EURATOM Research and Training Program 2021-2025

The European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) was established by the EURATOM Treaty in 1957(consolidated version 2016), with the purpose of coordinating the research programs of the Member States with a view to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The EURATOM Treaty currently contributes to the sharing of knowledge, infrastructure and financing of nuclear energy, guaranteeing the security of atomic energy supply within the framework of a centralized monitoring system. Although it is a separate legal entity from the European Union, it is governed by its institutions (Commission, Council, under the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union).

EURATOM Research and Training Programme 2021-2025

Under Article 4 of the EURATOM Treaty, the promotion of research on the civil use of nuclear energy is an important function of the European Commission. The EURATOM Research and Training Programme has been established for the period 2021-2025, with a budget of €1.38 billion. This five-year programme (a deadline set by Article 7 of the EURATOM Treaty) will subsequently be extended by two years (until 2027) to align it with the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the related EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon Europe).

The EURATOM Research and Training Programme 2021-2025, covering the area of nuclear research and training, complements the Horizon Europe Programme, using the same instruments and rules for participation. It focuses on fusion, nuclear safety, radiation protection, radioactive waste management and decommissioning.

The programme has direct actions (undertaken by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre - JRC - under a separate work programme) and indirect fission and fusion research actions (undertaken by consortia of multiple partners).

Fission research focuses on safety, spent fuel and radioactive waste management, decommissioning, radiation protection, education and training. The new programme places greater emphasis on non-energy applications of nuclear technology. In this respect, the area of medicine stands out and synergies are established between the EURATOM Programme and the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (cf. ionizing radiation used for diagnosis and therapy). Other areas of application could include agriculture, environment and space.

Fusion research focuses on the implementation of the European Research Roadmap for the realisation of Fusion Energy, which represents a long-term option for the use of low-carbon technologies for large-scale power generation. It could thus help meet the growing demand for decarbonization of the power generation system by the end of this century. Before the development of fusion power plants, fusion research will allow Europe to create high-tech innovations and with them a more competitive high-tech industry.

Partnerships under the EURATOM Research and Training Programme 2021-2025

Much of the EURATOM Programme is implemented through four European Partnerships:

Co-funded European Partnership for Radiation Protection Research (PIANOFORTE), under the EURATOM Work Programme 2021-2022. This Partnership is based on the research priorities identified in the roadmap developed by the European Joint Programme for the Integration of Radiation Protection Research, CONCERT.
Co-funded European Partnership for Fusion Research (EUROfusion), under the EURATOM Work Programme 2021-2022. This Partnership undertaken by the European Consortium for Development of Fusion Energy, EUROfusion, will implement the European fusion research roadmap over the years 2021-2025.
Co-financed European Partnership for Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD-2), under the EURATOM Work Programme for 2023-2025. This Partnership will build on the Joint European Programme for Radioactive Waste Management, EURAD.
Co-funded European Partnership for Research in Nuclear Materials, under the EURATOM Work Programme 2023-2025. This Partnership will build on the results of the Coordination and Support Action "Organisation of the European Research Community on Nuclear Materials", ORIENT-NM.

Calls - EURATOM Work Programme 2023-2025

Call for Horizon-EURATOM-2023-NRT-01 proposals
- Opening date: April 4, 2023
- Closing date: November 8, 2023
- Proposals can be submitted on 11 topics, accessible here.

Call for the SOFT Innovation Prize 2024 (EURATOM-2024-SOFT-Prize)
- Opening date: September 26, 2023
- Closing date: January 16, 2024
- O SOFT Innovation Prize 2024 highlights and rewards excellence in innovation in fusion research, as well as the quality of the researchers and industries involved.
- More information can be found here.

EURATOM/IAEA survey (Contact list)

To receive all the information concerning work programs, calendar of Calls and events held, subscribe to our contact list here.

FCT, as one of the founding partners of PERIN (Portugal in Europe Research and Innovation Network), and through its Delegates and National Contact Points, ensures the national representation and coordination of the promotion of research and innovation activities related to the EURATOM Research and Training Programme for 2021-2025.