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Content archived on 2023-03-27

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Framework Programme of Community activities in the field of research and training for the European Atomic Energy Community (1994 to 1998)

 
This framework programme for Community activities in the field of nuclear research and training is adopted separately from, and at the same time as, the decision for a fourth framework programme of Community activities in the field of research, technological development and demonstration, 1994-1998 (Official Journal No L 126 of 18.5.1994).
To ensure the safety of all nuclear activities whatever they are, the production of electricity from fission, the use of radioactivity or ionizing radiation, or the presence of natural radioactivity, and, in the long term, embracing all activities undertaken in the Member States (plus Sweden and Switzerland) in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion by magnetic confinement, the joint creation of safe, environmentally sound prototype reactors.
The objective relating to nuclear safety and safeguards aims to demonstrate a full nuclear safety capability which will be made through four priority routes:

Development of a dynamic approach to nuclear safety contributing to the consolidation of a safety culture on a world scale;
Joint use of the large European facilities to arrive at a better understanding of the crucial phenomena linked to the nuclear fuel cycle and waste;
Pursuing the development of techniques to control nuclear safety; and
Integration of radiological protection into a global system for the protection of man and the environment.
The first priority will concern the study of new systems of control and monitoring, aspects related to severe accidents, and the evaluation of the safety characteristics of new reactor concepts. The aging of installations and their prolonged operation will require complementary studies in the frame of research networks. The decommissioning of installations in the Community, the eastern and central European countries, as well as the restoration of sites will be studied in coordination with the national authorities. For the second priority, the work carried out by the JRC in the field of the nuclear cycle and radioactive waste will focus on the problems of safety related to nuclear fuel and on final disposal.

The problems of radioactive pollution originating from accidents or operational errors in the eastern and central European countries, in particular Chernobyl, require cooperation with these countries.The setting up of a network of international centres will stimulate international collaboration and contribute to a better coordination of bilateral and international initiatives.

The themes of activity necessary for implementing the strategy on controlled thermonuclear fusion will be:

Next Step activities on the first experimental reactor;
Improvement of concepts, in plasma physics and engineering for the subsequent demonstration reactor; and
Long term technology essential for progressing towards the exploitation of fusion programmes outside the Community.
The selection criteria to be applied in implementation of the framework programme will require clearly defined objectives which will contribute to strengthening the technological base of Community industry, defining and implementing Community policies, and meeting the needs of society and promoting a sustainable development.

The type of actions which could warrant Community activities are as follows:
Actions on a very large scale for which Member States could not provide the necessary facilities, finance and personnel, or could only do so with difficulty;
Activities tackling ambitious themes, addressing large-scale problems or of long-term scientific benefit;
activities producing obviuos financial benefits;
Activities which are complementary to those being carried out nationally; and
Activities contributing to the achievement of a common policy or a common objective and where a need is felt for the establishment of common rules and standards.

Projects selected to be carried out in the specific programmes which allow closer coordination of research being conducted in Member States, at Community level and within other European and international cooperation forums; and make it possible to respond as effectively as possible to the Community's objectives regarding economic and overall industrial competitiveness, will be given priority.

The rules for financial participation by the Community will not exceed 50% of the costs of the project for RTD projects for indirect actions, 100% of additional costs for thematic networks of excellence and training and mobility of researchers, up to 100% of the costs for preparatory, accompanying and support measures; up to 100% of the administrative costs for concerted actions; and 100% of the costs of research for direct action consisting of RTD programmes or parts of programmes carried out by the JRC. The total amount of 1254 million ECU allocates 414 million ECU for nuclear safety and safeguards and 840 million ECU for controlled thermonuclear fusion. T[B total amount includes an allocation of 300 million ECU for the JRC of which nuclear safety and safeguards is allocated 254 million ECU and 46 million ECU for controlled thermonuclear fusion.