[en] One of the main concerns related to the disposal in deep geological repository of the conditioned nuclear wastes generated after reprocessing of spent fuels is related to the presence within these wastes of long lived radionuclides (LLRNs), and particularly those of the so-called minor actinides, neptunium, americium (Am) and curium (Cm). Within its 4. Framework programme (FWP), covering the period 1996-1999, the European Union supported several research contracts in order to define processes for the Partitioning of the LLRNs from the wastes in view of their subsequent Transmutation (P-T scenario) or Conditioning (P-C scenario). NEWPART was one of these contract aiming to define solvent extraction processes for Am and Cm partitioning. The main achievements obtained in the course of this research are highlighted in this article. The research carried out within the NEWPART programme was highly successful: several DIAMEX and SANEX processes were developed and successfully tested in hot conditions for the partitioning of Am and Cm. About fifty papers were published in International Journals and Proceedings of International Conferences. The European collaboration in this field will be pursued within the 52. FWP of the European Union during the period 1999-2002. (authors)