COUNCIL DECISION of 29 April 1992 adopting specific research programmes to be implemented by the joint research centre for the European Atomic Energy Community (1992-1994) (92/274/Euratom)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 7 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission submitted after consultation of the Scientific and Technical Committee(1) ,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2) ,
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3)
Whereas the Council adopted a Resolution on 29 April 1992 concerning the activities to be undertaken by the Joint Research Centre(4) .
Whereas, by its Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC(5) , the Council adopted a third Framework Programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990 to 1994), specifying in particular the activities to be pursued concerning the management of natural resources; whereas this Decision should be taken in the light of the grounds set out in the preamble to that Decision;
Whereas, for activities covered by the EAEC Treaty, Article 2 of Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC provides for the implementation of the third Framework Programme through programmes adopted in accordance with Article 7 of the said Treaty;
Whereas the Joint Research Centre (JRC), as provided for in Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC is called on to contribute to the implementation of the Framework Programme, particularly in those fields where it can offer impartial and independent expertise for the benefit of all Community policies;
Whereas the JRC can contribute to the realization of said actions, particularly in the field of research in nuclear fission safety, especially concerning prenormative aspects;
Whereas, in the context of these programmes, it is desirable that an assessment be made of the economic and social impact as well as of any technological risks;
Whereas, pursuant to Article 4 and Annex I of Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC the funds estimated as necessary for the whole Framework Programme include an amount of ECU 57 million for the centralized dissemination and exploitation of results, to be divided up in proportion to the amount envisaged for each specific programme;
Whereas Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC provides that a particular aim of Community research must be to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of European industry, and to encourage it to become more competitive at the international level; whereas that Decision also provides that Community action is justified where research contributes, inter alia, to the strengthening of the economic and social cohesion of the Community and to the promotion of its overall harmonious develpment, while being consistent with the pursuit of scientific and technical excellence; whereas the programmes of the Joint Research Centre should contribute to the achievement of these objectives;
Whereas the JRC could explore and seek to benefit from new perspectives for scientific and technical cooperation with some third countries;
Whereas, particularly with regard to nuclear safety, the JRCs work and experience should be usefully exploited by the Commission in its action of assisting the countries of central and eastern Europe with regard to improving safety conditions in their nuclear plants, which is a matter of concern throughout the European continent;
Whereas the Board of Governors of the JRC plays a significant part on one hand in the administrative operation of the Centre and on the other in the implementation of its research programmes,
HAD ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
1. The specific research and development programmes to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) for the European Atomic Energy Community in the fields of research in nuclear fission safety and controlled nuclear fision, especially concerning prenormative aspects, as defined in Annex I, including exploratory research activities, are hereby adopted for a period running from 1 January 1992 to 31 December 1994. They shall be implemented in parallel with corresponding specific programmes of the third Framework Programme.
2. The JRC may take part, as appropriate, in the centralized action for the dissemination and exploitation of knowledge resulting from Community research activities as provided for in the Framework Programme and in close coordination with the Committee set up under that action.
Article 2
1. The funds estimated as necessary for the execution of the programmes amount to ECU 202,95 million.
2. An indicative breakdown of funds is set out in Annex II.
3. Should the Council take a decision pursuant to Article 1 (4), of Decision 90/221/EEC, this Decision shall be adapted accordingly.
Article 3
Detailed rules for the implementation of the programmes are set out in Annex III.
Article 4
1. The Commission shall each year before 31 March submit to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee a report on the implementation of this Decision.
2. This report shall be accompanied by the observations of the Board of Governors. The latter may also submit through the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee a separate report on any aspect of the implementation of this Decision.
Article 5
1. Research carried out by the JRC shall be evaluated by a group of independent external experts set up by the Commission after consulting the Board of Governors. A report on the subject shall be established at the end of the programmes.
2. The evaluation report, accompanied by the opinion of the Board of Governors of the JRC, shall be transmitted by the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee.
Article 6
The reports referred to in Articles 4 and 5 shall be established having regard to the objectives set out in Annex I to this Decision and in accordance with Article 2 (4) of Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC.
Article 7
1. The Commission, assisted by the Board of Governors of the JRC shall be responsible for carrying out the programmes and to this end shall cal upon the services of the JRC.
2. The Commission in cooperation with the Board of Governors, shall ensure periodical consultation with relevant Committees to ensure close coordination between Community shared cost actions, corresponding national activities and those of the JRC in the same areas with the aim of ensuring a coherent approach.
Article 8
The Commission shall decided on the terms of reference of the Board of Governors.
Article 9
1. The Commission is authorized to negotiate, in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 101, of the Treaty, international agreements with third country members of COST, in particular member countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and central and eastern European countries, with a view to associating them with the JRC activities.
2. The Commission, assisted by the Board of Governors, may, on the basis of the criterion of mutual benefit, request the JRC to execute projects with bodies and enterprises established in European third countries in the context of the specific programmes carried out by the JRC.
No contracting body based outside the Community and participating in an action undertaken within the arrangements of a programme shall benefit from the financing granted to the programme by the Community. Such a body shall contribute to the general administrative costs.
Article 10
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Luxembourg, 29 April 1992
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