Brussels, Belgium, December 8: The European Commission has concluded with Bulgarian, Lithuanian and Slovakian institutions association agreements on behalf of EURATOM, the European Atomic Energy Community, securing long-term R&D co-operation in the field of fusion energy across the European Union. Building on a history of successful collaboration in the field, scientists and research organisations in these countries will have greater access to Europe’s integrated fusion research programme and facilities starting in 2007.
The Commission has entered into agreements
with the Institute of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy (Bulgarian Academy
of Sciences) in Sofia, Lithuanian Energy Institute in Kaunas, and the
Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. These Contracts of Association
are the building blocks for the integrated R&D programme in fusion physics
and technology at European level. The contracts call for a fusion research
unit to be established in each country and several research institutions
will be involved in carrying out the work programme.
The recently launched Contracts of Association build upon existing solid
partnerships thanks to the work of researchers from each of these three
countries in limited duration contracts (cost-sharing actions).
Alongside each country’s specific work programmes, they will become
signatories to the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA), which
promotes general cooperation between its associated countries in the joint
exploitation of JET and the field of fusion technologies. Finally,
associated countries also have the
opportunity to take part in mobility and fellowship schemes that encourage
the participation and training of young scientists in fusion research.
The three new associates have a strong scientific background which will
enrich and strengthen the fusion research community and - under the EURATOM
banner - will make an important contribution to the
ITER project as well as
further develop the expertise needed to build future power plants. At the
same time, they will be part of a prestigious programme with a renowned
reputation for its high quality scientific and technical results obtained in
JET and elsewhere in the European fusion programme.These new Associations
will participate as part of the European contribution to international
projects such as ITER.
