Continuing excellence in nuclear safety and innovation

Today, the European Commission published its proposal to extend the Euratom Research and Training Programme to 2026-2027. This extension seeks to continue the initiatives started under the 2021-2025 Programme, aligning with the remaining duration of the current European multiannual financial framework (MFF).

The extension proposal reflects EU policies that seek to increase Europe’s energy competitiveness, security and sustainability - including the Commission’s Communication on the Clean Industrial Deal - all while ensuring the highest safety standards. 

The proposal includes:

• Enhancing safety research: providing nuclear power plants with the latest tools and methods to ensure safety.
• Strengthening partnerships: increasing funding for European collaborations in radiation protection, waste management and nuclear materials. 
• Leading in fusion energy research: developing a new partnership that includes public and private sectors to tackle design and construction challenges of future fusion power plants.
• Expanding education and training: promoting several opportunities for students and researchers through mobility and access to infrastructure, along with efforts to skill, reskill, and upskill the workforce.
• Advancing nuclear security research: focusing on nuclear safeguards, security and non-proliferation in response to the increasing global use of nuclear technologies.

The proposed programme extension remains consistent with the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. This ensures it complements ongoing EU research efforts and includes all Member States.

The European Commission's proposal follows consultations with the Euratom Scientific and Technical Committee. It is based on the findings and recommendations of the interim evaluation of the 2021-2025 programme which highlighted the importance of continuing nuclear safety research and adjusting efforts in fusion energy research, particularly by involving more private financing and industry expertise.

On 14 March, the proposal for extension will be presented and discussed with the Member States. The Council of the European Union will decide on its adoption.

Background

Euratom Research and Training Programme

The Euratom Research and Training Programme (2021-2025) is the EU’s nuclear research and training programme with an emphasis on the continuous improvement of nuclear safety and security, radiation protection and waste management and fusion, ensuring open access to infrastructures, education and training, and international cooperation. It supports the energy transition objectives of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme, as well as the implementation of the European fusion and fission roadmaps.