Multiannual Framework Programme 2002-2006 of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for research and training activities aimed at contributing towards the creation of the European Research Area. As under the previous Framework Programmes, a separate legislative Decision is required to cover research and training activities in the nuclear sector to be implemented under the Euratom treaty. For the period 2002-2006, the Euratom Framework Programme sets out the scientific and technological objectives and priorities of the activities envisaged. The Joint Research Centre is called upon to help implement the Framework Programme.The multiannual programme for research and training activities in the field of nuclear energy shall comprise all research, technological development, international cooperation, dissemination and exploitation activities as well as training in the following fields:_ treatment storage of waste;_ controlled thermonuclear fusion;_ other Euratom activities;_ the Joint Research Centre's Euratom activities.Further information on the new Framework Programme is available on the CORDIS FP6 Web service at the following address:http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/The objective of this programme is to support research and training activities in the field of nuclear energy under the Euratom treaty.The specific programme will focus on the following priority areas:_ Fusion energy researchThere are hopes that fusion energy could, in the second half of the century, contribute to an emission-free large-scale production of base-load electricity. Global research in this area is already very advanced and the long-term objective is the creation of a fusion power plant in Europe. The EU is currently competing to provide the International Thermo-Nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), whose construction could begin as soon as international negotiations have concluded. Research priorities in this area will be:- Associations' programme in physics and technology ( R&D in fusion physics and plasma engineering; Structured R&D activities in fusion technology; Investigations of socio-economic aspects, focusing on evaluation of economic costs and social acceptability of fusion energy).- Exploitation of the JET facilities will continue in the framework of the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA).- Next Step/ITER, the Euratom Framework Programme (2002-2006) includes the continuation of Next Step activities._ Management of radioactive wasteThe absence of a broadly agreed approach to waste management and disposal, in particular of long-lived waste, is one of the main impediments to the continued and future use of nuclear energy. Research is therefore needed to develop and test the repository technologies, investigate suitable sites and promote basic scientific understanding regarding safety methods.Research in this area will focus on: - Research on geological disposal to establish a sound technical basis for demonstrating the safety of disposing spent fuel and long lived radioactive wastes in geological formations and underpin the development of a common European view on the main issues related to waste management and disposal.- Partitioning and transmutation and other concepts to produce less waste in nuclear energy generation_ Radiation protectionTo maintain and improve the high levels of radiation protection already achieved in practice, research in this area should aim at resolving uncertainties in the risk from exposure to radiation at low and protracted doses, which remains a controversial issue.Research will focus on: - Quantification of risks associated with low and protracted exposure;- Medical exposure and natural sources of radiation;- Protection of the environment and radioecology;- Risk and emergency management;- Protection of the workplace._Other activities in the field of nuclear technologies and safety The objective is to support EUpolicies in the fields of health, energy and the environment, to ensure that European capability is maintained at a high level in relevant fields not covered by the thematic priorities and to contribute towards the creation of the European Research Area.Research will focus on:- Innovative concepts to evaluate the potential of innovative concepts and develop improved and safer processes in the field of nuclear energy (Integrating European education and training in nuclear safety and radiation protection; Improving safety in existing nuclear installations in Member States and candidate countries). .The Commission is responsible for the implementation of the specific programme. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is called upon to help implement the Framework Programme, in particular in those areas in which it can offer objective and independent expertise and in which it can play a role in the implementation of other community policies. The Commission will submit a yearly progress report on the implementation of Euratom Framework Programme, and an independent assessment should be carried out concerning the implementation of the activities in good time and before submitting its proposal for the next Framework Programme. All research activities carried out under the Framework Programme must be in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.The Framework Programme is open to participation of:_ The EEA countries;_ Candidate countries;_ Turkey;_ Switzerland and Israel.. This programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking account of relevant interests, in particular of the scientific, industrial, user and policy communities. The research activities carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to the needs of Community policies and to scientific and technological developments.