Article 24 Duration and Termination

1. This Agreement shall have an initial duration of 35 years. The last five years of this period, or shorter if agreed with the Host State, shall be dedicated to the de-activation of the ITER facilities.

2. The Council shall, at least eight years before the expiry of this Agreement, establish a Special Committee, chaired by the Director-General, that shall advise it on whether the duration of this Agreement should be extended having regard to the progress of the ITER Project. The Special Committee, shall assess the technical and scientific state of the ITER facilities and reasons for the possible extension of this Agreement and, before recommending to extend this Agreement, the financial aspects in terms of required budget and impact on the de-activation and decommissioning costs. The Special Committee shall submit its report to the Council within one year after its establishment.

3. On the basis of the report, the Council shall decide by unanimity at least six years before the expiry whether to extend the duration of this Agreement.

4. The Council may not extend the duration of this Agreement for a period of more than ten years in total, nor may the Council extend this Agreement if such extension would alter the nature of the activities of the ITER Organization or the framework of financial contribution of the Members.

5. At least six years before the expiry of this Agreement, the Council shall confirm the foreseen end of this Agreement and decide the arrangements for the de-activation phase and the dissolution of the ITER Organization.

6. This Agreement may be terminated by agreement of all Parties, allowing the necessary time for de-activation and ensuring the necessary funds for decommissioning.