Brussels, 05/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 1 December, the European Council, Parliament and Commission reached an agreement on funding additional costs for the ITER nuclear reactor for the next two years: €1.3 billion (see EUROPE 10507). The agreement will now be formally adopted by the EU institutions according to their internal procedures. This funding will be allocated as follows: €100m already included in the 2012 budget on the ITER budget lines; €360m in commitments will be made available in the 2013 budget procedure without resorting to increasing the Multiannual Financial Framework ceilings; €840m from increasing the ceilings for commitments of Heading 1a (competitiveness for growth and employment) for 2012 (€650m) and 2013 (€190m). The increase will be compensated by decreasing commitments of Heading 2 (natural resources) by €450m in 2011 and Heading 5 (administration) in 2011 and 2012 by €390m altogether.
“I am relieved that the extra financial needs of ITER are now covered”, stated EU Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski. He added: “The EU could not afford to lose credibility vis-à-vis its international partners involved in the project. Furthermore, I am pleased that this budgetary deal was made possible thanks to the positive spirit shown by the representatives of both the Council and the Parliament.” (LC/transl.fl)