In February 2007, Euratom and Japan signed the Broader Approach agreement.

This aims to complement the ITER Project and to accelerate the realisation of fusion energy by carrying out R&D and developing some advanced technologies for future demonstration fusion power reactors (DEMO).

Within the Broader Approach, three main projects are being implemented:

• the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility - Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activity (IFMIF-EVEDA)
• the Satellite Tokamak Programme (STP) involving the construction and operation of the JT-60SA device
• the International Fusion Energy Research Centre (IFERC)