European Commission Funded Projects

The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security of the IAEA is conducting several projects with funding from the European Commission under the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC). These projects are implemented by the IAEA under its approved Regular Programme with supplementary funding by the European Commission.

 

These projects aim to support the promotion of a high level of nuclear and radiation safety, radiation protection, radioactive waste management and remediation. As such, the projects support two of the INSC objectives, i.e.

• The promotion of an effective nuclear safety culture and implementation of the highest nuclear safety standards and radiation protection at all levels
• Responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, decommissioning and remediation of former nuclear sites and installations

Key implementation mechanisms include (Art. III/6 of the IAEA’s Statute):

1. Establishing standards of safety and related guidance material

2. Providing for the application of the Safety Standards through, inter alia,

• Promoting education and training (e.g. organizing workshops and training courses with the aim to train-the-trainers to build capacity in Member States)
• Providing peer review and advisory services upon Member States’ requests
• Fostering exchange of information (e.g. setting up of regional networks)

3. Promoting and encouraging the adherence to international instruments and conventions, such as, inter alia, the Nuclear Safety Convention, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and related Import/Export Guidance.

EC PUI Projects

The IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) was initially launched in 2010 and has, since then, become an important vehicle for raising extra-budgetary contributions in support of Agency activities in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Starting 2014, the Department will conduct 10 projects covering different needs of Member States including, among others, topics such as safety assessment against different hazards, operational safety reviews, management of radioactive materials andradiation protection. The current projects under the PUI being conducted by the IAEA are:

• A.1. Design Safety Assessment of Operating Facilities against extreme hazards
• A.2. Enhancing the operational safety review services for nuclear power plants
• B.1. Practical intervention techniques to reduce public doses at uranium mining and milling legacy sites
• B.2. Review of remediation plans and activities for uranium mining and milling sites
• B.3. Development of reference regulations for decommissioning
• B.4 (1) Occupational radiation protection and risk management for NPPs
• B.4 (2) Strengthening occupational radiation protection at future intensified activities to improve safety within nuclear facilities
• C.1. Identifying Safety and Regulatory Implications from the Fukushima Accident on IAEA Safety Standards and Safety Services
• C.2. Enhancing the Safety Assessment Capability and Oversight of Nuclear Installations
• C.3. Strengthening of an effective compliance assurance regime in transport of radioactive material in the European Southern neighbourhood region (Mediterranean Sea) and associated shipping states

Other EC Contribution Agreements

• EC-IAEA Cooperation in the Field of Nuclear Safety – MC.01a/09 Contract No 2010/244-291
• Provide expert advice to Central Asian countries affected by the legacy of uranium sites and reinforce regional and international cooperation in this matter (the CGULS project) - (Component 1 of CA 2011/268-525)

For further information please contact