The European Commission

Research on controlled fusion for peaceful purposes started in Europe during the 1950s, and the first fusion activities at the European Community level were part of the initial programme of the European Atomic Energy Community ((Euratom) in 1958. A small group was established in Brussels with the task of defining the role of Euratom in fusion research and ensuring the progressive coordination and integration of fusion activities in Europe. The close collaboration of this group and the European Fusion Community has resulted in the formation of a single fusion research programme, coordinated on the European level. The Brussels group now forms part of the Energy (Euratom) Directorate of the Directorate-General for Research of the European Commission.

The Commission - with the advice of the CCE-FU (Consultative Committee for the Euratom specific research and training programme in the field of nuclear energy - Fusion) - is responsible for implementing the fusion programme. "Contracts of Association" exist between Euratom and Member states (and Associated countries such as the Swiss Federation), or research organisations in the Member States. The research is carried out in the laboratories of the fusion Associations, and in EFDA. There are also other contracts of limited duration and contracts with European industry.