The European Parliament adopted by 468 votes to 125, with 47 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2021-2025 complementing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
Parliament approved the Commission's proposal subject to the following amendments:
Programme’s objectives
The proposed programme shall: (i) continue nuclear research and training activities to support continuous improvement in nuclear safety, security and radiation protection; and (ii) contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system in a safe, efficient and secure manner.
Its specific objectives shall be to: (i) improve the safe, secure and efficient use of nuclear energy and non-power applications of ionizing radiation, including nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management and decommissioning; (ii) support the policy of the Community on nuclear safety, safeguards and security, including the development of knowledge on safe, effective and cost-efficient decommissioning of installations which reach the end of their lifespan.
Members clarified that nuclear research makes an important contribution to environmental sustainability and the fight to combat climate change by reducing the EU’s dependence on imported energy.
A new recital highlights how Euratom waste management projects contribute to a better understanding of radioactive waste management issues in the EU, such as the safety of future geological disposal facilities, radioactive waste conditioning and the long-term behaviour of spent fuel in a landfill.
Nuclear safety
Members stressed the need to give the greatest possible attention to nuclear safety in the programme. They proposed to support the exchange of information and best practices on the safety of reactor systems and fuel cycles currently in use, in particular in the case of nuclear facilities located in the vicinity of one or more borders between Member States.
Budget
Parliament proposed that the budget for the programme shall be EUR 1 675 000 000 in current prices as EUR 1 516 000 000 in 2018 prices, broken down as follows:
- 43 % for fusion research and development;
- 25 % for nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection; and
- 32 % for direct actions undertaken by the Joint Research Centre (JRC).
It also proposed that in relation to JRC direct actions, the Commission may deviate from the amounts within the annual budgetary procedureby a maximum of 10 %.
Implementation
Members made the respect for the principles of the rule of law a condition for the participation of third countries in the programme. In addition, all research and innovation activities carried out under the programme should respect national, European and international ethical principles and regulations in this field.
Beneficiaries of programme funding should indicate the origin of the European funds they have received and ensure their visibility.
The Commission's information and communication activities relating to the actions and results of the programme should be presented to both specialised audiences and the public.
The programme should also ensure the effective promotion of gender equality.
Role of Parliament
The European Parliament should be consulted at all relevant stages of the implementation and evaluation of the programme. Given the European Parliament’s role as a co-legislator regarding budgetary matters and in order to ensure the coherent design and implementation of the Union´s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, the Euratom Research and Training Programme should also be adopted by means of the ordinary legislative procedure.