At an Environmental Council in Luxembourg the European Council has adopted a Directive establishing a new Community framework for nuclear safety. The new Directive is to be based on the principle of the further harmonization of safety standards at nuclear installations across the EU. The Directive is the first legally-binding framework on nuclear safety adopted by any region making Europe a pioneer in the matter.

The goal of the new Directive is to ensure the independence of regulators. The objective is also to contribute in improving the public acceptance of nuclear energy by assuring the EU citizens of the paramount importance of the safety of nuclear facilities and their workers as well as the protection of the environment.

The Directive is legally binding. It needs to be transposed into national legislation by Member States which have two years to complete the transposition.

The European nuclear industry has constantly given its support for the new Nuclear Safety Directive.

Find the whole Directive here (pdf file).