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FOCUS OF THE MONTH
THE EURATOM WORK PROGRAMME 2018
The European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) met
over the last weeks to discuss and decide on several proposals and the
developments within the scope of the Euratom work programme.
Major outcomes include EU directives for member states to promote the
establishment of effective and efficient nuclear standards; improved
nuclear safety and radiation protection. The recent council proposals
outline a European Instrument for Nuclear Safety complementing the
Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument on
the basis on the Euratom Treaty 2018. The proposals cover the period 2019-2025
with the objective to fulfill the present programme "European
Instrument for Nuclear Safety complementing the Neighbourhood,
Development and International Cooperation Instrument on the basis of the
Euratom Treaty."
EU Directives
Under the European instrument for nuclear safety, the European
institutions are calling for member states to apply the common
directives taking into account the wide diversification of national
legal frameworks that exist within the European Union. To support member
states in transposing the EU directives, such as the Council Directive
2013/59/Euratom, special “know-how” guidelines are being developed
taking the national context into account. “It is most relevant and
practical to support specific partner countries as they set out to do
the same in their national legal and industrial framework.”
More information and the draft report is available here (published 5 Oct)
Research & Training: 2019-2020
– New Regulation implemented!
On the 15 October the EURATOM 2018/1563
Council regulation on the Research and Training Programme of the
European Atomic Energy Community (2019–2020)
came into effect. Complementing the EU Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
for Research and Innovation, (repealing Regulation (Euratom No
1314/2013), this regulation establishes the Research and Training
Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period from 1
January 2019 to 31 December 2020. The regulation lays down the rules for
participating in that programme. Emphasis is placed on the continuous
improvement of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, to
potentially contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy
system in a safe, efficient and secure way. A wide range of
related actions are listed under the work programme. Amongst others, to
support issues including radiation protections and the development of
medical applications of radiation, inter alia, the secure and safe
supply and use of radioisotopes (item d, article 3 objectives).
Research and Training: 2021-2025
- Proposal
Proposal for a council regulation establishing the EURATOM Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2021-2025. Incentive for the regulation is outlined in the draft report (published 2 September) and states that:
“We should continue to invest in cutting-edge research in these topics
in order to maintain the skills and knowledge required for safe and
secure operation of nuclear power. Furthermore, investments are needed
in the development of fusion technologies and a committed completion of
the Fusion roadmap. The largest share of funds under this programme
should continue to be deployed to fusion research. As it falls under the
Euratom treaty, the program continues to be apart from EU’s general
framework programs for science and research.”
Multi-financial framework 2021-2027
The
multi-financial frame work 2021-2027 anticipates an increased budget
for radiation safety matters. An EU-wide approach to nuclear safety,
radioactive waste management and radiation protection is important to
ensure the highest standards for protection of citizens and environment
across Europe and beyond. As a result of the ongoing discussions, member
states can anticipate an increased budget allocation for radiation
safety issues. Projects such as CONCERT and MEDIRAD projects contribute
to the safe use of industrial applications of ionising radiation and to
the development of tools supporting radiation protection of the general
public, workers, patients and the environment. However, projects for
radiation protections funded under the FP6 and FP7 programme lack
systematic assessment. This will be addressed within the EURATOM
programme: it will facilitate use and dissemination of research results
and will reinforce the European integration of radiation protection
research while making science in radiation protection more
understandable for EU citizens.
More information on the MFF 2021-2027.
The complete EURATOM work programme report can be downloaded here (dated 3 October 2018)
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