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