Overview of EU activities in partitioning and transmutation research in the EURATOM 6. and 7. framework programmes

European Community research has been organised in Framework Programmes (FP) of durations of four to five years since 1984. In order to create a better overall framework for research in Europe and for achieving higher competitiveness and better quality of life, a European Research Area (ERA) was launched in the year 2000. The 6. EURATOM FP (2002-2006), with a budget of 1.23 billion euros including nuclear fusion, is geared toward making ERA a reality. A total of 11 projects in P and T in EURATOM FP6, representing a well-balanced portfolio, are underway with a total budget of ∼81 M euros and EC contribution of ∼43,5 M euros. These include a project on road-mapping exercise, PATEROS, and integrated projects such as EUROPART (partitioning) and EUROTRANS (transmutation) and integrated infrastructure initiatives such as VELLA (networking of lead loop infrastructures) and EFNUDAT (networking of EU nuclear data facilities). A proposal for the EURATOM FP7 (2007-2011) was adopted by the European Commission in April 2005. It has been submitted to the Council and a final decision is expected to be taken towards the end of 2006. For nuclear fission energy research, the key issues are identified as: (i) management of long-lived waste including partitioning and transmutation; (ii) operational safety of reactors and potential and safety aspects of future reactor systems; (iii) cross-cutting activities such as (a) support for research infrastructures and (b) retaining competence and know-how. International co-operation is an important element in the EU research policy. (authors)