Today, the Commission has adopted the amendment of the Euratom Research and Training Work Programme 2021–2022. It now includes two new actions in support of Ukraine-based researchers and researchers displaced by the war. First of all, additional funding of €2.5 million will be available for the EUROfusion consortium to provide specific support to Ukraine’s fusion scientists and engineers, as well as to purchase equipment and hardware. Secondly, a new Innovation Action (IA), worth €10 million in EU contribution, will be launched to improve the security of the supply of nuclear fuel supply for 35 Russian-designed water-water energetic reactors, so-called VVER, currently operating in both the EU and Ukraine.
Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:
With this revision of the Euratom Research and Training Work Programme, we will support the Ukraine-based researchers and researchers displaced by the war to continue their important work on nuclear research and innovation. It will also help provide a more secure way to supply nuclear fuel for the VVER reactors in the future. By working together, we can make an important contribution to the EU’s and Ukraine’s nuclear research and innovation.
Most water-water energetic reactors (VVER) operating in the EU and Ukraine were designed in the seventies, and during the last decade, the security of the fuel supply has become an important issue for the European economy. Until now, these reactors are mostly using Russian nuclear fuel, and following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the security of the nuclear fuel supply needs to be urgently addressed. The new Innovation Action is expected to attract all relevant EU and Ukrainian players, such as nuclear utilities, regulators, industry and the academic sector with the aim to diversify nuclear fuel supply in Europe. The call for proposals for the Innovation Action will be published shortly on the Funding and Tenders Portal.
Legal entities established in Ukraine are eligible for funding under the Euratom Programme and the Commission is taking a flexible approach to the continued participation of Ukrainian entities. Moreover, the amendment specifies that legal entities established in Russia, Belarus, or in non-government controlled territories of Ukraine are not eligible to participate in actions supported by the Euratom Research and Training Programme in any capacity. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for justified reasons.
Background
The Euratom Research and Training Programme (2021-2025) is a nuclear research and training programme with an emphasis on the continuous improvement of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection. The Euratom Research and Training Programme complements Horizon Europe and uses the same instruments and rules for participation. The budget is €1.38 billion to implement the programme for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.
More information
Euratom Research and Training Programme
Regulation establishing the Euratom Programme 2021-2025
Factsheet (May 2021)
Euratom projects in the spotlight
Funding and Tenders Portal
