and safe supply and use of radioisotopes;
  • moving towards demonstration of feasibility of fusion as a power source by exploiting existing and future fusion facilities;
  • laying the foundations for future fusion power plants by developing materials, technologies and conceptual design;
  • promoting innovation and industrial competitiveness;
  • ensuring availability and use of research infrastructures of pan-European relevance.

2) The Euratom Programme direct actions shall have the following specific objectives:

  • improving nuclear safety including: nuclear reactor and fuel safety, waste management, including final geological disposal as well as partitioning and transmutation; decommissioning, and emergency preparedness;
  • improving nuclear security including: nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation, combating illicit trafficking, and nuclear forensics;
  • increasing excellence in the nuclear science base for standardisation;
  • fostering knowledge management, education and training;
  • supporting the policy of the Union on nuclear safety and security.

Budget: the financial envelope for the implementation of the Euratom Programme shall be EUR 1 603 329 000. That amount shall be distributed as follows:

  • indirect actions for the fusion research and development programme: EUR 728 232 000;
  • indirect actions for nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection: EUR 315 535 000;
  • direct actions : EUR 559 562 000.

For the implementation of indirect actions of the Euratom Programme, the Commission's administrative expenditure shall reach up to 7 % on average during the duration of the Euratom Programme and no more than 6 % in 2018.

Management and forms of support: the Euratom Programme shall be implemented through indirect actions using one or several of the forms of funding provided for by the Financial Regulation, in particular grants, prizes, procurement and financial instruments. The Community support shall also consist of direct actions in the form of research and innovation activities undertaken by the JRC.

The participation of any legal entity in indirect actions undertaken under the Euratom Programme shall be governed by the rules laid down in Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

The Euratom Programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content. All the research and innovation activities carried out under the Programme shall comply with ethical principles.

Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring the adequate participation of, and innovation impact on, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the private sector in general in the Euratom Programme.

Lastly, entities established in third countries and international organisations shall be eligible to participate in indirect actions of the Euratom Programme under certain conditions. Reciprocal access to third country programmes should be encouraged.

Evaluation: by 31 May 2017, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, an interim evaluation of the Euratom Programme. By 31 December 2022, the Commission shall carry out an ex-post evaluation of the Euratom Programme.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 23.12.2013.