Effects of new nuclear installations on other EU countries
Before the government of an EU country authorises the operation of a new nuclear plant, the Commission must evaluate the potential health impact that the release of gaseous and liquid radioactive substances from the plant could have on the population of another EU country.
The EU country must provide the Commission with a comprehensive and detailed file on the new project which includes information on the envisaged authorised releases of radioactive substances under normal operation, but also a description of what could happen should an accident occur.
The Commission has issued a Recommendation (2010/635/Euratom) defining the information that EU countries have to submit to allow it to correctly evaluate the potential health impact of a new project.
The Commission, in conjunction with a dedicated group of experts, assesses the information provided and evaluates the potential health impact the project may have on the inhabitants of another EU country.
- 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
The result of the evaluation is then summarised in a Commission Opinion that is sent to the submitting EU country and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Opinions are also made publicly accessible online.