Nuclear safety
The Chernobyl accident in 1986highlighted the global importance of nuclear safety. Contamination by radioactivity impacts on entire regions, affecting the life and health of mankind beyond borders. At the same time, because of the global warming and the rising cost of energy, nuclear power has a new importance in many countries. EU external aid programmes aim to improve nuclear safety in the world.
Financial support
The most important financial instruments which help the European Union to promote nuclear safety in non EU countries are:
- Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC). The programme has a €524 billion budget for the period 2007-2013 and it covers non-EU countries all over the world.
- Chernobyl Shelter Fund (CSF). With a total of € 844 million as of June 2009, the CFS focuses on the shelter (“sarcophagus”) enclosing the remains of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
- Nuclear Safety Account (NSA) – created in 1993 to finance nuclear safety projects in Central and Eastern Europe, the support it has provided so far amounts to €320 million.
Learn more on EU Nuclear safety funds.
Background info
The EU aims to promote nuclear safety worldwide. Within its territory the European Union ensures a high level of nuclear safety in the 27 EU countries.
To promote nuclear safety at international level, the EU:
- finances help – EU external aid programmes (i.e. INSC) and provide practical assistance to third countries to improve nuclear safety on the spot, such as training or dispatching workers, etc.
- tackles nuclear safety at different levels – participating in various international fora treating the issue, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). For instance, all EU countries signed the Convention on Nuclear Safety, which aims to improve nuclear safety worldwide. The EU conducts policies on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the European Security Strategy.
- focuses on coherent policies – other EU activities, such as dual-use goods and export controls or the special ties created between the EU and the neighbouring countries, have also an impact on nuclear safety. Countries wishing to join the EU have to comply with EU legislation in the field of nuclear safety.