Research RTD, 7th Euratom Framework Programme 2007-2011: fusion energy, nuclear fission and radiation protection specific programme

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the report drafted by Umberto GUIDONI (EUL/NGL, IT) and made some amendments to the proposal, which conformed, for the most part, to the report of its competent committee. As with all the specific programmes, a new Article 5a states that the Commission shall provide prior information to the budgetary authority whenever it intends to depart from the breakdown of expenditure stated in the remarks in and annex to the general budget of the EU. In addition, the following amendments were made:

- Parliament stipulated within the field of Fusion energy research, a joint undertaking established under Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty shall be created for managing and administering the European contribution totheITER Organisation, as well astheactivitiesin support of ITER construction, set out in the sub-heading "The realization of ITER" in the Annex. All other activities in the field of fusion energy will be implemented and managed separately from the ITER Joint Undertaking, whilst maintaining an integrated approach and the full involvement of the Fusion Associations;

- it must also draw up an evaluation report containing an assessment of the soundness of financial management and an evaluation of the efficiency and regularity of the budgetary and economic management of the Specific Programme;

- a new clause states that, without prejudice to the efforts which the EU is making and must continue to make in research into renewable energies, nuclear energy can have a major role to play in achieving secure and sustainable energy supply within the EU;

- the essential aim of nuclear research activities should be "both to ensure a safer peaceful use of nuclear energy (safety) and to help avert its misuse for military purposes (security)";

- Parliament did not take up the clause insertinga new section into the Annex on the importance of disseminating information to the public on nuclear energy. This clause had been voted through in committee.