PURPOSE: to ensure the continuation, during the period 2019-2020, of the Union-funded research and training activities in the field of nuclear science and technology.
PROPOSED ACT: Council Regulation.
ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the Council adopts the act after consulting the European Parliament but without being obliged to follow the opinion of the European Parliament.
BACKGROUND: the interim evaluation of the Research and Training Programme of the Community 2014-2018 established by Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1314/2013 concluded that the action is relevant and continues to be instrumental in addressing challenges in nuclear safety, security and safeguards, radioactive waste management, radiation protection and fusion energy.
In order to ensure the continuity of nuclear research at Community level, the Commission deems it necessary to adopt, for the period from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020, a new Regulation to prolong all research activities carried out under the 2014-2018 programme, complementing the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
CONTENT: the Euratom programme proposal for the period 2019-2020 aims to ensure the continuation of Union-funded research and training activities in the field of nuclear science and technology in addition to the Horizon 2020 programme.
The Euratom Programme shall strengthen the research and innovation framework in the nuclear field and coordinate Member States’ research efforts, thereby avoiding duplication, retaining critical mass in key areas and ensuring public funding is used in an optimal way.
On a technical level, the Euratom Programme aims to improve nuclear safety, security and radiation protection and to contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system in a safe, efficient and secure way.
The proposal determines the budget for direct and indirect actions, sets research and development (R&D) objectives and identifies R&D support instruments.
BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS: the financial envelope for the implementation of the Euratom Programme shall be EUR 770 220 000. That amount shall be distributed as follows:
- indirect actions for the fusion research and development programme: EUR 349 834 000;
- indirect actions for nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection: EUR 151 579 000;
- direct actions: EUR 268 807 000.
For the implementation of indirect actions of the Euratom Programme, the Commission's administrative expenditure shall account on average for no more than 6 % during the duration of the Euratom Programme.