HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"L 47/40
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
18.2.2012
COUNCIL DECISION
of 19 December 2011
concerning the specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint
Research Centre, implementing the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy
Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013)
(2012/95/Euratom)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
(4) In
implementing
its
mission,
the
JRC
should
provide
customer-driven scientific and technical support to the
Union policymaking process, ensuring support for the
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic
implementation and monitoring of existing policies and
Energy Community, and in particular Article 7 thereof,
responding to new policy demands. In order to achieve
its mission, the JRC should carry out research of the
highest European quality, including by maintaining its
own level of scientific excellence.
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission
submitted after consultation of the Scientific and Technical
Committee,
(5) In
implementing
this
specific
programme,
emphasis
should be given to promoting the mobility and training
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (
of researchers and promoting innovation, in the Union.

1 ),
In particular, the JRC should provide appropriate training
in nuclear safety and security.
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and
Social Committee ( 2 ),
(6) This
specific
programme
should
be
implemented
in
a
flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking into
Whereas:
account the relevant needs of the JRC users and Union
policies, while protecting the Union financial interests.
The research activities carried out under this specific
programme should be adapted where appropriate to
(1) In
accordance
with
Council
Decision
2012/93/Euratom
of 19 December 2011 concerning the Framework
these needs and to scientific and technological devel
Programme of the European Atomic Energy
opments and aim to achieve scientific excellence.
Community for research and training activities (2012-
2013) ( 3 ) (hereinafter ‘the Framework Programme’) the
Framework Programme is to be implemented through
specific programmes that define detailed rules for their
(7) For
implementing
this
specific
programme,
cooperation
under the Agreement on the European Economic Area or
implementation, fix their duration and provide for the
under an Association Agreement may be complemented
means deemed necessary.
by international cooperation, in particular on the basis of
Article 2(h), Article 101 and Article 102 of the Treaty,
with third countries and international organisations.
(2) The
Framework
Programme
comprises
two
types
of
activities: indirect actions in fusion energy research and
research on nuclear fission, safety and radiation
protection, and direct actions for activities of the Joint
(8) In
the
context
of
enlargement
and
integration
activities,
Research Centre (JRC) in the field of nuclear waste
the JRC aims to promote the integration of the organi
management, environmental impact, safety and security,
sations and researchers of new Member States within its
especially related to nuclear events and taking into
activities in particular for implementing of the science
account lessons learned from previous experiences. The
and technology components of the Union acquis, as
direct actions should be implemented by this specific
well as increased cooperation with organisations and
programme.
researchers from accession and candidate countries. A
progressive opening should also be envisaged towards
the neighbouring countries, specifically on priority
(3) The
JRC
should
implement
the
research
and
training
topics of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
activities to be carried out by means of direct actions
under this specific programme.
(9) The
JRC
should
continue
to
generate
additional
resources
( 1 ) Opinion of 15 November 2011 (not yet published in the Official
through competitive activities. These include participation
Journal). Opinion delivered following non-compulsory consultation.
in the indirect actions of the Framework Programme,
( 2 ) OJ C 318, 29.10.2011, p. 127. Opinion delivered following non-
compulsory consultation.
third-party work and, to a lesser extent, the exploitation
( 3 ) See page 25 of this Official Journal.
of intellectual property.

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18.2.2012 Official
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European
Union L
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(10) Sound
financial
management
of
this
specific
programme
Article 2
and its implementation should be ensured in an effective
and user-friendly manner, while ensuring legal certainty
The specific programme shall establish the activities for the
and the accessibility of the results of the programme for
nuclear actions of the JRC, supporting the whole range of
all participants, in accordance with Council Regulation
research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in
(EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the
the following thematic areas:
Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of
the European Communities ( 1 ) and Commission Regu
lation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December
(a) nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic
2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation
knowledge;
of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on
the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget
of the European Communities ( 2 ).
(b) nuclear safety of reactor systems of relevance to Europe;
(11) Appropriate
measures
—
proportionate
to
the
Union’s
(c) nuclear security (including nuclear safeguards, non-prolifer
financial interests — should be taken to monitor both
ation, combating illicit trafficking and nuclear forensics).
the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the
effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to
prevent irregularities and fraud. The necessary steps
should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or
The objectives and broad lines of the activities referred to in the
incorrectly used in accordance with Regulation (EC,
first paragraph are set out in the Annex.
Euratom) No 1605/2002, Regulation (EC, Euratom) No
2342/2002, Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No
2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of
Article 3
the European Communities financial interests
( 3 ),
Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2185/96 of
In accordance with Article 3 of Decision 2012/93/Euratom, the
11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and
maximum amount for the execution of the specific programme
inspections carried out by the Commission in order to
is EUR 233 216 000.
protect the European Communities’ financial interests
against fraud and other irregularities ( 4 ) and Regulation
(EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of
Article 4
the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations
conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (
All research activities carried out under the specific programme

5 ).
shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical
principles.
(12) The
Commission
should
in
due
course
arrange
for
an
independent assessment to be conducted concerning
the activities carried out in the fields covered by this
Article 5
specific programme.
The specific programme shall be implemented by means
of direct actions as established in Annex II to Decision
2012/93/Euratom.
(13) Research activities carried out within this specific
programme should respect fundamental ethical prin
ciples, including those reflected in the Charter of Funda
Article 6
mental Rights of the European Union,
1. The
Commission
shall
draw
up
a
multiannual
work
programme for the implementation of the specific programme,
setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
technological priorities set out in the Annex, and the
timetable for implementation.
Article 1
The specific programme, to be carried out by means of direct
2. The
multiannual
work
programme
shall
take
account
of
actions by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), implementing the
relevant research activities carried out by the Member States,
Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy
associated states and European and international organisations.
Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012-
It shall be updated where appropriate.
2013) (hereinafter the ‘specific programme’), is adopted for the
period from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013.
Article 7
( 1 ) OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.
The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring,
( 2 ) OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1.
assessment and review provided for in Article 6 of Decision
( 3 ) OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.
( 4 ) OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.
2012/93/Euratom to be conducted concerning the activities
( 5 ) OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.
carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

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Official Journal of the European Union
18.2.2012
Article 8
This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the
European Union.
Done at Brussels, 19 December 2011.
For the Council
The President
M. KOROLEC

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Journal
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European
Union L
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ANNEX
SPECIFIC PROGRAMME OF THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
1. Objective
The overall objective of the specific programme is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support to
the Union policy concerning nuclear energy, and to meet the obligations of the Treaty. To achieve this goal,
knowledge, skills and competence need to be continuously updated, in order to provide the required state-of-the-
art expertise in the domains of nuclear reactor safety and nuclear safeguards and security.
2. Approach
The nuclear activities of the JRC aim to meet the research and development (R & D) obligations of the Treaty and
to support both the Commission and Member States in the fields of safeguards and non-proliferation, waste
management, safety of nuclear installations and the fuel cycle, radioactivity in the environment, and radiation
protection. In the light of the reinforced emphasis on nuclear safety contributing to reorientation of nuclear
research, the area of non-proliferation shall receive the greatest possible attention.
For the Framework Programme, research and support activity will continue to focus on:
(a) nuclear waste management, environmental impact and basic knowledge;
(b) nuclear safety of reactor systems of relevance to Europe;
(c) nuclear security (including nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation, combating illicit trafficking, and nuclear
forensics).
Moreover, the JRC will further strengthen its role as a European reference for the dissemination of information,
training and education for young scientists.
3. Activities
3.1. Nuclear
waste
management,
environmental
impact
and
basic
knowledge
3.1.1. Spent fuel and high-level waste characterisation, storage and disposal
The management of spent fuel and nuclear high-level waste involves their processing, conditioning, transport,
interim storage and geological disposal. The ultimate goal is to prevent the release of radio-nuclides into the
biosphere during all these stages over their very long decay time scale. The design, assessment and functioning of
engineered and natural containment barrier systems over the relevant time scales are key to achieving these
objectives and depend among other things on fuel and/or waste behaviour in the geological environment. Such
studies are covered by this specific programme.
3.1.2. Partitioning and transmutation
The main strategy considered for nuclear energy systems includes closing the nuclear fuel cycle, with the aim of
reducing the long-term radio-toxicity of the nuclear waste and enhancing the safe and efficient use of resources.
The major challenges for this concept remain the optimisation of partitioning techniques, to separate selected long-
lived radio-nuclides from the spent fuel, and the fabrication and qualification of safe and reliable fuels for actinide
transmutation. Experimental work on partitioning at the JRC includes research on both aqueous dissolution and
pyro-metallurgical processes (in salt media).
3.1.3. Basic actinide research
To maintain competence and a leading position in the field of civil nuclear technology, it is essential to foster
interdisciplinary basic research on nuclear materials as a resource from which new technological innovations can
emerge. In turn, this requires knowledge of the response of the so-called ‘5f electronic layer elements’ (i.e. the
actinides) and compounds to (usually extreme) thermodynamic parameters. Because of the small experimental
database and the intrinsic complexity of modelling, our current knowledge of these mechanisms is limited. Basic
research addressing these issues is crucial for understanding the behaviour of these elements and to remain at the
forefront of contemporary condensed matter physics. Developments in advanced modelling and simulation will be
leveraged to boost the impact of the experimental programmes.
The JRC’s basic actinide research programme will remain at the forefront of actinide physics and chemistry, the
main goal being to provide world-class experimental facilities to scientists from universities and research centres.
These will allow them to investigate the properties of actinide materials, in order to complete their education and
to contribute to advances in nuclear sciences.

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3.1.4. Nuclear data
The proposed designs for dedicated minor actinide burners and advanced concepts for nuclear energy production
result in new demands for nuclear data with significantly improved accuracy. The quality of experimental data is a
key issue for better safety standards and reduced error margins, and hence cost effectiveness in the design and
construction of new reactor systems. The data files used, including those of OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, by
industry and research laboratories have to be complete, accurate and validated by well-defined quality assurance
procedures.
The JRC will produce internationally required data and will also continue the safe operation of the Van de Graaff
and GELINA linear accelerators.
3.1.5. Medical applications from nuclear research
New cancer therapies called targeted alpha therapy (TAT), are taking advantage of the unique physical properties of
alpha particle radiation (in particular its high energy and short path length in human tissue) to selectively target
and destroy diseased cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. These techniques can be used for the treatment
of cancer and infectious diseases.
The JRC will continue to support the development of TAT in close cooperation with national organisations with a
special focus on alternative processes for the production of alpha emitters and the radio-biological testing of radio-
labelled bio-molecules, assessing their efficiency and feasibility and making these new applications available for
implementation by hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry.
3.1.6. Monitoring of radioactivity in the environment
Title II, Chapter 3, of the Treaty provides for the establishment of basic safety standards for the health protection
of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation. Articles 31 to 38 of the
Treaty provide rules on the role of the Member States and the Commission with regard to the protection of human
health, the control of levels of radioactivity in the environment, release into the environment, and nuclear waste
management. This will also include key aspects related to accident management. Under Article 39 of the Treaty,
the JRC provides assistance to the Commission in carrying out this task.
In view of the new limits for radio-nuclides in drinking water and food ingredients, the JRC will develop analytical
techniques and produce corresponding reference materials. Inter-laboratory comparisons will be organised with the
monitoring laboratories of the Member States to assess the comparability of the reported monitoring data under
Articles 35 and 36 of the Treaty, and to support the harmonisation of the radioactivity monitoring systems with
reference test materials.
3.1.7. Knowledge management, training and education
It is important to maintain and deepen the nuclear knowledge of the new generations of nuclear scientists and
engineers, through dissemination of experiments, results, interpretations and skills acquired in research and applied
programmes.
The JRC will contribute to making this knowledge readily available, properly organised and well documented and
to supporting higher education activities in Europe for both operating and innovative Generation IV reactors.
Furthermore, the JRC will develop the European Nuclear Human Resources Observatory to analyse the trends in
Europe and provide scientific support for the Union policy making. The JRC will also continue to contribute to
better communication on nuclear issues, in particular regarding public acceptability and more globally on strategies
for overall energy awareness. The long experience and unique facilities for nuclear data measurements are also an
excellent opportunity for the education and training of nuclear scientists and engineers, supplementing education
at universities by giving hands-on access to nuclear installations.
3.2. Nuclear
safety
3.2.1. Nuclear reactor safety
In order to maintain and improve the safety level of nuclear power plants, advanced and refined safety assessment
methodologies and corresponding analytical tools have to be extended and validated. Targeted experimental
investigations are carried out at the JRC to improve the understanding of the underlying physical phenomena
and processes in order to enable validation and verification of deterministic and probabilistic safety assessments,
based on advanced modelling of plant processes (reactivity and thermal-hydraulic), of components under oper
ational loads/ageing, and of human and organisational factors. The JRC will also continue to play a central role in
the establishment and operation of the European Clearinghouse for Operational Experience Feedback for the
benefit of all Member States. It will provide topical reports on specific plant issues and facilitate the efficient
sharing and implementation of operational experience feedback to improve the safety of nuclear power plants,
both for the benefit of all European regulators and in order to minimise the probability of nuclear accidents. It will
carry out research programmes in support to the development of safety requirements and advanced evaluation
methods for reactor systems of relevance to nuclear safety. It will also include key aspects of research on
decommissioning of reactors and their infrastructures (methodologies, training, scientific background).

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3.2.2. Nuclear fuel safety in power reactors operating in the Union
Generation II and III light-water reactors will probably operate throughout the 21st century. In order to maximise
their safety, an improved understanding of the in-pile behaviour of the fuel rod system (fuel and cladding) must be
ensured, especially in relation to extended operation schemes, covering normal, incidental and accidental
conditions. The two main aspects of this research are the mechanical integrity of the fuel rods during reactor
lifetime and the fuel response to transient conditions (including severe reactor accident conditions up to core
meltdown).
Ultimately, experiment and theory on well-defined physical and chemical mechanisms must be incorporated into
multi-scale models and eventually fuel performance codes.
JRC research will also be devoted to improving the experimental benchmark for UO 2 and MOX fuel behaviour at
high burn-up.
3.2.3. Safe operation of advanced nuclear energy systems
New reactor concepts for increased safety, safeguards and sustainability are considered worldwide to be a new
research topic, in particular within the Generation IV International Forum (GIF). The JRC has been given a mandate
by the Member States to act as the Implementing Agent for the participation of the Community in GIF. As such,
the JRC will further coordinate the European contributions (through direct or indirect actions, or via the Member
States) in the various GIF projects.
The studies performed in JRC laboratories primarily cover the safety aspects of new innovative designs and
innovative fuel cycles, in particular the characterisation, irradiation testing and post-irradiation examination of
new fuel types, as well as innovative structural and cladding materials characterisation and qualification.
Furthermore, studies are being carried out into the safety requirements of the new generation of reactors, and
the advanced evaluation of relevant nuclear systems. The aim is to support the establishment of a common
European approach to the safety evaluation of new innovative designs. In this regard synergies with SNETP will
be sought as appropriate.
3.3. Nuclear
security
3.3.1. Nuclear safeguards
Due to the enhanced role played by nuclear energy in the production of electricity in Europe, and in the world, the
handling of nuclear materials in the fuel cycle is continuously increasing. To prevent any diversion of these
materials from their intended use, a strong and reliable system of nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation is
crucial. Technical innovations and improvements continue to be required to implement the evolving safeguards
policy. Today’s challenge is to implement increased automation and better tools for information analysis to reduce
both inspector workload and the burden on the nuclear industry. New and innovative safeguards approaches will
also be applied for reactor systems of relevance to Europe and their corresponding fuel cycles.
3.3.2. Additional Protocol
The Additional Protocol aims to prevent undeclared nuclear operations. Its implementation requires a number of
techniques different from (or more evolved than) those used in verifying nuclear material accountancy. Increased
work is anticipated for checking the completeness of declarations, which will require more R & D on methods to
detect clandestine programmes, in some cases by using the same techniques as in nuclear forensics. Major efforts
will be needed to improve methods of trace particle analysis for the verification of declared activities or for the
detection of undeclared activities.
3.3.3. Open-source information collection on nuclear non-proliferation
With the aim of supporting Commission services and collaborating with IAEA and Member State authorities, the
JRC will continue to systematically collect and analyse information from a variety of sources (Internet, specialised
literature, databases) on nuclear non-proliferation issues. This information will be used to produce country reports
to closely monitor the evolution of nuclear activities and the import and/or export of direct and dual-use nuclear
equipment and technology in selected countries. In addition, the JRC will follow the technical evolution of export
control regimes and will provide technical support to relevant Commission services.
3.3.4. Combating illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, including nuclear forensic analysis
The concerns arising from illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive material, the proliferation risks
associated with it and the threat of nuclear terrorism call for a set of measures to address prevention, detection
and response. Nuclear security is getting increased attention at all levels, ranging from international initiatives
(Global Initiative on Combating Nuclear Terrorism, Proliferation Security Initiative, UNSC 1540, and others) to
multilateral cooperation and technical developments. Training of staff is of key importance for the implementation
of nuclear security measures. The JRC shares with the Member States and with international organisations its
experience and expertise in the nuclear area in general and in the nuclear security area in particular.

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To this end, different training programmes need to be developed or improved and the associated training modules
have to be produced or updated. The JRC is going to establish a European Security Training Centre, which will
initially focus on nuclear and radiological security.
4. Ethical
aspects
During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental
ethical principles are to be respected. These include the principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights
of the European Union.
In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and given the diversity of approaches in Europe, participants in
research projects must conform to the current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in the countries where the
research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member
State or other country will be supported by Euratom funding in that Member State or country.
Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national or local
ethics committees prior to the start of the activities. An ethical review will also be undertaken systematically by the
Commission for proposals dealing with ethically sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately
addressed. In specific cases, an ethical review may be held during the implementation of a project.
Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union requires the Union and the Member States to
pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Union’s policies including
research.

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