Agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy between the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the Argentine Republic, 1997-2007

This Euratom-Argentina Agreement provides a legal framework for promoting cooperation in all potential peaceful uses of nuclear energy, focusing particularly on present opportunities of mutual benefit.

Based on the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity, the Agreement aims to re-launch and develop, as appropriate, cooperation between Euratom and Argentina in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy with a view to strengthening the overall cooperative relationship between the two Parties. It has been established within the context of the 1990 Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the Community and Argentina which covers, inter alia, cooperation in the energy sector.

To re-launch and develop, as appropriate, cooperation between Euratom and Argentina in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy with a view to strengthening the overall cooperative relationship between the two Parties.

No details are available for this section.

The Agreement provides for cooperation between the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and Argentina (including persons and undertakings established in both territories) in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Cooperation under the Agreement may include the following:
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- Reactor safety research:
Review and analysis of safety issues, particularly the impact of reactor safety on nuclear power development; identification of appropriate techniques to improve reactor safety through research and development and evaluation studies on nuclear reactors in operation as well as on new types of nuclear reactors and fuel cycles;

- Nuclear waste management and disposal:
Assessment and optimization of geological disposal, and scientific aspects of the management of long-lived waste;

- Radiation protection:
Research, regulatory aspects, development of safety standards, training and education, with particular attention to low-dose effects, industrial exposures and post-accident management;

- Decommissioning of nuclear installations:
Strategies for decommissioning and dismantling nuclear ions, including radiological aspects;

- Controlled thermonuclear fusion:
Experimental and theoretical activities in plasma physics and fusion research;

- Research into nuclear applications in the fields of agriculture, medicine and industry;

- Nuclear safeguards:

Development and evaluation of nuclear material measurement techniques and characterization of reference materials for safeguards activities, development of systems of accounting for and control of nuclear materials, prevention of illicit trafficking of nuclear material;

- Research into interaction between nuclear energy and the environment:
Evaluation of the possibilities to minimize impacts on the environment.

Both Parties may jointly agree to include other areas of mutual interest.

Cooperation activities under the Agreement are implemented, in particular, by:

- Participation of Argentinian research entities in research projects carried out in the framework of the relevant Community research programmes (notably the Euratom research and training Framework Programmes) and a reciprocal participation of Community research entities in similar Argentinian research projects;

- Exchange of technical information by means of, inter alia, reports, visits, seminars, technical meetings;

- Exchange of personnel between laboratories and/or relevant bodies, including exchanges for training purposes;

- Exchange of samples, materials, instruments and apparatus for experimental purposes;

- Balanced participation in joint studies and activities.

Argentinian participation in Community projects is subject to the rules governing the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in Community research programmes. The rules covering the 1994-1998 Euratom research and training Framework Programme are set out in the Council Decision of 21 November 1997 (Official Journal No L 306 of 30.11.1994).

The costs resulting from cooperation activities will be borne by the Party which incurs them, unless otherwise specifically agreed by both Parties.

A Technology Management Plan (TMP) must be drawn up for all research projects implemented under the Agreement. The TMP is a specific agreement to be concluded between the participants in a project detailing the implementation of joint research and the respective rights and obligations of the participants. With respect to intellectual property rights, the TMP will normally address, inter alia: ownership, protection, user rights for R&D purposes, exploitation and dissemination, including arrangements for joint publication, the rights and obligations of visiting researchers and dispute settlements procedures. The TMP may also address foreground and background information, licensing and deliverables.

Guiding principles concerning the allocation of intellectual property rights (IPR) resulting from joint research projects are detailed in the annexes to the Agreement.

The Agreement has been initially concluded for a period of ten years beginning on 29 October 1997. Thereafter, it will be automatically renewed for five-year periods providing neither Party opts to terminate the Agreement.