European nuclear safety group meets

15 October 2007

The high level group on nuclear safety and radioactive waste management established by the European Commission (EC) in July to develop a common understanding and reinforce common approaches in the safety of nuclear installations held its first meeting on 12 October. Opening the meeting, EU energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs said, "It is up to each Member State to decide whether to have nuclear power or not. But the question of nuclear safety and waste management concerns everybody. The high level group, with experts from all Member States, will be essential in helping us achieve our common goals in this field." The group is composed of senior officials from national regulatory or nuclear safety authorities. During its initial meeting, the group discussed its working methods and purpose. In principle the group will meet several times per year to discuss and follow up the agreed work program. Expert groups may be established in 2008 to provide technical support for the realization of the work program. The group will issue regular reports on its activities to the European Parliament and other interested parties. "Nuclear energy is in Europe and it is here to stay," said Piebalgs, adding that it should be under the condition of "high safety standards and sound management."

Further information

European Commission

WNA's Cooperation in the Nuclear Power Industry information paper
WNA's Safety of Nuclear Power Reactors information paper
WNA's Waste Management in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle information paper

WNN: EU commissioner: Nuclear key to CO2 reduction
WNN: Group to study European nuclear safety
WNN: Europe's low-carbon energy plan

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