EU INDIA COLLABORATION ON PEACEFUL USES OF NUCLEAR POWER
Background
- India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
- This cooperation is under the India–Euratom Agreement, which was signed in July 2020.
WHAT IS THE AGREEMENT ABOUT?
India and the EU will work together in civil (non-military) nuclear areas, such as:
1. Nuclear Research & Technology
- Research in nuclear science and technology
- Development of advanced materials for radiation detectors
- Cooperation in radiation safety and nuclear security
2. Non-Power Uses of Atomic Energy
- Radio-pharmaceuticals (used in cancer diagnosis and treatment)
- Medical and industrial applications of nuclear technology
3. ITER Cooperation
- Strengthening cooperation in ITER
- ITER = International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
- Aim: Develop nuclear fusion as a future clean energy source
HORIZON EUROPE PROGRAM
- India and EU will deepen cooperation under Horizon Europe
- Horizon Europe is the EU’s main funding programme for research and innovation
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Energy
- Water
- Agri-food sector
- Health
- Semiconductors
- Biotechnology
- Advanced materials
How cooperation will happen?
- Co-funding
- Coordinated research calls
THE CBAM ISSUE
What is CBAM?
- Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
- EU policy that imposes extra tariffs on imports like iron and steel
- Applied to producers outside EU who emit more carbon
Why was it a problem for India?
- Indian steel producers may face higher costs
- Could affect India’s exports to EU
WHAT WAS AGREED?
EU has committed to:
- Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) assurance
- Flexibility similar to other third countries
- Technical cooperation on carbon pricing
- Recognition of Indian carbon verifiers
- Financial and technical support to reduce emissions
WHAT IS EURATOM?
- European Atomic Energy Community
- Established in 1957 under the Treaty of Rome
Objective
- Promote peaceful uses of atomic energy
- Create a common European nuclear market
Important Points
- Euratom does NOT control military nuclear material
- Focus only on civil nuclear energy
Membership
- Original members:
- Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands
- Now includes all EU member states
ROLE OF EURATOM
- Regulates civil nuclear industry in Europe
- Nuclear energy provides ~30% of EU electricity
- Ensures:
- Nuclear safety
- Waste disposal
- Safeguards of nuclear material
- Equal access to nuclear supplies
Governance
- Governed by European Commission and Council
- Under European Court of Justice
KEY INSTITUTIONS
- Euratom Supply Agency
- Joint Research Centre (JRC)
- Active in nuclear fusion research
Why is this Important for India?
- Boosts clean and low-carbon energy cooperation
- Helps India in advanced nuclear technology
- Supports medical and health applications
- Strengthens India’s position in global climate negotiations
- Reduces negative impact of CBAM on Indian exports
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