Nuclear safety and security

Within the Euratom programme, the JRC provides technical and scientific support to EU policies in nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, and carries out education, training and information activities in the field. The EU Euratom programme supports cutting-edge research, knowledge creation and preservation across its Member States on nuclear technologies. At the same time, it contributes to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system in a safe, efficient and secure way.

Our scientists work on the safety of nuclear reactors and of the nuclear fuel itself, the safe operation of advanced nuclear energy systems, as well as on nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation and the fight against illicit activities involving nuclear and radiological material. This work plays a key role in the support of EU policy on nuclear waste management and the safety of nuclear installations.

The JRC develops scientific tools that allow nuclear research to be carried out efficiently, and compiles databases of information relevant to all aspects of nuclear safety and security. One core activity in this field is the knowledge management training and education in all things nuclear in order to ensure preservation of knowledge and transfer of expertise in the field.

The JRC for instance investigates ways to manage spent nuclear fuel and supports the activities of the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) Centres of Excellence, which mitigate, amongst others, nuclear and radiological risks.

Another concrete example of the JRC's work in this field is the development and qualification of nuclear forensics methods and techniques to fight against illicit trafficking and provide operational support to Member States and international organisations.

To learn more about the EU Euratom Programme, take a look at the EURATOM section on the Directorate-General for Energy's website.