Understanding the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) / European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) – Structures and tools

Euratom was created in 1957 to further European integration and tackle energy shortages through the peaceful use of nuclear power. It has the same members as the European Union and is governed by the European Commission and Council of the European Union, operating under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

Euratom regulates the European civil nuclear industry, which produces almost 30% of energy in the EU. Euratom's work safeguards nuclear materials and technology, facilitates investment, research and development, and ensures equal access to nuclear supplies, as well as the correct disposal of nuclear waste and the safety of operations. Its main instruments are the Euratom Supply Agency, and its research and nuclear safeguard activities. Notably, Euratom is involved in developing atomic fusion technology which has the potential of delivering abundant sustainable energy in the future.

In March 2017, the United Kingdom officially notified the EU of its intention to withdraw from the Union and the Euratom Community. In the context of the negotiations which commenced in June 2017, the European Commission has published
a position paper outlining the main principles of the EU position concerning Euratom. Possible impacts on both Euratom and the UK nuclear industry are yet to be determined.

Author: Marcin Szczepański

• Primary Source

Euratom (United Kingdom: House of Commons: Library: Research Briefing, No.8036 (15.11.17 and periodically updated))) http://www.europeansources.info/record/euratom/

United Kingdom: Department for Exiting the European Union: Policy Paper, July 2017: Nuclear materials and safeguards issues - position paper https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-materials-and-safeguards-issues-position-paper

European Commission: Publications: Position paper transmitted to EU27 on nuclear materials and safeguard equipment (Euratom), June 2017 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/publications/position-paper-transmitted-eu27-nuclear-materials-and-safeguard-equipment-euratom_en

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