Brussels, January 4th, 2005.

Dr. Stephen O. DEAN, President
Fusion Power Associates
2 Professional Drive, Suite 249
Gaithersburg. MD 20879 U.S.A.

Dear Dr. Dean,

Several articles in the world press on ITER have raised considerable interest and the reactions show that some are wondering whether the new European position is a bluff.

This new European position has 3 elements :

1. Build ITER in Cadarache

2. With the 6 partners in the present negotiations : China, European Union, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the USA.

3. If this is not possible very soon, build it with China, Russia and the other partners wishing to join (including possibly Brazil and India)

Aside from the fact that the decisions of the European Council are only taken after very serious thought and preparation, one can easily summarise the credibility of its financial basis. The EU participation would consist of 64 % (40 % EU Commission, 20 % France, and an extra voluntary contribution of 4 % from various European governments). The 10 % participations of China and Russia would bring the total to 84%.

Large economies on procurement by the EU can be made by using the CERN system of placing contracts and/or subcontracts to Chinese and Russian industries. This with the possible joining of new parties or associated countries would largely cover the remaining 16 %.

However, I would like to end by again stating that, if the EU is convinced that decisions must now be made very soon, how much the EU would prefer implementing the solution in Cadarache within the framework of the present six parties.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Emeritus Paul VANDENPLAS,
Vice Chairman, Consultative Committee Euratom-Fusion

Professor Vandenplas can be reached at Paul.Vandenplas@rma.ac.be