FP7 is the short name for the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. This is the EU’s main instrument for funding research in Europe and it will run from 2007 to 2013. FP7 is also designed to respond to Europe’s employment needs, competitiveness and quality of life.

The framework programme for nuclear research and training activities will comprise Community research, technological development, interna­tional cooperation, dissemination of technical information and exploitation activities as well as training.

Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technological Platform, SNETP (2007)

The SNETP was officially launched in 2007. Today, SNETP gathers about 70 European stakeholders from industry, research and academia, technical safety organizations, non-governmental organizations and national repre­sentatives. SNETP aims to support fully through R&D programmes the role of nuclear energy in Europe’s energy mix, and its contributions to the security and competitiveness of energy supply, as well as to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this objective, SNETP has elabo­rated a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) that identifies and prioritizes the research topics.

SNETP has set up a specific Working Group dedicated to Education, Training and Knowledge Management (ETKM) issues, with the support provided by the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) Association. This workforce will in part also provide qualified staff to Europe’s nuclear industrial sector to accompany the development of the sector in the next decades.