L 294/74 Official Journal of the European Communities 29.10.2002 COUNCIL DECISION of 30 September 2002 adopting a specific programme (Euratom) for research and training on nuclear energy (2002-2006) (2002/837Euratom) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular the first paragraph of Article 7 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas: 1 By Decision No. 2002/668/Euratom (4) the Council adopted the Sixth Framework Programme of the Euro- pean Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities, also contributing to the creation of the European Research Area (2002-2006) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the framework programme)) to be implemented by means of research and training programme(s) drawn up in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, which define the detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities for the implementation of the framework programme, (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation’) should apply to this programme. The Commission’s administrative expenditure for the implementation of this programme reflects the high number of staff seconded to laboratories in the members States and to the ITER project. Pending the conclusion of international negotiations on ITER and a possible decision on its joint implementation, European Community leadership in fusion research should be maintained. () OJC181E, 30.7.2002, p. 112. (3 Opinion delivered on 13 June 2002 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (}) 0] C221,17.9.2002, p. 97. (4 OJL 232,29.8.2002, p. 34. ®) This programme s open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and is also, except in the case of fusion research, open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. In implementing this programme, emphasis should be given to promoting mobility of researchers, and innovation, in the Community as well as international cooperation activities with third countries and inter- national organisations. Special attention should be paid to the candidate countries. Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in Article 6 of the Treaty on the European Union and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as the need to take into account public acceptability of these activities. Following the Commission Communication ‘Women and Science’ and the Resolutions of the Council of 20 May 1999 (%) and 26 June 2000 (9 and the Resolution of 3 February 2000 of the European Parliament () on this theme, an action plan is being implemented in order to reinforce and increase the place and role of women in science and research, which should ensure the respect of equality of opportunity, irrespective of gender. This programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking account of relevant interests, in particular of the scientific, indus- trial, user and policy communities. The research activities carried out under it should be adapted where appropriate to the needs of Community policies and to scientific and technological developments. () 0] €201, 16.7.1999, p. 1. (®) OJ C 199, 14.7.2001, p. 1. () OJ C 309, 27.10.2000, p. 57.