(Consultation)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2011)0812),

–  having regard to Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty,

–  having regard to the request for an opinion received from the Council (C7–0009/2012),

–  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets and of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A7-0407/2012),

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty;

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

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

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

Text proposed by the Commission   Amendment Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 (3)  By supporting nuclear research the Research and Training Programme of the Community (hereinafter the ‘Euratom Programme’) will contribute to achieving objectives of the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme for Research and Innovation established by Regulation (EU XX/XXXX of [….] (hereinafter ‘Horizon 2020 Framework Programme’) and facilitate implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and the creation and operation of the European Research Area. (3)  By supporting nuclear research and innovation excellence the Research and Training Programme of the Community (hereinafter the ‘Euratom Programme’) will contribute to achieving objectives of the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme for Research and Innovation established by Regulation (EU) No.../..... of [….] (hereinafter ‘Horizon 2020 Framework Programme’) and facilitate implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and the creation and operation of the European Research Area and help to implement the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (the "SET-Plan"). In addition, the Euratom Programme should seek to make further use of Structural Funds for nuclear research and ensure alignment of the funds with Community research priorities without compromising the principle of excellence. Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new) (3a)  Three major European cooperative initiatives in nuclear science and technology were launched under the Seventh Euratom Framework Programme (2007 to 2011). They are the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP), the Implementing Geological Disposal Technology Platform (IGDTP) and the Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative (MELODI). Both SNETP and IGDTP correspond with SET-Plan objectives. Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 (4)  Notwithstanding the potential impact of nuclear energy on energy supply and economic development, severe nuclear accidents may have the potential to endanger human health. Therefore, nuclear safety and, where appropriate, security aspects should be given the greatest possible attention in the Euratom Research and Training Programme. (4)  Notwithstanding the potential impact of nuclear energy on energy supply and economic development, severe nuclear accidents nuclear proliferation and malevolent acts including nuclear terrorism may have the potential to endanger human health. Therefore, nuclear safety and, where appropriate – as part of the work of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) – security aspects should be given the greatest possible attention in the Euratom Programme. Attention should also be paid to third countries that border the Union and cross-border aspects of nuclear safety that underline the Union's added value. Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 a (new) (4a)  The European Sustainable Nuclear Industrial Initiative (ESNII) targets the deployment of Gen-IV Fast Neutron Reactors with closed fuel cycle by 2040. It includes three major projects: the ASTRID prototype (sodium cooled), the ALLEGRO demonstrator (gas cooled) and the MYRRHA technology pilot plant (lead cooled). Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 (5)  As all Member States have nuclear installations or make use of radioactive materials particularly for medical purposes, the Council has recognised in its conclusions of 2 December 2008 the continuing need for skills in the nuclear field, in particular through appropriate education and training linked with research and coordinated at Community level. (5)  As all Member States have nuclear installations or make use of radioactive materials particularly for medical purposes, the Council has recognised in its conclusions of 2 December 2008 the continuing need for skills in the nuclear field, in particular through appropriate education and training linked with research as well as improved working conditions which are coordinated at Community level. Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6)  By signing the Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project , the Community has undertaken to participate in ITER construction and its future exploitation. The Community contribution is managed through the ‘European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy’ (hereinafter ‘Fusion for Energy’), established by Council Decision of 27 March 2007. The activities of Fusion for Energy, including ITER, are to be regulated by a separate legislative act. (6)  By signing the Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project, the Community has undertaken to participate in ITER construction and its future exploitation. The Community contribution is managed through the 'European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy' (hereinafter 'Fusion for Energy'), established by Council Decision of 27 March 2007. The activities of Fusion for Energy, including ITER, are to be regulated by a separate legislative act, which, will ensure that the funding for ITER comes from within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) while also setting a ring-fenced maximum amount for contribution from the Union's budget for the years 2014-2018. Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 a (new) (6a)  In order to compliment other Union priorities for the coming decades, the framework for nuclear fission research under the Euratom Programme should support the Union's existing objectives and proposals, such as the SET- Plan and the 'Energy Roadmap 2050'. This framework should also support ESNII. The framework should also, as far as possible, complement broader Union proposals in terms of co-operation with third countries. Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7)  For fusion to become a credible option for commercial energy production, it is, firstly, necessary to successfully and timely complete the construction of ITER and start its operation. Secondly it is necessary to establish an ambitious, yet realistic roadmap towards the production of electricity by 2050. Reaching those goals requires the European fusion programme to be redirected. A stronger focus should be placed on the activities in support to ITER. Such rationalisation should be achieved without jeopardising the European leadership of the fusion scientific community. (7)  For fusion to become a credible option for commercial energy production, it is, firstly, necessary to successfully and timely complete the construction of ITER and start its operation, and continue to support the activities of existing allied and ancillary projects such as the Joint European Torus (JET). Secondly it is necessary to establish an ambitious, yet realistic roadmap towards the production of electricity by 2050. Reaching those goals requires the European fusion programme to be redirected. A stronger focus should be placed on the activities in support to ITER, including ensuring its funding within the MFF in a complete and transparent way. Guaranteeing funding within the MFF will guarantee the Community's commitment to the long-term success of the project and prevent costs from mounting exponentially thereafter. Maintaining European leadership of the fusion scientific community is an essential aim of the Euratom Programme. Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 (8)  The Joint Research Centre (JRC) should continue to provide independent customer-driven scientific and technological support for the formulation, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies, in particular in the field of nuclear safety and security research and training. (8)  The JRC should continue to provide independent customer-driven scientific and technological support for the formulation, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies and, where appropriate, international policies, in particular in the field of nuclear safety and security research and training. It should make this contribution subject to guidelines to be adopted by the Union institutions, particularly in the light of the stress tests on nuclear power plants. Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 (10)  While it is for each Member State to choose whether or not to make use of nuclear power, the role of the Union is to develop, in the interest of all its Member States, a framework to support joint cutting-edge research, knowledge creation and knowledge preservation on nuclear fission technologies, with special emphasis on safety, security, radiation protection and non-proliferation. That requires independent scientific evidence, to which the JRC can make a key contribution. That has been recognised in the Commission Communication ‘Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative Innovation Union’, in which the Commission stated its intention to strengthen scientific evidence for policy making through the JRC. The JRC proposes to respond to that challenge by focusing its nuclear safety and security research on the Union's policy priorities. (10)  While it is for each Member State to choose whether or not to make use of nuclear power, the role of the Union is to develop, in the interest of all its Member States, a framework to support joint cutting-edge research, knowledge creation and knowledge preservation on nuclear fission technologies, in particular new generation fission reactors, with special emphasis on safety, security, radiation protection, including improved working conditions for those engaged in working directly with nuclear materials, nuclear decommissioning and non-proliferation. That requires independent scientific evidence, to which the JRC can make a key contribution. That has been recognised in the Commission Communication ‘Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative Innovation Union’, in which the Commission stated its intention to strengthen scientific evidence for policy making through the JRC. The JRC proposes to respond to that challenge by focusing its nuclear safety and security research on the Union's policy priorities. The precise nature of this research should be determined subject to guidelines to be adopted by the Union institutions, particularly in the light of the stress tests on nuclear power plants. Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 a (new) (10a)  Since Europe’s citizens must remain at the core of discussions at Union level, the European Parliament should be more broadly involved in the deliberations and the decisions taken about the Euratom Programme. Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11 (11)  With the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science, the Euratom Programme should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education, by making scientific knowledge more accessible, by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens‘ and civil society's concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in the Euratom programme activities. (11)  With the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science, the Euratom Programme should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education, by making scientific knowledge more accessible, by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens‘ and civil society's concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in the Euratom Programme activities. This should include making scientific and research careers attractive to the next generation of researchers, in particular if they are from groups under-represented in research. This informed engagement by citizens on matters connected with the Euratom Programme implies closer involvement of the European Parliament, which represents Europe’s citizens. Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 (13)  The Euratom Programme should contribute to the attractiveness of the research profession in the Union. Adequate attention should be paid to the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the European Research Area, while respecting their voluntary nature. (13)  The Euratom Programme should seek to promote the attractiveness of the research profession in the Union with the general aim of increasing the visibility of science in society but also with the aim of preventing any skills shortage in the Union or 'brain- drain' from the Union to third countries. While much expertise currently exists within the Union, it is vitally important that a new generation of nuclear researchers be trained in all aspects of nuclear research. The Euratom Programme should also at all levels seek to give European added value for all those seeking to participate in nuclear research. Adequate attention should be paid to the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the European Research Area, while respecting their voluntary nature. Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 (15)  Research and innovation activities supported by the Euratom Programme should respect fundamental ethical principles. The opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies should be taken into account. Research activities should also take into account Article 13 of the TFEU and reduce the use of animals in research and testing, with a view to ultimately replacing animal use. All activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection. (15)  Research and innovation activities supported by the Euratom Programme have to respect ethical principles. The opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies should be taken into account. Research activities should also take into account Article 13 TFEU and replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research and testing. All activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection. Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 (16)  A greater impact should also be achieved by combining the Euratom Programme and private sector funds within public-private partnerships in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to Union's wider competitiveness goals. Particular attention should be given to the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises. (16)  A greater impact should also be achieved by combining the Euratom Programme and private sector funds within public-private partnerships in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to Union's wider competitiveness goals. Particular attention should be given to the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The need to increase the uptake of available community funding by SMEs should apply to those working in nuclear research as it does in other fields. The Euratom Programme should support SMEs at all stages in the innovation chain, especially activities closer to the market inter alia through the use of innovative financial instruments. Such support should include the dedicated SME instrument and all the revised financial instruments which should provide for appropriate measures to unleash the full innovation potential of SMEs and which will become available through the Horizon 2020 FrameworkProgramme as well as similar programmes such as the Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (2014 - 2020) (COSME). Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 (17)  The Euratom Programme should promote cooperation, in particular in the field of safety, with third countries based on common interest and mutual benefit. (17)  The Euratom Programme should, in particular, take account of all nuclear installations in third countries which border the Union, especially if they are located in an area susceptible to natural disasters. International cooperation on nuclear energy should contain appropriate instruments for securing mutual financial obligations. This must include cooperative contracts and reciprocal financial obligations Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19 (19)  The need for a new approach to control and risk management in Union research funding was recognised by the European Council of 4 February 2011, asking for a new balance between trust and control and between risk-taking and risk avoidance. The European Parliament, in its Resolution of 11 November 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes , called for a pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and stated that the management of Union research funding should be more trust-based and risk-tolerant towards participants. (19)  The need for a new approach to control and risk management in Union research funding was recognised by the European Council of 4 February 2011, asking for a new balance between trust and control and between risk-taking and risk avoidance. The European Parliament has called for a radical simplification of Union research and innovation funding and has made numerous calls for a shift towards much greater administrative and financial simplification. In its resolution of 11 November 20101 on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes the European Parliament called for a pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and stated that the management of Union research funding should be more trust-based and risk-tolerant towards participants. In its resolution 8 June 2011 on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe2 the European Parliament reiterated its call for a shift towards administrative and financial simplification and also emphasised that any increase of funds should be coupled with a radical simplification of funding procedures. The Euratom Programme should also duly consider the concerns and recommendations from the researchers' community as expressed in the final report of the Expert Group 'Interim Evaluation of the 7th Framework Programme' of 12 November 2010 as well as in the Commission's Green Paper of 9 February 2011 entitled 'From Challenges to Opportunities towards a Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovative Funding'. _____________ 1 OJ C 74E, 13.3.2012, p. 34. 2 OJ C 380 E, 11.12.2012, p. 89. Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20 (20)  The financial interests of the Union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, penalties. A revised control strategy, shifting focus from minimisation of error rates towards risk-based control and fraud detection, should reduce the control burden for participants. (20)  The financial interests of the Union should be protected through necessary, proportionate and efficient measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, penalties. A revised control strategy, shifting focus from minimisation of error rates towards risk-based control and fraud detection, should reduce the control burden for participants. Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25 (25)  Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty entrusts the Commission with the responsibility of carrying out the Euratom Programme. For the purposes of implementing the Euratom Programme, except its direct actions, the Commission should be assisted by a consultative committee of Member States to ensure appropriate coordination with national policies in the areas covered by this research and training programme. (25)  Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty entrusts the Commission with the responsibility of carrying out the Euratom Programme. For the purposes of implementing the Euratom Programme, except its direct actions, the Commission should be assisted by a consultative committee of Member States to ensure appropriate coordination with national policies in the areas covered by this research and training programme and to foster strong synergies and complementarities between European, national and regional funds. The European Parliament should be involved in the Commission’s implementation of the Euratom Programme. Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25a (new) (25a)  The spending of Union and Member States’ funds on research and innovation should be better coordinated in order to assure complementarity, better efficiency and visibility, as well as to achieve better budgetary synergies. Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29 a (new) (29a)  Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the enhanced role granted to the European Parliament in terms of budgetary procedure, the current legal framework should be discussed. Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – point e a (new) (ea)  "small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)" means a legal entity fulfilling the criteria laid down in the Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises 1. _________ 1 OJ L 124, 30.5.2003, p.36. Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 1.  The general objective of the Euratom Programme is to improve nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, and to contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system in a safe, efficient and secure way. The general objective shall be implemented through the activities specified in Annex I in the form of direct and indirect actions which pursue the specific objectives set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article. 1.  The general objective of the Euratom Programme is to improve nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, and to contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system in a safe, efficient and secure way, to contribute to other areas of research related to nuclear research such as medical research and to guarantee the long-term future of European nuclear research. The general objective shall be implemented through the activities specified in Annex I in the form of direct and indirect actions which pursue the specific objectives set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article. Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a (a)  support safe operation of nuclear systems; (a)  support safe operation of all existing and future civilian nuclear systems; Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c (c)  support the development and sustainability of nuclear competences at Union level; (c)  support the measures necessary to ensure suitably trained human resources and the development and sustainability of nuclear competences at Union level; Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d (d)  foster radiation protection; (d)  support R&D in the field of radiation protection; and seek to maintain the highest level of working conditions for those working directly with nuclear materials; Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new) (da)  contribute to the R&D agenda resulting from the recommendations listed in the conclusions of the Union stress-tests (e.g. seismic modelling, core melt behaviour,...); Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new) (db)  support the long-term sustainability of nuclear fission through improvements in the field of reactor time extension or in the design of new reactor types; Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f (f)  lay the foundations for future fusion power plants by developing materials, technologies and conceptual design; (f)  lay the foundations for future fusion and fission power plants by developing materials, technologies and conceptual design; Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g (g)  promote innovation and industrial competitiveness; (g)  promote innovation and European industrial leadership in fission and fusion; Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new) (ga)  support the three priorities of Horizon 2020: excellent science, industrial leadership and societal challenges; Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point (h) (h)  ensure availability and use of research infrastructures of pan-European relevance; (h)  ensure availability and use, and promote the development, of new research infrastructures of pan-European relevance; Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a (a)  improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning, and emergency preparedness; (a)  improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning, emergency preparedness, working conditions for those working directly with nuclear materials and dealing with the direct consequences of nuclear safety incidents, however unlikely they may be; Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point d (d)  foster knowledge management, education and training; (d)  foster knowledge management, education and training, including increasing the uptake of nuclear research among European scientists as well as attracting those from outside the Union; Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e (e)  support the policy of the Union on nuclear safety and security and the related evolving Union legislation. (e)  support the policy of the Union on nuclear safety and security and the related evolving Union legislation, including working towards the development of internationally recognised standards of nuclear safety for fission reactors; Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new) (ea)  address any skills shortage in relation to nuclear expertise and prevent any future skills leakage or 'brain drain' of nuclear scientists from the Union; Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e b (new) (eb)  complement all required safety improvements suggested following the results of the stress tests carried out on all nuclear reactors in the Union and third countries that border the Union. This should focus on contributing to the R & D agenda resulting from their recommendations; Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e c (new) (ec)  support the simplification agenda of Horizon 2020, reducing the administrative burdens of previous framework programmes, in particular on SMEs, universities and smaller research institutes. Amendment 39 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 4.  The Euratom Programme shall be implemented in such a way as to ensure that the priorities and activities supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science, technology, innovation, policy making, markets and society. 4.  The Euratom Programme shall be implemented in such a way as to ensure that the priorities and activities supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science, technology, innovation, policy making, markets and society, as well as the direct consequences of nuclear safety incidents, however unlikely they may be. Amendment 40 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new) 5a.  The Euratom Programme shall contribute to implementing the SET-plan. Its indirect and direct actions shall be aligned with the Strategic Research Agenda of the three existing European technology platforms on nuclear energy: SNETP, IGDTP and MELODI. Amendment 101/rev2 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Euratom Programme shall be EUR 1 788,889 million. That amount shall be distributed as follows: 1.  Within the meaning of point 18 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of... between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management1 ("the IIA"), the financial envelope for the implementation of the Euratom Programme shall be EUR 1 603,329 million. That amount shall constitute the prime reference for the European Parliament and the Council during the annual budgetary procedure. It shall be distributed as follows: (a)  indirect actions for the fusion research and development programme, EUR 709,713 million; (a)  indirect actions for the fusion research and development programme, EUR 636,095 million; (b)  indirect actions for nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection, EUR 354,857 million; (b)  indirect actions for nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection, EUR 318,048 million; (c)  direct actions, EUR 724,319 million. (c)  direct actions, EUR 649,186 million. _________________ 1 OJ C … Amendment 45 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 For the implementation of indirect actions of the Euratom Programme, no more than 13.5 % shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure. For the implementation of indirect actions of the Euratom Programme, no more than 7% shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure. Amendment 46 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new) 1a.  The ITER project shall be included within the Euratom Programme and funded from within the MFF in a complete and transparent way. Aspects of the project not directly related to research and training need not be included in the Euratom Programme funding. Amendment 47 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 b (new) 1b.  The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the European Parliament and the Council without prejudice to the provisions of the Regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 and the IIA. Amendment 48 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new) 4a.  The Community shall work towards the wider and more frequent use of structural funds for nuclear research and shall ensure that funds are implemented in line with the Community's priorities in the area of research. Amendment 49 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 3.  The ‘Participant guarantee fund’ established pursuant to Regulation (EU) No XX/2012 [Rules for participation and dissemination] shall replace and succeed the Participant guarantee funds established pursuant to Regulation (Euratom) No 1908/2006 and Regulation (Euratom) No XX/XX [Euratom Rules for participation 2012-2013]. 3.  The 'Participant guarantee fund' established pursuant to Regulation (EU) No XX/2012 [Rules for participation and dissemination] shall replace and succeed the Participant guarantee funds established pursuant to Regulation (Euratom) No 1908/2006 and Regulation (Euratom) No 139/2012. Amendment 50 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 Any sums from the Participant guarantee funds established pursuant to Regulations (Euratom) No 1908/2006 and (Euratom) No XX/XX [Euratom Rules for participation (2012-2013)] shall be transferred to the Participant guarantee fund as of 31 December 2013. The participants in actions under Decision XX/XX [Euratom Programme 2012-2013] signing grant agreements after 31 December 2013 shall make their contribution to the Participant guarantee fund. Any sums from the Participant guarantee funds established pursuant to Regulations (Euratom) No 1908/2006 and (Euratom) No 139/2012 shall be transferred to the Participant guarantee fund as of 31 December 2013. The participants in actions under Decision 2012/94/Euratom signing grant agreements after 31 December 2013 shall make their contribution to the Participant guarantee fund. Amendment 51 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a.  Programmes aimed at increasing both current and planned innovative research should be opened up to allow nuclear research as part of their list of applicable research categories. The Eureka Eurostars Programme and the Marie Curie Actions should widen their rules of participation to allow SMEs involved in nuclear research to participate. Amendment 52 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 The Euratom Programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content. The Euratom Programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension and support the aim of Horizon 2020 to address gender as a cross-cutting issue in order to rectify imbalances between men and women. Amendment 53 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 Particular attention shall be paid to the principle of proportionality, the right to privacy, the right to the protection of personal data, the right to the physical and mental integrity of a person, the right to non-discrimination and the need to ensure high levels of human health protection. Particular attention shall be paid to the principle of proportionality, the protection of human dignity, the principle of the primacy of the human being, the right to privacy, the right to the protection of personal data, the right to the physical and mental integrity of human beings, the right to non-discrimination and the need to ensure high levels of human health protection. Amendment 54 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 That multi-annual work programme shall also take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations. They shall be updated as and where appropriate. That multi-annual work programme shall be submitted to the JRC Board of Governors and presented to the European Parliament and the Council. It shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations, so as to avoid any waste of research effort in Europe and to make the best use of the financial resources. It shall be updated as and where appropriate. Amendment 55 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 3 3.  The work programmes shall take account of the state of science, technology and innovation at national, Union and international level and of relevant policy, market and societal developments. They shall be updated as and where appropriate. 3.  The work programmes shall take account of the state of science, technology and innovation at national, Union and international level and of relevant policy, market and societal developments. They shall be updated as and where appropriate, keeping in mind the aims and objectives of Horizon 2020. Amendment 56 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring the adequate participation of, and innovation impact on, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Euratom Programme. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of SME participation shall be undertaken as part of the evaluation and monitoring arrangements. 1.   Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring the adequate participation of, and innovation impact on, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Euratom Programme. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of SME participation shall be undertaken as part of the evaluation and monitoring arrangements. 2.  Given the importance of the SME sector to the European economy and the current under-representation of SMEs in the nuclear industry, the Euratom Programme shall, in line with the objectives of Horizon 2020, support all efforts to ease the administrative burden placed on SMEs. Amendment 57 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new) (ca)  combat all forms of nuclear proliferation and trafficking; Amendment 58 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c b (new) (cb)  support international efforts in respect of developing common international safety standards; Amendment 59 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c c (new) (cc)  contribute to the improvement of knowledge exchange. Amendment 60 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 a (new) Particular attention shall be paid to all reactors and nuclear installations located in third countries but which are geographically very close to Member State territory, especially when such reactors and installations are located close to hazardous geographical or geological locations. Amendment 61 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a (a)  initiatives aimed at widening awareness and facilitating access to funding under the Euratom Programme, in particular for those regions or types of participant that are underrepresented; (a)  initiatives aimed at widening awareness and facilitating access to funding under the Euratom Programme, in particular for those regions or types of participant that are underrepresented and in particular for SMEs to increase their uptake of available funding and participation in appropriate programmes. Amendment 62 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) The attempts at increased simplification in terms of participation shall be communicated to all participants, including SMEs and academic institutions. Amendment 63 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1 1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, where irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and deterrent penalties. 1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, where irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and deterrent penalties. The European Parliament shall be informed of such measures. Amendment 64 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 2.  The Commission or its representatives and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and on-the-spot checks and inspections, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors, subcontractors and other third parties who have received Union funds under this Regulation. 2.  The European Parliament, the Commission or its representatives and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and on-the-spot checks and inspections, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors, subcontractors and other third parties who have received Union funds under this Regulation. Amendment 65 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 4.  Without prejudice to the paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations, grant agreements, grant decisions and contracts resulting from the implementation of this Regulation shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors and the OLAF to conduct audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections. 4.  Without prejudice to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations, grant agreements, grant decisions and contracts resulting from the implementation of this Regulation shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors and the OLAF to conduct audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections. The European Parliament shall be informed of the result of such audits without delay. Amendment 66 Proposal for a regulation Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 By 31 May 2017, and taking into account the ex-post evaluation of the Euratom 7 Framework Programme established by Decision 2006/970/Euratom and of the Euratom Programme (2012-2013) established by Decision 20XX/XX/Euratom to be completed by the end of 2015, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, an interim evaluation of the Euratom Programme on the achievements, at the level of results and progress towards impacts, of the objectives and continued relevance of all the measures, the efficiency and use of resources, the scope for further simplification, and European added value. The evaluation shall additionally take into account the contribution of the measures to the Union priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and results on the long-term impact of the predecessor measures. By 31 May 2016, and taking into account the ex-post evaluation of the Euratom Seventh Framework Programme established by Decision 2006/970/Euratom and of the Euratom Programme (2012-2013) established by Decision 2012/93/Euratom to be completed by the end of 2015, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, an interim evaluation of the Euratom Programme on the achievements, at the level of results and progress towards impacts, of the objectives and continued relevance of all the measures, the efficiency and use of resources, the scope for further simplification, and European added value. This evaluation shall also take into consideration aspects relating to access to funding opportunities for extending the excellence of the Union’s science and innovation base for SMEs and for promoting gender balance. The evaluation shall additionally take into account the contribution of the measures to the Union priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and results on the long-term impact of the predecessor measures. Amendment 67 Proposal for a regulation Article 21 – paragraph 4 4.  Member States shall provide the Commission with data and information necessary for the monitoring and evaluation of the measures concerned. 4.  Member States shall provide the European Parliament and the Commission with data and information necessary for the monitoring and evaluation of the measures concerned. Amendment 68 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 2 The Euratom Programme shall strengthen the research and innovation framework in the nuclear field and coordinate Member States‘ research efforts, thereby avoiding duplication, retaining critical mass in key areas and ensuring that public funding is used in an optimal way. The Euratom Programme shall strengthen the research and innovation framework in the nuclear field and coordinate Member States' research efforts, thereby avoiding duplication, providing Union added value, retaining key skills and critical mass in key areas and ensuring that public funding is used in an optimal way. Amendment 69 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 3 The strategy to develop fusion as a credible option for commercial carbon-free energy production shall follow a roadmap with milestones towards the goal of electricity production by 2050. To implement that strategy, a radical restructuring of fusion-related work in the Union, including governance, funding and management, shall be carried out to ensure a shift of emphasis from pure research to designing, building and operating future facilities such as ITER, DEMO and beyond. That shall require a close cooperation between the entire Union fusion community, the Commission and the national funding agencies. The strategy to develop fusion as a credible option for commercial carbon-free energy production shall follow a roadmap with milestones towards the goal of electricity production by 2050. To implement that strategy, a restructuring of fusion-related work in the Union, including governance and management, shall be carried out to ensure a shift of emphasis from pure research to designing, building and operating future facilities such as ITER, DEMO and beyond. That shall require a close cooperation between the entire Union fusion community, the Commission and Member States. Amendment 70 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.1 – point d – heading (d)  Foster radiation protection (Excellent science; Societal challenges) (d)  Support R&D in the field of radiation protection (Excellent science; Societal challenges) Amendment 71 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.1 – point e – paragraph -1 (new) Support activities for the joint realisation of ITER as an international research infrastructure. The Community will have a special responsibility within the ITER Organisation as the host of the project and will assume a leading role, in particular regarding site preparation, establishing the ITER Organisation, management and staffing, plus general technical and administrative support. Support activities agreed upon in Council Decision XXXX/XXX/EU [on the adoption of a Supplementary Research Programme for the ITER project (2014-2018)] to manage the project. Amendment 72 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.1 – point i – paragraph 1 a (new) The legal entity shall support all efforts to continue the work of JET beyond its 2015 end of experimental phase, and support where possible all efforts aimed at attracting international partners to help provide additional funding. Such efforts should include reciprocal agreements for future Union involvement in DEMO and other planned fusion reactors. Amendment 73 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – paragraph 1 The nuclear activities of the JRC shall aim to support the implementation of Council Directives 2009/71/Euratom and 2011/70/Euratom, as well as Council Conclusions giving priority to the highest standards for nuclear safety and security in the Union and internationally. The JRC shall notably mobilise the necessary capacity and expertise in order to contribute to assess and improve the safety of nuclear installations and the peaceful use of nuclear energy and other non fission applications, to provide a scientific basis to relevant Union legisation and, where necessary, to react within the limits of its mission and competence to nuclear incidents and accidents. To that effect, the JRC shall carry out research and assessments, provide references and standards and deliver dedicated training and education. Synergies with the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP) and other cross-cutting initiatives will be sought as appropriate. The nuclear activities of the JRC shall aim to support the implementation of Council Directives 2009/71/Euratom and 2011/70/Euratom, as well as Council Conclusions giving priority to the highest standards for nuclear safety and security in the Union and internationally. The JRC shall notably mobilise the necessary capacity and expertise in order to contribute to R&D in the field of nuclear installation safety and the peaceful use of nuclear energy and other non fission applications, to provide a scientific basis to relevant Union legislation and, where necessary, to react within the limits of its mission and competence to nuclear incidents and accidents. To that effect, the JRC shall carry out research and assessments, provide references and standards and deliver dedicated training and education. Synergies with the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP) and other cross-cutting initiatives will be sought as a matter of necessity, in order to optimise the human and financial resources for nuclear R&D in Europe. The JRC shall keep in mind the published results of the 'stress tests' carried out in 2011 on all existing nuclear reactors in line with Union regulations. Amendment 74 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point a – heading (a)  Improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning, and emergency preparedness (a)  Improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning, improve working conditions of those working with nuclear materials and emergency preparedness Amendment 77 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point a – paragraph -1 (new) Decommissioning and dismantling are promising market areas, given the relevant scientific advances and safety imperatives. The Union must acquire the best possible technologies for this work, which will involve increasingly sophisticated techniques (such as underwater cutting, laser cutting and state-of-the-art robots to eliminate human intervention). Amendment 75 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point a – paragraph 1 – introductory part The JRC shall contribute to the development of tools and methods to achieve high safety standards for nuclear power reactors and fuel cycles relevant to Europe. Those tools and methods shall include: The JRC shall, in close cooperation with the relevant research bodies in the Union, contribute to the development of tools and methods to achieve high safety standards for nuclear power reactors and fuel cycles relevant to Europe. Those tools and methods shall include: Amendment 76 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point a – paragraph 1 – point 1 (1)  severe accident analyses modelling and methodologies for assessment of nuclear installations operational safety margins; support to the establishment of a common European approach to the evaluation of advanced fuel cycles and designs; and investigation and dissemination of the lessons learnt from the operational experience. The JRC shall further reinforce its 'European Clearinghouse on NPP Operational Experience Feedback' to respond to the emerging post-Fukushima nuclear safety challenges. (1)  severe accident analyses modelling and methodologies for assessment of nuclear installations operational safety margins; support to the establishment of a common European approach to the evaluation of advanced fuel cycles and designs; and investigation and dissemination of the lessons learnt from the operational experience. The JRC shall pursue the work of the 'European Clearinghouse on NPP Operational Experience Feedback' to respond to the emerging post-Fukushima nuclear safety challenges, continuing to draw on relevant expertise in the Member States. Amendment 78 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point c – paragraph 1 The JRC shall further develop the scientific basis for nuclear safety and security. Emphasis shall be given to research on fundamental properties and behaviour of actinides, structural and nuclear materials. In support to Union standardisation, the JRC shall provide state-of-the-art nuclear standards, reference data and measurements, including the development and implementation of relevant databases and assessment tools. The JRC shall support the further development of medical applications, namely new cancer therapies based on alpha irradiation. The JRC shall further develop the scientific basis for nuclear safety and security. Emphasis shall be given to research on fundamental properties and behaviour of actinides, structural and nuclear materials. In support to Union standardisation, the JRC shall provide state-of-the-art nuclear standards, reference data and measurements, including the development and implementation of relevant databases and assessment tools. The JRC shall support the further development of medical applications, namely new cancer therapies based on alpha irradiation. The JRC shall keep in mind the aims of Horizon 2020 as well as the need to avoid a European skills gap or 'brain drain'. Amendment 79 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point e – paragraph 1 JRC shall foster its competence in order to provide the independent scientific and technical evidence necessary to support the evolving Union legislation on nuclear safety and security. JRC shall foster its competence in order to provide the independent scientific and technical evidence necessary to support the evolving Union legislation on nuclear safety and security and support higher standards internationally. The precise nature of this research must be determined subject to guidelines to be adopted by the Union institutions, particularly in the light of the stress tests on nuclear power plants. Amendment 80 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 3 – paragraph 1 In order to achieve its general objectives, the Euratom Programme shall support complementary activities (direct and indirect, coordination and stimulating joint programming) that ensure synergy of research efforts in solving common challenges (such as materials, coolant technology, reference nuclear data, modelling and simulation, remote handling, waste management, radiation protection). In order to achieve its general objectives, the Euratom Programme shall support complementary activities (direct and indirect, worker protection, coordination and stimulating joint programming) that ensure synergy of research efforts in solving common challenges (such as materials, coolant technology, reference nuclear data, modelling and simulation, remote handling, waste management, radiation protection). Amendment 81 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 4 – paragraph 2 The Euratom Programme may contribute to the Debt facility and Equity facility developed under the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme that shall be widened to cover the objectives referred to in Article 3. The Euratom Programme may contribute to the Debt facility and Equity facility developed under the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme that shall be widened to cover the objectives referred to in Article 3 as well as increasing the visibility and participation of SMEs. Amendment 82 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 4 – paragraph 2 a (new) Basic research that is potentially applicable not only in nuclear-related fields but also in other research sectors covered by Horizon 2020 will be eligible for European Research Council (ERC) programme funding. Amendment 83 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 1 – point d a (new) (da)  Contribute to the R&D agenda resulting from the recommendations listed in the conclusions of the Union stress tests such as those related to seismic modelling or core melt simulation —  Percentage of funded projects likely to facilitate the application of these recommendations. Amendment 84 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 1 – point d b (new) (db)  Support the long-term sustainability of nuclear fission through improvements in the field of reactor time extension or in the design of new reactor types —  Percentage of funded projects likely to have a demonstrable impact in the field of reactor time extension or in the design of new reactors types. Amendment 85 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 1 – point e (e)   Move toward demonstration of feasibility of fusion as a power source by exploiting existing and future fusion facilities (e)   Move toward demonstration of feasibility of fusion as a power source by exploiting existing and future fusion facilities and developing materials, technologies and conceptual design Amendment 86 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 2 – paragraph 2 – bullet point 1 Improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommission; and emergency preparedness; Improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning; worker protection and emergency preparedness; Amendment 87 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 2 – paragraph 1 – bullet point 5 a (new) —  Prevent skills shortage in key scientific and engineering fields.