EU countries must provide detailed information to the Commission on the potential health impact that any nuclear installation may have on another EU country, related to the disposal of radioactive waste in whatever form, before it can be authorised.
Effects of new nuclear installations on other EU countries
Commission Recommendation 2010/635/Euratom defines the information that EU countries must submit to allow the Commission to correctly evaluate the potential health impact of a new plan.
This information allows the Commission to assess whether the planned disposal of radioactive waste is liable to result in the contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another EU country. It must include the envisaged authorised releases of radioactive substances under normal operation, and also a description of what could happen in the event of an accident.
A dedicated group of experts is appointed for a 5-year period, as referred to in the Euratom Treaty Article 37, to assist the Commission in the evaluation work.
- Rules of procedure for the group of experts
- Composition of the group of experts 2020-2025
- Declarations of Interest of the group of experts 2020-2025
Article 37 Commission Opinions
The Commission, after the evaluation of the information provided by the EU country, issues an Opinion, which is submitted to the country concerned and published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Related links
- Commission Recommendation on the application of the Euratom Treaty Article 37 (2010/635/Euratom)
- Article 37 Commission Opinions (from 2004 to present)