Legislation

Outline of the UE legislation in the field of nuclear industry

Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community

The Euroatom Treaty was signed in 25 March 1957 in Rome along with the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community. It is still separate structure with European Community. Originally The Treaty was used to coordinate research projects of Member States in area of nuclear energy peaceful usage. Today it helps in introducing technologies, infrastructure and in financing of nuclear power industry. Moreover it ensures security of nuclear fuel supplies with centralized monitoring system.

The Euroatom Treaty is autonomous document that gives to the Community a number of rights. The Article 2 of the Treaty, lays several duties upon the community. Main tasks are:

  • Helping in research projects
  • Introducing uniform safety standards, that protect workers and the public health
  • Simplifying investing process
  • Guaranteeing regular and sufficient ore and fuel supplies
  • Reducing the risk of proliferation
  • Establishing common nuclear materials market

    • Articles 31 and 32 are the basis of Community action in area of nuclear safety. This legal basis has been confirmed in December 2002 by the European Court of Justice.

    Article 35 establishes special organizational units on purpose controlling the radioactivity emission level and ensuring the compliance with permissive doses.

    Article 37 requires Members States to providing information about plans of nuclear wastes management to the Commission. It controls, that such activity can be harmful for other EU countries.

    Very important are Articles 77-79 and 81-83, where envisioned nuclear safety measures with broad rights of the Commission are described. They ensure safe use of fissile material and are indispensable for further development of nuclear power industry.

    Above only the most important (subjectively) articles are described. The consolidated version of The Treaty (2010/C 84/01) has 225 articles.

    Ref. [147],[148],[149],[150],[151]

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