Euratom

Question 1

The European Commission is empowered to issue bonds on behalf of Euratom to finance back-to-back loans to investment projects related to nuclear power generation and the nuclear fuel cycle in …. Euratom can also finance investment projects related to nuclear safety improvements or the decommissioning of nuclear installations in …. The total amount of lending for these activities is limited to €X billion, of which €X billion has already been allocated.

Answer 1

The European Commission is empowered to issue bonds on behalf of Euratom to finance back-to-back loans to investment projects related to nuclear power generation and the nuclear fuel cycle in EU countries. Euratom can also finance investment projects related to nuclear safety improvements or the decommissioning of nuclear installations in certain EU neighbourhood countries. The total amount of lending for these activities is limited to €4 billion, of which €3.67 billion has already been allocated.

Question 2

Parliament’s role in the decision-making process under the Euratom Treaty is limited since it only has … powers

Answer 2

Parliament’s role in the decision-making process under the Euratom Treaty is limited since it only has consultation powers

Question 3

The Euratom Research and Training Programme (2021-2025) is a nuclear research and training programme with an emphasis on the continuous improvement of nuclear …. It complements the achievement of Horizon Europe’s objectives including in the context of the energy transition as well as contributing to the implementation of the European fusion roadmap.

The programme has direct and indirect actions. Direct actions are activities undertaken by the Commission’s …. Indirect actions are research activities undertaken by multi-partner consortia.

It uses the same instruments and rules for participation as …. The budget is €… billion to implement the new programme for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.

Answer 3

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. It complements the achievement of Horizon Europe’s objectives including in the context of the energy transition as well as contributing to the implementation of the European fusion roadmap.

The programme has direct and indirect actions. Direct actions are activities undertaken by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Indirect actions are research activities undertaken by multi-partner consortia.

It uses the same instruments and rules for participation as Horizon Europe. The budget is €1.38 billion to implement the new programme for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.

Question 4

The Working Party on Atomic Questions of the Council of the EU deals with:
* the regulatory framework for activities related to which 3 topics?
* setting basic safety standards for …
* cooperation with non-EU countries on ….

Answer 4

The Working Party on Atomic Questions of the Council of the EU deals with:
* the regulatory framework for activities related to nuclear safety, radioactive waste and spent fuel
* setting basic safety standards for ionising radiation
* cooperation with non-EU countries on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Question 5

The European Atomic Energy Community or Euratom was established by the Euratom Treaty in 1957. It is … from the European Union although it has the same … and ….

Answer 5

The European Atomic Energy Community or Euratom was established by the Euratom Treaty in 1957. It is legally distinct from the European Union although it has the same membership and institutions.

Question 6

The mission of the … is
to maintain regular and equitable supply of nuclear materials (…) for all users in the European Atomic Energy Community.

The strategic objective is the security of supply of nuclear materials, particularly nuclear fuel, for … uses, by means of the common supply policy.

Answer 6

The mission of the Euratom Supply Agency is
to maintain regular and equitable supply of nuclear materials (ores, source material and special fissile material) for all users in the European Atomic Energy Community.

The strategic objective is the security of supply of nuclear materials, particularly nuclear fuel, for power and non-power uses, by means of the common supply policy.

Question 7

ESA has the … right to conclude contracts for the supply of ores, source materials and special fissile materials within the EU

Answer 7

ESA has the exclusive right to conclude contracts for the supply of ores, source materials and special fissile materials within the EU

Question 8

A special international regime for nuclear third party liability is necessary since ordinary common law is not well suited to deal with the particular problems in this field. The drafters of the 1960 … set out to provide adequate compensation to the public for damage resulting from a nuclear accident and to ensure that the growth of the nuclear industry would not be hindered by bearing an intolerable burden of liability.

The …, under the auspices of the OECD, is responsible for settling disputes arising from the ….

Answer 8

A special international regime for nuclear third party liability is necessary since ordinary common law is not well suited to deal with the particular problems in this field. The drafters of the 1960 Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy (the “Paris Convention” or PC) set out to provide adequate compensation to the public for damage resulting from a nuclear accident and to ensure that the growth of the nuclear industry would not be hindered by bearing an intolerable burden of liability.

The European Nuclear Energy Tribunal, under the auspices of the OECD, is responsible for settling disputes arising from the Paris Convention.

Question 9

The Nuclear Illustrative Programme (…) is a requirement under Article 40 of …. It builds on the analysis of i) the effects of recently adopted … (e.g. Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Directive, revised Basic Safety Standards, amended Nuclear Safety Directive), ii) … (e.g.: documents published by the OECD/ Nuclear Energy Agency, the International Energy Agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Nuclear Association), as well as iii) information received from … (meetings and questionnaires).

Answer 9

The Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) is a requirement under Article 40 of the Euratom Treaty. It builds on the analysis of i) the effects of recently adopted policy and legislative initiatives (e.g. Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Directive, revised Basic Safety Standards, amended Nuclear Safety Directive), ii) publicly available data (e.g.: documents published by the OECD/ Nuclear Energy Agency, the International Energy Agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Nuclear Association), as well as iii) information received from Member States and stakeholders (meetings and questionnaires).

Question 10

The Nuclear Illustrative Program provides a basis for discussion and aims to include all stakeholders, especially …, in the discussion on nuclear energy … and related investments for the period up to ….

While Member States are free to decide their energy mix, the … Strategy and the European … Strategy stressed that Member States who decide to use nuclear energy in their own energy mix to apply the highest standards of …, …, … and … as well as … nuclear fuel supplies.

Answer 10

The Nuclear Illustrative Program provides a basis for discussion and aims to include all stakeholders, especially civil society, in the discussion on nuclear energy trends and related investments for the period up to 2050.

While Member States are free to decide their energy mix, the Energy Union Strategy and the European Energy Security Strategy stressed that Member States who decide to use nuclear energy in their own energy mix to apply the highest standards of safety, security, waste management and non-proliferation as well as diversify nuclear fuel supplies.

Question 11

EURATOM entered the IAEA Convention on Nuclear Safety in

Answer 11

1999

Question 12

The cooperation between EU institutions and the IAEA began in x when the European Community and the United Nations signed a Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement.

Answer 12

The cooperation between EU institutions and the IAEA began in 2003 when the European Community and the United Nations signed a Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement.

Question 13

Who sued the EC for including nuclear in the Taxonomy Regulation?

Answer 13

Austria

Question 14

How are post-Brexit relatinships on nuclear matters covered?

Answer 14

A separate agreement between Euratom and the UK covers cooperation on the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Question 15

Member States must notify the EC of any significant changes to … projects and third-country … as well as changes to … contracts for … to the ESA. Notification and assessment under Euratom is indepent from public procurement, competition and environmental rules under the ….

Answer 15

Member States must notify the EC of any significant changes to investment projects and third-country agreements as well as changes to supply contracts for nuclear materials to the ESA. Notification and assessment under Euratom is indepent from public procurement, competition and environmental rules under the TFEU.

Question 16

Euratom has, between 2017 and 2021, provided a €x million loan to … dedicated to financing safety improvements at x nuclear power plants in Ukraine.

The loan tranches have a maturity of 10 years and are due between 2027 and x.

The … has contributed an additional €x million to the project and Energoatom is financing over €800 million itself.

Answer 16

Euratom has, between 2017 and 2021, provided a €300 million loan to Energoatom dedicated to financing safety improvements at four nuclear power plants in Ukraine.

The loan tranches have a maturity of 10 years and are due between 2027 and 2031.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has contributed an additional €300 million to the project and Energoatom is financing over €800 million itself.

Question 17

To be … for an Euratom loan, a nuclear investment projects needs a favourable -though …- opinion from the European Commission.

Answer 17

To be eligible for an Euratom loan, a nuclear investment projects needs a favourable -though non-binding- opinion from the European Commission.

Question 18

The Euratom Treaty (2012/C 327/01), establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), lays down the foundation for the peaceful use of nuclear materials and technologies in the EU and establishes a nuclear material supervision system, known as ‘…’, under the responsibility of the European Commission.

The Euratom Treaty explicitly requires the Commission to ensure … of civil nuclear materials from their intended uses and compliance with the … obligations assumed by the Euratom Community under the relevant international agreements.

Answer 18

The Euratom Treaty (2012/C 327/01), establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), lays down the foundation for the peaceful use of nuclear materials and technologies in the EU and establishes a nuclear material supervision system, known as ‘Euratom safeguards’, under the responsibility of the European Commission.

The Euratom Treaty explicitly requires the Commission to ensure non-diversion of civil nuclear materials from their intended uses and compliance with the safeguards obligations assumed by the Euratom Community under the relevant international agreements.

Question 19

On … the Commission published a proposal to update and replace Regulation 302/2005 (Euratom safeguards) in order to take account of developments in recent years in the nuclear sector and in …, thereby ensuring the continued effectiveness and efficiency of Euratom safeguards. In line with the Euratom Treaty, it is now for the Council to approve this new regulation.

Answer 19

On 21 December 2023 the Commission published a proposal to update and replace Regulation 302/2005 (Euratom safeguards) in order to take account of developments in recent years in the nuclear sector and in information tecnologies, thereby ensuring the continued effectiveness and efficiency of Euratom safeguards. In line with the Euratom Treaty, it is now for the Council to approve this new regulation.

Question 20

All … of nuclear materials within the EU must provide information on their installations, and report on the … and … of nuclear materials to the Commission, as outlined in Commission Regulation (Euratom/302/2005).

The Commission verifies the correctness, … and … of the declarations of flows and stocks of nuclear materials provided by the users of nuclear materials as well as the correspondence of the physical reality to the declarations.

This involves:
-monitoring and evaluating the users’ nuclear material accounting and control system
-physical …, performed both at the Commission headquarters in Luxembourg and …

The Commission draws annual safeguards conclusions evaluating the findings of its safeguards activities. It has the right to … in case of infringement of Euratom safeguards provisions.

Answer 20

All users of nuclear materials within the EU must provide information on their installations, and report on the flows and inventories of nuclear materials to the Commission, as outlined in Commission Regulation (Euratom/302/2005).

The Commission verifies the correctness, completeness and coherence of the declarations of flows and stocks of nuclear materials provided by the users of nuclear materials as well as the correspondence of the physical reality to the declarations.

This involves:
-monitoring and evaluating the users’ nuclear material accounting and control system
-physical verifications, performed both at the Commission headquarters in Luxembourg and on-site at the installations, where nuclear material is used

The Commission draws annual safeguards conclusions evaluating the findings of its safeguards activities. It has the right to impose sanctions in case of infringement of Euratom safeguards provisions.

Question 21

At the international level, nuclear safeguards, as part of the measures for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, are the responsibility of the …. All EU countries are members of the … and have signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Answer 21

At the international level, nuclear safeguards, as part of the measures for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, are the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). All EU countries are members of the IAEA and have signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Question 22

The NPT distinguishes between non-nuclear-weapon countries and nuclear-weapon countries. Therefore, 2 multilateral safeguards agreements were concluded

-the safeguards agreement and its respective additional protocol between the …, Euratom and the IAEA
-the safeguards agreement and its respective additional protocol between …, Euratom and the IAEA

In implementing these agreements, the Commission and the IAEA collaborate closely by performing … of installations and using common …, while maintaining their ability to draw independent ….

Answer 22

The NPT distinguishes between non-nuclear-weapon countries and nuclear-weapon countries. Therefore, 2 multilateral safeguards agreements were concluded

-the safeguards agreement and its respective additional protocol between the EU non-nuclear weapons countries, Euratom and the IAEA
-the safeguards agreement and its respective additional protocol between France, Euratom and the IAEA

In implementing these agreements, the Commission and the IAEA collaborate closely by performing joint inspections of installations and using common instruments and tools, while maintaining their ability to draw independent conclusions.

Question 23

The EU-UK Agreement for cooperation … is the third agreement besides the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the EU-UK Security of Information Agreement, which was negotiated during the transition period. It was signed on …, was applied provisionally as of 1 January 2021 and entered into force on ….

Answer 23

The EU-UK Agreement for cooperation on the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy is the third agreement besides the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the EU-UK Security of Information Agreement, which was negotiated during the transition period. It was signed on 30 December 2020, was applied provisionally as of 1 January 2021 and entered into force on 1 May 2021.

Question 24

What the EU-UK Agreement for cooperation on the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy enables

• the … and … of nuclear material, non-nuclear material, technology and equipment;
• … and … cooperation relating to the nuclear fuel cycle;
• cooperation in the safe management of …;
• nuclear … and radiation …;
• use of radioisotopes and radiation in …, … and …;
• … and … exploration;
• development, production, further processing and use of … resources.
• Cooperation in … and ….

Answer 24

What the EU-UK Agreement for cooperation on the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy enables

• the supply and transfer of nuclear material, non-nuclear material, technology and equipment;
• trade and commercial cooperation relating to the nuclear fuel cycle;
• cooperation in the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste;
• nuclear safety and radiation protection;
• use of radioisotopes and radiation in agriculture, industry and medicine;
• geological and geophysical exploration;
• development, production, further processing and use of uranium resources.
• Cooperation in ECURIE and EURDEP.

Question 25

When was the standing group of national experts advising the EC on the transport of nuclear materials set up?

Answer 25

1982

Question 26

What are the main objectives of the Euratom treaty?

Answer 26

In particular, the objective is, within a common nuclear energy market:

• to promote research;
• to achieve security of supply for all EU countries;
• to establish a system for supervising the peaceful use of nuclear materials intended for civilian use and ensuring high common standards for health and safety.