EU instruments

What EU instruments support nuclear safety?

Euratom Treaty

In 1957, two treaties were signed in Rome. The first was the treaty establishing the European Economic Community that has evolved into the European Union of today. The second ‘Treaty of Rome’ established a European Atomic Energy Union – better known as Euratom Treaty. As well as contributing to the development of nuclear power as an energy source in the Member States, the Euratom Treaty also seeks to ensure high levels of protection for workers and the general public through sharing experience and information and promoting research into nuclear safety.

The Euratom Treaty forms the basis of many EU actions related to radiation protection, nuclear safety and the safe management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, as well as of other activities which use radioactive sources for research, industrial and medical purposes. These activities include research, the drawing-up of safety standards, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. EU Member States also interact with Euratom research activities through the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. More on Euratom