REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the specific Programme implementing the seventh Framework Programme (2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities

10.10.2006 - (COM(2005)0445 – C6‑0386/2005 – 2005/0190(CNS)) - *

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Rapporteur: Umberto Guidoni

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a Council decision on concerning the specific Programme implementing the seventh Framework Programme (2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities

(COM(2005)0445 – C6‑0386/2005 – 2005/0190(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2005)0445)[1],

–   having regard to Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6‑0386/2005),

–   having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A6‑0333/2006),

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.   Considers that the indicative financial reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) and points out that the annual amount will be decided within the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the provisions of point 38 of the IIA of 17 May 2006;

3.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 119, second paragraph, of the Euratom Treaty;

4.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

5.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

6.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

Text proposed by the Commission		Amendments by Parliament

Amendment 1
Recital 12

(12) Appropriate measures should also be taken to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for implementation of the Financial Regulation and any future amendments, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests, (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities and Regulation (EC) No 1074/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).	(12) Appropriate measures should also be taken to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for implementation of the Financial Regulation and any future amendments, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests, (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities and Regulation (EC) No 1074/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
	All funds recovered on the basis of the regulations referred to in this Recital should be allocated to the implementation of activities under the Framework Programme.

Amendment 2
Article 3

In accordance with Article 3 of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the Specific Programme shall be EUR 2 553 million, of which 15 % shall be for the Commission’s administrative expenditure.	In accordance with Article 3 of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the Specific Programme shall be EUR 2 553 million, of which less than 15% shall be for the Commission’s administrative expenditure.

Justification

Transferring research and administration to countries generating lower costs means that for the same budget more can be spent on research and/or expanding research infrastructure. 6% is the amount for administrative costs under other programmes.

Amendment 3 Article 3, paragraph 1 a (new), after the table
	The Commission shall take all necessary steps to verify that the actions financed are carried out effectively and in compliance with the provisions of the Financial Regulation.
Amendment 4 Article 3, paragraph 1 b (new)
	The overall administrative expenditure of the programme, including internal and management expenditure for the Executive Agency, should be proportional to the tasks provided for in the programme concerned and is subject to the decision of the budgetary and legislative authorities.
Justification
The appropriations allocated to the Executive Agency should comply with the provisions of the Code of conduct on the setting up of an Executive agency and Council Regulation N°58/2003 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programs. This will ensure appropriate financing of the actions of the programme.
Amendment 5 Article 3, paragraph 1 c (new)
	Budget appropriations shall be used in accordance with the principle of sound financial management, namely in accordance with the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness, as well as proportionality.
Amendment 6 Article 4, paragraph 1
1. All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.	1. All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles. Their essential aim shall be both to ensure a safer peaceful use of nuclear energy (safety) and to help avert its misuse for military purposes (security).
Justification
In view of the most recent developments it is vital for nuclear energy research activities to encompass safety and security.
Amendment 7 Article 5 a (new)
	Article 5a
	The Commission shall provide prior information to the budgetary authority whenever it intends to depart from the breakdown of expenditure stated in the remarks and annex to the annual budget.
Justification
This procedure was introduced as a result of an agreement between the Committee on Budgets and the Commission in October 1999. The rapporteur considers that the procedure should be maintained to improve the follow-up of the use of funds in the specific programmes of FP7.

Amendment 8
Article 6, paragraph 3

3. The work programme will specify the criteria on which proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected. The criteria will be those of excellence, impact and implementation and within this framework additional requirements, weightings and thresholds may be further specified or complemented in the work programme.	3. The work programme will specify the criteria on which proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected. The criteria will be those of excellence, contribution to sustainability, impact and implementation and within this framework additional requirements, weightings and thresholds may be further specified or complemented in the work programme.

Justification

The projects selected must respect the criteria of sustainability and the objectives of the Union's Lisbon Strategy.

Amendment 9 Article 7, paragraph 1 a (new)
	1a. The Commission shall draw up an evaluation report, containing an assessment of the soundness of financial management and an evaluation of the efficiency and regularity of the budgetary and economic management of the programme.

Amendment 10
Article 7, paragraph 3

3. The Commission shall regularly inform the committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, and shall provide it with information about all RTD actions funded under this programme.	3. The Commission shall regularly inform the committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, and shall provide it with information about all RTD actions funded under this programme.
	This information shall be available at all times and shall be transmitted on request to the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee or the European Ombudsman.

Justification

It appears correct to entrust the European Ombudsman, as the guardian of the proper functioning of the Community institutions and the implementation of their policies, with responsibility for the correct application of Article 5 of the Framework Programme, regarding respect for fundamental ethical principles in all research activities under its umbrella. The other bodies mentioned should, in the interests of maximum transparency, also be kept informed on the development and funding of the activities of the specific programme.

Amendment 11
Annex, Part 1, Introduction, paragraph 1 a (new)

	Without prejudice to the efforts which the EU is making and must continue to make in research into renewable energies, nuclear energy can have a major role to play in achieving secure and sustainable energy supply within the EU.

Justification

The aim of this amendment is to stress the EU's strong commitment to research into renewables, which can and should be combined with the efforts concerning the generation of energy from clean and safe sources, as is the case with energy obtainable from nuclear fusion under the ITER system.

Amendment 12
Annex, Part 1, paragraph 2

In the longer term, nuclear fusion offers the prospect of an almost limitless supply of clean energy, with ITER being the crucial next step in the progress towards this ultimate goal. The realisation of the ITER project therefore lies at the heart of the present EU strategy, though must be accompanied by a strong and focused European R&D programme to prepare for the exploitation of ITER and to develop the technologies and knowledge base that will be needed during its operation and beyond.	In the longer term, nuclear fusion offers the prospect of an almost limitless supply of clean energy, with ITER being an important next step in the progress towards this ultimate goal. The realisation of the ITER project therefore lies at the heart of the present EU strategy, though must be accompanied by a strong and focused European R&D programme to prepare for the exploitation of ITER and to develop the technologies and knowledge base that will be needed during its operation and beyond.

Amendment 13
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.1, subtitle "Activities", point (ii), paragraph 1, introductory part

A focused physics and technology programme will aim at consolidation of ITER project choices and preparation for a rapid start-up of ITER operation, reducing significantly the time and cost needed for ITER to achieve its baseline objectives. It will be executed through co-ordinated experimental, theoretical and modelling activities using the JET facilities and other devices in the Associations, it will ensure that Europe has the necessary impact on the ITER project, and it will prepare for a strong European role in its exploitation. This programme will include:	A focused physics and technology programme will aim at consolidation of ITER project choices and preparation for a rapid start-up of ITER operation, reducing significantly the time and cost needed for ITER to achieve its baseline objectives. It will be executed through co-ordinated experimental, theoretical and modelling activities using the JET facilities, magnetic confinement devices (tokamaks, stellarators and RPFs, already in existence or in process of being contracted in all Member States) and other devices in the Associations, it will ensure that Europe has the necessary impact on the ITER project, and it will prepare for a strong European role in its exploitation. This programme will include:

Justification

The activities of the EU fusion programme will be fully defined if one specifically mentions magnetic confinement devices (tokamaks, stellarators and RPFs).

Amendment 14 Annex, Part 2, Section 2.1, subtitle "Activities", point (v), indent 3a (new)
	– encouragement in the generation of patents.
Justification
The encouragement of research and education in human resources calls for an increase in the number of patents. This, should it happen, will reflect the proper implementation of the programme's objectives.

Amendment 15
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, paragraph 1

Indirect actions will be undertaken in five principal areas of activity detailed below. However, important cross-cutting links exist throughout the programme, and interactions between different activities must be adequately accommodated. Crucial in this respect are support for training activities and research infrastructures. Training needs must constitute a key aspect of all EU-funded projects in this sector, and these together with support for infrastructures will be an essential component in addressing the nuclear competence issue.	In all of the Union’s nuclear fission research activities, safety and security will be the prime concerns. Specifically, the aim will be, on the one hand, to make generation installations safer (safety) and, on the other, to avert their misuse for military and terrorist purposes (security). Indirect actions will be undertaken in five principal areas of activity detailed below. However, important cross-cutting links exist throughout the programme, and interactions between different activities must be adequately accommodated. Crucial in this respect is support for training activities and research infrastructures. Training needs must constitute a key aspect of all EU-funded projects in this sector, and these together with support for infrastructures will be an essential component in addressing the nuclear competence issue.

Justification

Two aspects have to be covered: firstly, safety as regards the operation of installations and, secondly, security to prevent every form of abuse.

Amendment 16
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, paragraph 1

Indirect actions will be undertaken in five principal areas of activity detailed below. However, important cross-cutting links exist throughout the programme, and interactions between different activities must be adequately accommodated. Crucial in this respect are support for training activities and research infrastructures. Training needs must constitute a key aspect of all EU-funded projects in this sector, and these together with support for infrastructures will be an essential component in addressing the nuclear competence issue.	Indirect actions will be undertaken in five principal areas of activity detailed below. However, important cross-cutting links exist throughout the programme, and interactions between different activities must be adequately accommodated. Crucial in this respect is support for training activities, scientific and technological information exchange, and research infrastructures. Training needs must constitute a key aspect of all EU-funded projects in this sector, and these together with support for infrastructures will be an essential component in addressing the nuclear competence issue.

Justification

Training activities must go hand in hand with information activities, first and foremost exchanges of scientific and technological data.

Amendment 17
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, point (ii), sub-heading ‘Activities’, indent 1

– Nuclear installation safety: RTD in operational safety of current and future nuclear installations, especially plant life assessment and management, safety culture, advanced safety assessment methodologies, numerical simulation tools, instrumentation and control, and prevention and mitigation of severe accidents, with associated activities to optimise knowledge management and maintain competences.	– Nuclear installation safety: RTD in operational safety of current and future nuclear installations, especially plant life assessment and management, safety culture (minimising the risk of human and organisational error), advanced safety assessment methodologies, numerical simulation tools, instrumentation and control, and prevention and mitigation of severe accidents, with associated activities to optimise knowledge management and maintain competences.

Justification

In addition to the risk of human error, what is termed ‘organisational error’ should likewise be expressly mentioned because it has been shown that, even in highly reliable installations, an error in the organisational chain of the production process can prove disastrous and possibly cause accidents.

Amendment 18
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, point (iii), subtitle ‘Objectives’, paragraph 2

A key objective of this research will be to help resolve the controversy over the risk from exposures to radiation at low and protracted doses. Resolution of this scientific and policy issue has potentially important cost and/or health implications for the use of radiation in both medicine and industry.	A key objective of this research will be to help resolve the controversy over the risk from exposures to radiation at low and protracted doses. Resolution of this scientific issue has potentially important cost and/or health implications for the use of radiation in both medicine and industry.

Amendment 19
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, point (v), subtitle ‘Objectives’

Owing to the concern in all sectors of nuclear fission and radiation protection over maintaining the required high level of expertise and human resources, and the implications this may have especially on the ability to retain current high levels of nuclear safety, the objectives of the programme will be to support, through a variety of measures, the spreading of scientific competence and know-how throughout the sector. These measures aim to guarantee the availability of suitably qualified researchers and technicians, for instance through improved coordination between EU educational institutions in order to ensure qualifications are equivalent across all Member States, or by facilitating the training and mobility of students and scientists. Only a truly European approach can ensure the required incentives and harmonised levels of higher education and training, thus facilitating the mobility of a new generation of scientists and catering for the career-long training needs of engineers faced with tomorrow’s scientific and technological challenges in an increasingly integrated nuclear sector.	Owing to the concern in all sectors of nuclear fission and radiation protection over maintaining the required high level of expertise and human resources, and the implications this may have especially on the ability to retain current high levels of nuclear safety, the objectives of the programme will be to support, through a variety of measures, the spreading of scientific competence and know-how throughout the sector. These measures aim to guarantee the earliest possible availability of suitably qualified researchers and technicians, for instance through improved coordination between EU educational institutions in order to ensure qualifications are equivalent across all Member States, or by facilitating the training and mobility of students and scientists. Only a truly European approach can ensure the required incentives and harmonised levels of higher education and training, thus facilitating the mobility of a new generation of scientists and catering for the career-long training needs of engineers faced with tomorrow’s scientific and technological challenges in an increasingly integrated nuclear sector.

Justification

A socio-technical approach to will undoubtedly help to make nuclear installations safer. To achieve this aim, it is essential to have the necessary professionals.

Amendment 20
Annex, Part 2, Section 2.2, point (v), subtitle ‘Activities’, indent 1

– Training: Co-ordination of national programmes and provision for general training needs in nuclear science and technology through a range of instruments, including competitive ones, as part of general support to human resources in all thematic domains. Includes support for training courses and training networks.	– Training: Coordination of national programmes and provision for general training needs in nuclear science and technology through a range of instruments, including competitive ones, as part of general support to human resources in all thematic domains. Includes support for training coursesand training networks. In addition, and taking into account the objectives of the specific programme 'People' and other activities connected with the training of professionals, encouragement will be given to ensure that outstanding young people will consider the nuclear energy industry to be an attractive field in which to pursue their future careers.

Justification

At present, the most gifted tend to move into other areas of work which are socially more highly regarded than nuclear fission. This trend needs to be corrected because the shortage of good professionals may result in operational unreliability and cause serious safety problems

Amendment 21
Annex, Part 3 a (new)

	3a. DISSEMINATION
	Information on nuclear energy needs to be disseminated in exchanges between citizens and their representatives by setting up multi-annual campaigns to increase understanding of nuclear energy with the aim of encouraging debate and facilitating decision-taking. To make them as effective as possible, the campaigns will be devised using social science methodologies.

Justification

To give citizens a clearer understanding of the activities to be pursued under the ‘Euratom’ specific programme, those activities have to be properly publicised by explaining the importance of nuclear energy and encouraging debate within society. The second paragraph of the amendment seeks, as is only right, to emphasise the great efforts that the Union is making to promote and develop renewable energy sources.

• [1]  OJ C ... / Not yet published in OJ.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The rapporteur welcomes the Commission proposal on this Specific Programme, where the activities for indirect research actions are organised along two lines:

1.  fusion energy research and

2.  nuclear fission and radiation protection

Guidelines for fusion energy research

The rapporteur, in agreement with the general rapporteur on the FP7, believes that the EU should exploit to the highest degree the potential of fusion to become in the long-term a virtually limitless, environmentally acceptable and economically competitive source of energy, thus making a major contribution to the realization of a sustainable and secure energy supply. To this purpose, he believes that a “fast track” to fusion energy should be followed –also including additional voluntary budget contributions from Member States for specific projects- in order to shorten as much as possible the time taken to develop a commercial fusion power plant.

A fundamental step in this path to fusion energy is the ITER device. In June last year an International Agreement on ITER was finally signed among the six Parties (EU, USA, Russia, Japan, Cina and Korea), after a long negotiation on the choice of the site to host ITER.

During these difficult negotiations, all the European Institutions and Member States took strong commitments, in terms of programmes and budget, with the other Parties, to support the European site (Cadarache, in France). On a number of occasions in the recent past, the ITRE Committee has stated that the EU should firmly continue its reactor-oriented strategy and maintain its world-leading position in fusion energy research. To this purpose, the ITRE Committee has repeatedly encouraged the Commission and the Council to take any necessary decision (including, of course, appropriate funding of all relevant activities and programmes) to ensure that the ITER facility would have been actually built in Europe.

The positive conclusion of these negotiations, with the choice of the EU site to host ITER, calls now for coherent decisions and measures in this and the next Framework Programmes.

The sharing of costs and the allocations among the Parties of procurements of the components of ITER, as agreed in the International Agreement on ITER, implies well defined commitments for the Host Party, i.e. the EU. For this reason an adequate budget for the construction of ITER is necessary, as proposed by the Commission.

At the same time, the full and effective exploitation of the ITER device, once it is built, will require an adequate number of skilled European scientists as well as an high level knowledge in physics and technology. To this purpose, a European fusion programme, during the construction of ITER -the so called accompanying programme- must be adequately supported, in terms of budget and management.

To this extent the rapporteur makes the following recommendations:

· Full support to the whole European fusion program. It is necessary to keep a robust research program to ensure that the investment for ITER is going to be cost effective. To this extent, the Commission should avoid any significant reduction of budget.

1.  A European Agency for ITER is necessary. As proposed by the Commission, it will be established as a Joint Undertaking under the EURATOM Treaty. The rapporter agrees that this agency will provide the means for EURATOM to discharge its international obligations under the ITER Agreement and to provide the EURATOM contribution to ITER and to Broader Approach activities with Japan. The same agency should be responsible also for managing and administering all the activities in support of ITER construction, set out in the sub-heading “The realization of ITER” in the Annex of the Commission proposal. The rapporteur is convinced, like almost all the research community on fusion, that the construction of ITER is such a challenging task that it deserves –at least all over the next decade- a dedicated structure, focusing exclusively on the best and quickest realisation of ITER.

2.  A strong accompanying research programme, with dedicated budget should be continued. In view of the best exploitation of ITER, once built, and to maintain a European leadership in the physics and technology of fusion, a bold research programme (the accompanying programme) must be maintained during the construction of ITER, as set out in the Annex in the Commission proposal. The rapporteur believes that this programme should be adequately supported, with an earmarked appropriation, within the overall budget on fusion, as proposed by the general rapporteur in his draft report on the Euratom FP7.

3.  The accompanying research programme should not be managed by the Agency for ITER. In agreement with almost the totality of the fusion community, the rapporteur believes that all the activities of the accompanying research programme, including activities in preparation of the possible construction of a demonstration fusion reactor and other facilities, set out in the Annex in the Commission proposal (i.e. all the activities not mentioned in paragraph 1 above) should be implemented and managed separately from the Agency for ITER. For all these activities the same management as for the previous framework programmes should be maintained, including contracts of Associations and the European Fusion Development Agreement. In fact the rapporteur is fully convinced that the integrated approach to fusion research activities and the full involvement of the Fusion Associations in Member States has proven to be successful in establishing, so far, a truly European Research Area in fusion research, making the EU the world leader in the physics and technology of fusion.

4.  JET, the largest European device for fusion research, should be kept fully operational. However, since JET is absorbing almost one half of the budget of the accompanying programme, it is important to guarantee the reliability of the plant by regular assessments of its scientific results.

5. The EU worldwide leadership in fusion energy research should be mantained. The worldwide leadership of the EU is not automatically preserved by the construction of ITER in Europe. The successful exploitation of ITER in general and an effective participation of the EU in the experimental activities on ITER in particular call for a strong and truly European R&D programme, involving all the Member States. The rapporteur welcomes the Commission proposal for R&D activities in preparation of ITER operation on the magnetic confinement toroidal devices, already existing or under construction in all Member States. The exploitation of such devices, during the construction of ITER (which will last one decade), will increase the knowledge in a number of ITER-relevant topics and represent a key element for successful experimental activities on ITER. However the rapporteur believes that a review of the devices included in this programme, based on shared scientific arguments needs to be carried out at the beginning of the FP7.

6. Adequate human resources should be ensured. The realisation of ITER calls for a significant boost in the Euratom fusion budget as well as for an even more important increase in the need for adequately trained personnel. The rapporteur believes that to answer this demand the EU should not only foresee high level education programmes, including a European PHD in physics and engineering of fusion, but also focus on scientific programmes, able to ensure the proper training for a new generation of physicists and engineers.

7. A fast track to fusion energy should be strongly supported. The rapporteur firmly believes that a “fast track” to fusion energy should be followed, in order to reach as soon as possible the objective of the realisation of DEMO, a demonstrative fusion reactor. To this purpose, he thinks that more emphasis should be given to those research activities set out in the sub-heading “Responding to emerging and unforeseen policy needs” in the Annex of the Commission proposal. However, the rapporteur believes that strategies must be set – also including additional voluntary budget contributions from Member States for specific projects - in order to be ready for a timely reaction and start as many research activities as possible in parallel, thus shortening the time to a commercial fusion power plant, in case of deepening of the energy crisis.

Guidelines for Nuclear fission and radiation protection

In the circumstances of limited resource for the Euratom budget, the rapporteur believes that EU should give priority to financing research activities related to safety and waste management, in order to ensure a safer exploitation of the existing reactors.

Reactor systems. The rapporteur believes that, within the activity “Reactor systems”, lower priority should be given to the objective of ‘exploring the potential of more advanced technology to deliver an even safer, more resource-efficient and more competitive exploitation of nuclear energy’. Research on new generation reactors can be better carried out by Member States in close cooperation with private sectors.

Joint undertakings in the field of nuclear fission and radiation protection. The rapporteur believes that Joint Undertakings under the EURATOM Treaty, should be welcome when they can actually improve the efficiency in the management of the activities brought under their responsibility as well as the quality of the scientific results. In this context, he recognises that a Joint Undertaking in the field of radioactive waste management, as proposed by the Commission, could actually provide a better environment for the development of safer and more efficient technologies for nuclear waste management.

OPINION of the Committee on Budgets (23.6.2006)

for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the specific Programme implementing the seventh Framework Programme (2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities
(COM(2005)0445 – C6‑0386/2005 – 2005/0190(CNS))

Draftswoman: Marilisa Xenogiannakopoulou

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

1. Main elements of the proposal

The present specific programme proposal covers the same period as the Framework Programme, 2007-2011, which in turn is based on Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty. In accordance with this Article, second paragraph, research programmes are drawn up for a period of not more than five years. Hence, the present proposal is not for the same duration as the EC specific programmes.

The Commission proposes that, unless extenuating circumstances arise, these Specific Euratom Programmes will be renewed for the period 2012-2013, in accordance with the foreseen legislative procedure.

The “legislative financial statement” attached to this Decision sets out the budgetary implications and the human and administrative resources, and also provides indicative figures for the period 2012 2013.

The Commission intends to set up an executive agency which will be entrusted with certain tasks required to implement the specific programme.

This specific programme covers the following two thematic priorities:

· Fusion energy research: to develop the knowledge base for, and to realise ITER as the major step towards, the creation of prototype reactors for power stations that are safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible and economically viable. This thematic priority includes the following areas of activity:

– The realisation of ITER

– R&D in preparation of ITER operation

– Technology activities in preparation of DEMO

– R&D activities for the longer term

– Human resources, education and training

– Infrastructures

– Responding to emerging and unforeseen policy needs.

· Nuclear fission and radiation protection: to promote the safe use and exploitation of nuclear fission and other uses of radiation in industry and medicine. This thematic priority includes the following areas of activity:

– Management of radioactive waste

– Reactor systems

– Radiation protection

– Support for and access to research infrastructures

– Human resources and training including mobility

There are important novelties in this specific programme which require specific consideration for the implementation:

–    A strengthened approach to the coordinating of national research programmes in the field of nuclear fission and radiation protection.

–    The joint implementation of ITER in an international framework, the establishment of a Euratom Joint Undertaking for ITER, and a further strengthening of the co-ordination of the integrated European fusion energy research activities.

–    A more targeted approach to international cooperation within each theme is foreseen with specific cooperation actions to be identified in the work programmes in line with the strategic approach for international cooperation.

–    A component to allow a flexible response to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs will be supported under each of the themes and the implementation will build on the experience of the Scientific Support for Policy and New and Emerging Science and Technology schemes introduced in the 6th Framework Programme, as well as the Future and Emerging Technology scheme in the ICT area.

During the lifetime of this specific programme, and the foreseen extension to 2013, opportunities for the creation of effective joint undertakings may arise, for example in the field of radioactive waste management. The Commission services will submit proposals for the creation of such undertakings to Council at the appropriate time.

2. Recommendations by the draftswoman

For reasons of coherence, the draftswoman proposes the same set of amendments to all 7 specific research programmes.

A standard amendment refers to the multiannual financial framework and the need to respect the ceiling of heading 1 a.

The following proposed amendments include the idea of sound financial management and efficient implementation of the actions financed under the specific programme.

In order to improve the financial monitoring of Community-financed research activities, the draftswoman considers that the Commission should inform the budgetary authority on the implementation of the specific programmes on a regular basis and provide prior information whenever it intends to depart from the breakdown of expenditure stated in the general budget.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Draft legislative resolution

Amendment 1 Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a.      Considers that the indicative financial reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) and points out that the annual amount will be decided within the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the provisions of point 38 of the IIA of 17 May 2006;

Justification

Standard amendment

Proposal for a decision

Text proposed by the Commission[1]	Amendments by Parliament
Amendment 2 Article 3, paragraph 1 a (new)
	The Commission shall take all necessary steps to verify that the actions financed are carried out effectively and in compliance with the provisions of the Financial Regulation.
Amendment 3 Article 3, paragraph 1 b (new)
	The overall administrative expenditure of the programme including internal and management expenditure for the Executive Agency should be proportional to the tasks provided for in the programme concerned and is subject to the decision of the budgetary and legislative authorities.
Justification
The appropriations allocated to the Executive Agency should comply with the provisions of the Code of conduct on the setting up of an Executive agency and Council Regulation N°58/2003 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programs. This will ensure appropriate financing of the actions of the programme.
Amendment 4 Article 3, paragraph 1 c (new)
	Budget appropriations shall be used in accordance with the principle of sound financial management, namely in accordance with the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness, as well as the principle of proportionality.
Amendment 5 Article 5 a (new)
	Article 5a
	The Commission shall provide prior information to the budgetary authority whenever it intends to depart from the breakdown of expenditure stated in the remarks and annex of the annual budget.
Justification
This procedure was introduced as a result of an agreement between the Committee on Budgets and the Commission in October 1999. The rapporteur considers that the procedure should be maintained to improve the follow-up of the use of funds in the specific programmes of FP7.
Amendment 6 Article 7, paragraph 1 a (new)
	The evaluation report shall contain an assessment of the soundness of financial management. It shall contain an evaluation of the efficiency and regularity of the budgetary and economic management of the programme.

PROCEDURE

Title	Proposal for a Council decision concerning the specific Programme implementing the seventh Framework Programme (2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities
References	COM(2005)0445 – C6-0386/2005 – 2005/0190(CNS)
Committee responsible	ITRE
Opinion by   Date announced in plenary	BUDG 17.11.2005
Enhanced cooperation – date announced in plenary
Drafts(wo)man   Date appointed	Marilisa Xenogiannakopoulou 20.9.2004
Previous drafts(wo)man
Discussed in committee	22.6.2006
Date adopted	22.6.2006
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	14 2 0
Members present for the final vote	Herbert Bösch, Simon Busuttil, Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop, Markus Ferber, Ingeborg Gräßle, Nathalie Griesbeck, Anne E. Jensen, Wiesław Stefan Kuc, Janusz Lewandowski, Vladimír Maňka, Antonis Samaras, Esko Seppänen, Nina Škottová, Helga Trüpel, Yannick Vaugrenard, Ralf Walter
Substitute(s) present for the final vote
Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote
Comments (available in one language only)	...

• [1]  OJ C 49, 28.2.2006, p. 37.

PROCEDURE

Title	Proposal for a Council decision concerning the specific Programme implementing the seventh Framework Programme (2007-2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities
References	COM(2005)0445 – C6-0386/2005 – 2005/0190(CNS)
Date of consulting Parliament	14.11.2005
Committee responsible   Date announced in plenary	ITRE 17.11.2005
Committee(s) asked for opinion(s)   Date announced in plenary	BUDG 17.11.2005		EMPL 17.11.2005	ENVI 17.11.2005
Not delivering opinion(s)   Date of decision	EMPL 5.10.2005		ENVI 29.11.2005
Enhanced cooperation   Date announced in plenary
Rapporteur(s)   Date appointed	Umberto Guidoni 5.10.2005
Previous rapporteur(s)
Simplified procedure – date of decision  Date of decision
Legal basis disputed   Date of JURI opinion
Financial endowment amended   Date of BUDG opinion
Parliament to consult European Economic and Social Committee – date decided in plenary
Parliament to consult Committee of the Regions – date decided in plenary
Discussed in committee	31.1.2006		21.2.2006	3.5.2006	30.5.2006	19.6.2006
Date adopted	3.10.2006
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	38 4 2
Members present for the final vote	Šarūnas Birutis, Philippe Busquin, Jerzy Buzek, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Giles Chichester, Den Dover, Nicole Fontaine, Adam Gierek, Umberto Guidoni, András Gyürk, Fiona Hall, David Hammerstein Mintz, Rebecca Harms, Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, Ján Hudacký, Romana Jordan Cizelj, Werner Langen, Anne Laperrouze, Vincenzo Lavarra, Pia Elda Locatelli, Eluned Morgan, Reino Paasilinna, Umberto Pirilli, Miloslav Ransdorf, Vladimír Remek, Teresa Riera Madurell, Mechtild Rothe, Paul Rübig, Andres Tarand, Patrizia Toia, Catherine Trautmann, Claude Turmes, Nikolaos Vakalis, Alejo Vidal-Quadras Roca, Dominique Vlasto
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Jean-Pierre Audy, María del Pilar Ayuso González, Avril Doyle, Edit Herczog, Peter Liese, Erika Mann, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Vittorio Prodi, John Purvis
Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote
Date tabled	10.10.2006
Comments (available in one language only)	...