18.2.2012 Official Journal of the European Union L 47)25 DECISIONS COUNCIL DECISION of 19 December 2011 concerning the Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012 to 2013) (2012/93/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 European Commission submitted after consultation of the Scientific and Technical Committee, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ('), Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2), Whereas: 1 Joint national and European efforts in the area of research and training are essential to promote and ensure economic growth and the well-being of citizens in Europe. The Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2012-2013) (hereinafter ‘the Framework Programme’) should complement other European Union actions in the area of research policy that are necessary for implementing the Europe 2020 strategy adopted by the European Council on 17 June 2010, in particular those on education, training, competitiveness and inno- vation, industry, employment, and the environment. The Framework Programme should build on the achiev- ements of the Seventh Framework Programme adopted by Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) (), whilst including necessary reinforced emphasis on nuclear safety contributing to reorientation of nuclear research. It should also contribute to the creation of the European Research Area and towards the development of a knowledge economy and society in Europe. (") Opinion of 17 November 2011 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Opinion delivered following non-compulsory consultation. (3 OJ C 318, 29.10.2011, p. 127. Opinion delivered following non- compulsory consultation. () O] L 400, 30.12.2006. p. 60. ) The Framework Programme should contribute to the implementation of the Innovation Union, one of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives adopted by the Council conclusions at its meeting on 25 and 26 November 2010, by enhancing competition for scientific excellence and accelerating the deployment of key innovations in the nuclear energy field, notably in fusion and nuclear safety, and contribute to tackling energy and climate change challenges. In the context of the Energy Policy for Europe, the European Council at its meeting on 8 and 9 March 2007 confirmed that it is for each and every Member State to decide whether or not to rely on nuclear energy and stressed that this has to be done while further improving nuclear safety and the management of radio- active waste. It is also acknowledged that nuclear energy has, for the time being, the role of a ‘bridging technology’ in certain Member States. Notwithstanding the potential impact of nuclear energy on energy supply and economic development, severe nuclear accidents may have a potential to endanger human health. Therefore, under the Framework Programme, nuclear safety and, where appropriate, security aspects should be given greatest possible attention. The security aspects of the Framework Programme should be limited to the direct actions of the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan), set out in the Council conclusions of 28 February 2008, is accelerating the development of a portfolio of low carbon technologies. The European Council agreed, at the meeting on 4 February 2011, that the Union and its Member States would promote investment in renewables, safe and sustainable low carbon technologies and focus on implementing the technology priorities established in the SET Plan. The Community has created a single and fully integrated fusion research programme that has taken a leading international role in the development of fusion as a source of energy. Following the Council Decision of 20 December 2005, the Community acceded to the Framework Agreement for International Collaboration on Research and Devel- opment of Generation-IV International Forum (GIF) on