1st meeting of Ukraine-Euratom R&I Committee

On 4 July 2018 the First Meeting of the Ukraine-Euratom Research and Innovation Committee (the Joint Committee) under the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the European Atomic Energy Community associating Ukraine to the Euratom Research and Training programme (2014-2018) took place in Brussels.

The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Mr Maksym Strikha, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the European Commission delegation by Mr Patrick Child, EC Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation, who chaired the meeting.

The Joint Committee reviewed and assessed the association of Ukraine to the Euratom Research and Training Programme (2014-2018) since the Association Agreement entered into force on 28 October 2016. The Association Agreement covers the whole spectrum of activities under the Programme including grant funded fission and fusion research, as well as the activities of the Joint Research Centre in the field of nuclear research.

In his opening remarks, Mr Child stressed that the European Commission is committed to the successful implementation of the association of Ukraine to Euratom. Mr Strikha emphasized Ukrainian appreciation of the higher status of cooperation. Ukraine also welcomed the EC National Contact Point (NCP) coordination and support action under the Euratom Work Programme 2018 focused on deeper integration of Ukrainian researchers in Euratom. This project facilitates the participation of Ukrainian scientists in Euratom Programmes, enhances networking between European and Ukrainian scientists and raises awareness both of Euratom in Ukraine and of Ukrainian research activities in the EU.

The Joint Committee stressed the advantages of association in terms of Ukrainian research entities' participation in indirect actions of nuclear fission and radiation protection under the same conditions as those applicable to legal entities of Member States of the EU. Ukraine became a full partner with the same rights and benefits as national laboratories from EU Member States in the EUROfusion consortium, implementing a comprehensive joint programme in line with the agreed European roadmap to fusion electricity. Ukrainian research institutions are increasingly collaborating with the Joint Research Centre under the Euratom Programme, often jointly with other European partners, establishing informal networks and opening further cooperation opportunities.

Mr Child stressed the importance of international cooperation in nuclear safety research and encouraged Ukrainian research entities to participate in the call under the Euratom Work Programme 2018.

Both sides agreed on further developing their cooperation, as required by the Association Agreement and expressed satisfaction with the pace of association. The second meeting is planned for the spring of 2020.