The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy around the world. The EU is a major contributor to the IAEA's work, both in terms of financing and technical expertise.
Practical Arrangements on Cooperation
In September 2024, the Commission and the IAEA agreed to 'Practical Arrangements on cooperation in the area of response to nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies', in the margins of the 68th IAEA General Conference.
The Practical Arrangements further reinforce the existing cooperation between the Commission and the IAEA in the event of radiological and nuclear emergencies. This includes a detailed process for early notification and rapid information exchange, which is crucial in ensuring a swift and coordinated response. The arrangement is expected to significantly enhance the emergency preparedness and response capabilities of both organisations, leading to better protection for citizens during nuclear emergencies.
Memorandum of Understanding
EU cooperation with the IAEA on nuclear safety was first formalised by an agreement in 1975, but strengthened - particularly in education and training, research and development, and capacity building - in 2013 when the Commission and the IAEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Safety Cooperation (MoU). The MoU was extended several times (2017, 2021) and the most recent version was signed in September 2022.
The MoU extends Euratom-IAEA cooperation to include emerging areas of common interest, such as education and training, small modular reactors and the safety of fusion installations. The MoU also looks to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of radiation safety, waste safety and emergency preparedness and response.
EU-IAEA Senior Officials Meetings
The 9th EU-IAEA Senior Officials Meeting brought together senior officials of the IAEA and the EU to reaffirm their cooperation on nuclear activities and to further explore areas of cooperation, such as nuclear safety, security and safeguards, with a major focus on the situation in Ukraine.
The 8th EU-IAEA Senior Officials Meeting brought together senior officials of the IAEA and the EU to reaffirm their cooperation on nuclear activities and to further explore areas of cooperation, such as nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
The IAEA and the EU reviewed progress achieved in working together on a range of nuclear activities and agreed to further enhance cooperation during their 7th annual Senior Officials Meeting.
The IAEA and the EU reviewed progress achieved in working together on a range of nuclear activities and agreed to further enhance cooperation during their 6th annual Senior Officials Meeting.
The IAEA and the EU took steps to strengthen their cooperation in a range of nuclear activities, including nuclear science applications during the 5th annual Senior Officials Meeting.
Joint press release of 16/02/2017
IAEA press release of 16/02/2017