Overview

European Nuclear Energy Forum

Public consultations

Nuclear Safety

European Governance in nuclear issues

Radioactive Waste

Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations

Radiation Protection

Transport of Radioactive Material

Nuclear Safeguards

EURATOM Supply Agency

Publications and Reports

Legislation

Joint Convention

Euratom became a member of the "International Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management"
After the instrument of accession was deposited with the International Atomic Energy Agency on the 4 October 2005, the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) became a party to the “International Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management”(“Joint Convention”) on 2 January 2006.

Report on implementation of the obligations under the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management

The Joint Convention entered into force on 18 June 2001. Its main objectives are:

• to achieve and maintain a high level of safety world-wide in the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste by enhancing national measures and international co-operation ;

• to establish and maintain at all stages of spent fuel and radioactive waste management effective defences against potential hazards so that individuals, society and the environment are protected from harmful effects of ionising radiation.

All Member States and the European Atomic Energy Community itself produce radioactive wastes. Part of this waste results from nuclear electricity generation. Smaller – but not insignificant – quantities arise as well from the use of radionuclides in agriculture, medicine and industry and also from research and – more importantly – defence programmes.

On 24 January 2005 the Council adopted a Decision approving the accession of Euratom to the Joint Convention, which was then executed by Commission Decision of 14 June 2005. Euratom, represented by the Commission, will participate at the Second Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties, to be held in Vienna in May 2006. It will present a report on its activities focussing mainly on relevant Euratom legislation contributing to the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste and in this way to a higher and similar protection of all citizens throughout the territory of the enlarged European Union.