The European Commission decided to establish a High Level Group on Nuclear Safety and Waste Management. The Group will develop a common understanding and reinforce common approaches in the safety of nuclear installations. The high level of representation expected from countries that operate or possess nuclear installations as well as countries that have chosen not to use this form of energy, should facilitate Europe-wide cooperation and increase confidence in the levels of safety in European nuclear facilities.

"The aim of the Group is to swiftly identify relevant safety issues, ensure coherent action by the Member States authorities and make recommendation on whether any course of action should be taken at EU level – I am confident this will reinforce the safety of Europe's nuclear installations", said Energy Commissioner Piebalgs.

A high degree of nuclear safety and the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste is one of the key concerns of the European Atomic Energy Community and its Member States. The Commission and Council worked together to respond to these concerns, proposing the creation of a High Level Group and suggesting a possible orientation of its work. The idea is to bring together the senior regulators of the Member States in charge of nuclear safety who would have to agree on priority items to tackle.

Specific areas of action of the group include the safety and decommissioning of nuclear installations as well as the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.

Transparency is another essential aspect of the work of the group The High Level Group will report its agreed approaches and recommendations to the European Parliament and the Council regularly. Transparency on decisions taken will be also ensured for a larger public via a dedicated website.

The Chairperson of the group will explain the reasons for the priorities indicated and the means needed to achieve the objectives. He/she will also ensure coherence with the work of the Nuclear Forum that the Commission intends to set up on the successful model of existing energy forums.

The creation of the group was endorsed by the March European Council based on the Commission's proposal contained in the draft Nuclear Illustrative Programme. The first meeting of the High Level Group is expected to take place after the summer break.