1. The general objective of the Euratom Programme is to pursue nuclear research and training activities, with an emphasis on the continuous improvement of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, as well as to complement the achievement of Horizon Europe’s objectives

inter alia

in the context of the energy transition.

2. The Euratom Programme has the following specific objectives:

(a) improve and support nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management and decommissioning, including the safe and secure use of nuclear power and of non-power applications of ionizing radiation;

(b) maintain and further develop expertise and competence in the nuclear field within the Community;

(c) foster the development of fusion energy as a potential future energy source for electricity production and contribute to the implementation of the European fusion roadmap;

(d) support the policy of the Union and its Member States on continuous improvement of nuclear safety, safeguards and security.

3. The objectives listed in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be implemented in accordance with Annex I. The implementation of those objectives may, if duly justified, include responses to emerging opportunities, crises and threats.

Article 4

Budget

1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Euratom Programme for the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025 shall be EUR 1 382 000 000 in current prices.

2. The indicative distribution of the amount referred to in paragraph 1 shall be:

(a) EUR 583 273 000 for indirect actions in fusion research and development;

(b) EUR 266 399 000 for indirect actions in nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection;

The Commission may not deviate from the amount referred to in point (c) of this paragraph.

3. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may also be used to cover expenses for preparation, monitoring, control, audit, evaluation and other activities and expenditures necessary for managing and implementing the Euratom Programme, including all administrative expenditure, as well as evaluating the achievement of its objectives. The administrative expenses related to indirect actions shall not exceed 6 % of the amount distributed to indirect actions of the Euratom Programme referred to in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 2. In addition, the amount referred to in paragraph 1 may also cover:

(a) in so far as they are related to the objectives of the Euratom Programme, expenses relating to studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions;

(b) expenses linked to information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange, including corporate information technology tools and other technical and administrative assistance needed in connection with the management of the Euratom Programme.

4. If necessary to enable the management of actions not completed by 31 December 2025, appropriations may be entered in the budget beyond 2025 to cover the expenses provided for in paragraph 3.

5. Budgetary commitments for actions extending over more than one financial year may be broken down into annual instalments over several years.

6. Without prejudice to the Financial Regulation, expenditure for actions resulting from projects included in the first work programme may be eligible as from 1 January 2021.