SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The European Union (EU) is the first major regional nuclear actor to provide a binding legal framework on nuclear safety. The EU Council unanimously adopted Directive 2009/71 establishing a Community framework for the safety of nuclear installations in June 2009. The Directive builds primarily on the safety standards developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the provisions of the 1994 Convention on Nuclear Safety. Nuclear safety standards are now part of EU law and are enforceable before the European Court of Justice and national courts of EU Member States. Importantly, the Directive represents the first step towards the harmonisation of safety standards across the EU and should contribute to improving public confidence in the nuclear sector across the EU.