Public involvement in nuclear safety issues

All institutions that contribute to in some way to regulating nuclear safety, at international, EU and national levels, are also committed to transparency. This means making different kinds of information available to the public: from general information on how a country manages the safety of its nuclear activities, to specific information, for example on plans for a proposed new power plant. By giving high priority to transparency, public involvement in nuclear issues is encouraged, for example through consultations and information campaigns. This in turn raises awareness of the work of regulators and supports public confidence in the safety of nuclear installations. ENSREG is active in this area; one of ENSREG’s three working groups is dedicated to improving the arrangements for transparency on matters of nuclear safety in the Member States.

Transparency on nuclear safety issues is divided into two areas of activity: public information and public participation.

Public information

Public information

Although national regulators communicate proactively on nuclear safety matters, they also provide specific primary material. In addition, they have the duty to release information on request, in some circumstances.

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Public participation

Public participation

Public consultation can be required in the context of the planned drafting of legislation or in the procedure leading to the issuance of a license – often organised by local planning authorities or environmental authorities.How to participate? Is there public hearings or debates?

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