Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation 2007-2013: establishment

This Report relates to all Instruments for Nuclear Safety Cooperation's (INSC) Annual Action Programmes (AAPs) since 2007 that are still on-going in 2010 and 2011. It also describes the developments with respect to the AAPs 2010 and 2011.

The Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC 2007-2013) came into force on 1 January 2007. Its main objectives are to support the promotion of a high level of nuclear safety, radiation protection and the application of efficient and effective safeguards of nuclear material in non-EU countries, worldwide.

The present Report is limited in terms of achievements and impact due to the relatively early stage of implementation of the INSC programme. During the reporting period, only a few projects have been completed. Most projects are under preparation or currently being implemented.

As of mid 2012, some 50 projects under the 2007-2009 AAPs and a further 30 projects under the AAPs for 2010 and 2011 are at various stages of implementation. Several of these projects are split into a number of different sub-projects for separate contracting. Contracting documents are currently under preparation for most projects under the 2010 and 2011 AAPs. All of these projects are fully compliant with the objectives of the INSC Regulation.

The enhancement of the nuclear safety culture through INSC incorporates lessons learned from the TACIS Nuclear Safety programme, while properly addressing emerging needs within a mandate no longer restricted to the former Soviet Union. The INSC programme continued the actions initiated under TACIS, mainly in Eastern Europe but, progressively, cooperation was extended in geographical scope as well as in content.

Cooperation with nuclear regulators continued to grow while that with operators was scaled down and the development of responsible management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, decommissioning and site remediation gained increasing importance. Contributions to the Chernobyl Funds continued to consume a significant part of the yearly budget, but these should end in 2013.

The geographical coverage of the programme increased steadily from four countries in 2007 to some 15 countries in 2010 and 2011. Cooperation with others continued to be explored. The number of beneficiary countries was expected to reach 17 with the 2012 AAP.

The INSC implementation in 2010 and 2011 is considered to be well-targeted, the approved projects well-conceived and the projects, once contracted (only a limited number had been contracted so far), were developing well. When successfully implemented, they will contribute significantly to enhancing nuclear safety and nuclear safety culture in the beneficiary countries.

The Commission sees the discontinuation of cooperation with the Russian Federation under the INSC in the fields of nuclear regulation, improvement of operational safety and establishment of responsible management of radioactive waste, decommissioning and remediation as a disappointing development. Considering the impact also on neighbouring countries, the fact that the Russian Federation is a major exporter of nuclear technology and the mutual benefits that would result from further cooperation between the EU and the Russian Federation, the Commission will continue to seek ways for effective and mutually satisfactory cooperation with the Russian Federation on a partnership basis.