Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

Programme Category

Programma

Article available in the following languages:

EN

EU concerted development of Member State research on radioactive waste management

 

Specific Challenge: The Radioactive Waste Management Directive (2011/70/Euratom), which was adopted in 2011, requires each Member State to inter alia carry out research activities. Member States' research in this field is aligned with national timeframes to implementing technical solutions for geological disposal facilities. The immediate challenge is to address uncertainties about the safety of such facilities, to build a sound safety case, special attention being paid to stakeholders' concerns regarding all ultimate radioactive waste materials to be disposed of. It is also necessary to maintain scientific competence to demonstrate the safe operation of facilities. Taking into account the scope of IGDTP, this action should exploit synergies between industry, implementers, Technical Safety Organisations (TSO), policy makers and the research community.

Scope: The aim is to develop synergies and increase coordination of national research programmes in the field of management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. This action includes the reviewing of all strategic aspects linked to a stepwise move to joint programming in this field. For this purpose, it should seek to involve as many entities as possible that are active in the management and disposal of radioactive waste, notably most relevant public or industry-funded research programmes, industry, implementers, TSO and policy makers while not confusing their respective roles.

Expected impact: This action will lead to the further integration of the concerned research community and hence help maintaining and developing EU leadership in knowledge and expertise for innovative and publicly acceptable radioactive waste management solutions. Moreover, it will further reinforce and make more effective the interaction at EU level between industry, implementers, TSO, policy makers and the research community, which is of particular importance for the implementing of solutions for the final disposal of radioactive waste.

Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions.

Additional information: The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the Euratom of between EUR 0.7 and 1.5 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.