L 64/142 Official Journal of the European Communities 12.3.1999 COUNCIL DECISION of 25 January 1999 adopting a research and training programme (Euratom) in the field of nuclear energy (1998 to 2002) (1999/175/Euratom) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 7 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), (1) Whereas by Decision 1999/64/Euratom (%), the Council adopted the fifth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (hereinafter referred to as ‘the fifth framework programme’) for  research and  training (hereinafter referred to as ‘RT’) activities for the period 1998 to 2002 setting out the general outlines and scientific and technological objectives of the research and training activities to be carried out in the field of nuclear energy; Whereas Article 3 of the fifth framework programme stipulates that the framework programme shall be implemented through specific research and training programmes drawn up in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty; whereas each programme defines the detailed rules for its implementation, fixes its duration and provides for the means deemed necessary; Whereas, in accordance with Article 4(2) of Council Decision 94/268/Euratom of 26 April 1994  concerning the fourth framework programme of Community activities in the field of research and training for the European Atomic Energy Community (1994 to 1998) (%) 0J C 236, 28.7.1998, p. 10. Opinion delivered on 15 December 1998 (not yet published in the Official Journal). QO] C 407, 28.12.1998, p. 123. OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 34. OJ L 115, 6.5.1994, p. 31. Decision as last amended by Decision 96/253/Euratom (O] L 86, 4.4.1996, p. 72). ) and Article 4(2) of the Council Decisions on the specific programmes implementing the fourth framework programme, the Commission has arranged for an external assessment to be conducted which it has transmitted to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee together with its conclusions and comments; Whereas, in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, Council Decision 1999/66/Euratom of 22 December 1998 concerning the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities for the implementation of the fifth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (°) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation’) applies to this specific programme; whereas these rules allow the participation of the Joint Research Centre in the indirect actions covered by this specific programme; Whereas, for the purpose of implementing this programme, it may be appropriate to engage in international cooperation activities, in particular on the basis of Article 101 of the Treaty, with third countries and international organisations; Whereas implementation of this programme will also comprise activities and mechanisms aimed at stimulating, disseminating and exploiting RT results, and activities to encourage the mobility and training of researchers; Whereas it is important that the scientific, industrial and user communities should contribute substantially to the definition of activities to be undertaken and should be involved, as appropriate, in the implementation of this programme; Whereas research activities under the fifth framework programme should also be geared towards innovation in order to contribute, inter alia, to the objectives of the first action plan for innovation; OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 56.