EURATOM Safeguards: Into the 21st century with a vision

The overall aim of the European Commission is to maintain a credible and transparent EURATOM nuclear safeguards system: nuclear as part of the EU energy mix can only be sustainable with proper nuclear safeguards. The paper describes how this strategic aim is implemented and continuously adapted based on the following pillars: improved effectiveness and efficiency by applying risk-informed safeguards and by remaining at the cutting-edge of technological capabilities; completion of EURATOM’s internal ISO-based Integrated Management System; enhancement of the confidence of nuclear safeguards actors in EURATOM nuclear safeguards conclusions through strengthened cooperation with stakeholders and international counterparts, especially the IAEA. The IAEA has a principal position amongst EURATOM’s partners and the cooperation between the two international inspectorates in the EU territory is constantly strengthened, upgraded and modernised. Novel safeguards approaches are developed to face the challenges posed by the construction of new types of nuclear facilities in the new century, like encapsulation plants and geological repositories for final disposal. Novel technologies and state-of-the-art equipment and measurement methods will enhance efficiencies when coupled with remote data transmission from unattended measurement stations. The regional system of EURATOM safeguards is the single most important supranational safeguards system and serves as an example for other regions of the world. As a consequence, the internal operational aim has to be supported by external communication efforts to make EURATOM safeguards more visible to the outside world, through systematic presence of EURATOM safeguards in international fora and increased efforts of training, seminars, and workshops with international organisations, EU Member States, and third countries. Only a credible and well-known regional safeguards system can be a source of inspiration for addressing a global problem: How to keep nuclear material away from clandestine activities or terrorist threats.