Euratom programme

Article 4 of the Euratom Treaty states that the European Commission is responsible for promoting and facilitating nuclear research in the EU Member States, and for complementing it by carrying out a Community (European Atomic Energy Community) research and training programme. This programme is adopted by the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission (in line with Article 7 of the Treaty).

The aim of the current 5-year programme, which runs from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025, is to pursue nuclear research and training activities with an emphasis on the continuous improvement of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection. Although the programme is for 5 years, it will be extended in 2025 by 2 years to align it with the 2021–2027 multiannual financial framework. The programme complements the aims of the 9th EU framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe, and uses the same instruments and rules for participation.

Research activities will cover aspects such as nuclear safety, security, radioactive waste and spent fuel management, radiation protection and fusion energy. The programme will expand research into non-power applications of ionising radiation, and make improvements in the areas of education, training and access to research infrastructures. It will also support the mobility of researchers in the nuclear field in the context of Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

The indicative breakdown of the programme’s budget is as follows for 2021-2025:

€583 million for indirect actions in fusion research and development;
€266 million for indirect actions in nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection;
€532 million for direct actions undertaken by the the EU’s Joint Research Centre.