ITER : COUNCIL OKAYS ADDITIONAL FINANCING, EP TO FOLLOW SUIT IN APRIL.

• Position: International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor - European Parliament - Brief article

The Council of Ministers okayed, on 26 March, the deal concluded during three-way talks with Parliament and Commission in December last year on the additional funding needs for ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in 2012-2013. Parliament is yet to adopt its position on draft amending budget No 1 for 2012. This is due to happen at committee level, on 29 March, and in plenary during the 17-20 April session.

The agreement covers the 1.3 billion additional funding needs (750 million in 2012 and 550 million in 2013, all in commitment appropriations). During the negotiations over the 2012 EU budget, it was agreed that 100 million would be redeployed from within Heading 1a (competitiveness), to which ITER belongs. In addition, 840 million in commitments will be shifted around, to be made available mostly this year. This manoeuvre requires a revision of the multiannual financial framework, which the EP and Council both green-lighted.

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