A joint evaluation of two Euratom directives governing radioactive waste disposal and cross-border shipments invites stakeholders to weigh in before potential reforms are drafted.
The European Commission is evaluating two Euratom directives that together form the EU’s legal framework for managing radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel: the Radioactive Waste Directive (2011/70/Euratom) and the Shipment Directive (2006/117/Euratom). As a part of this process, the Commission is inviting citizens, organisations and institutions to submit their views via the Have Your Say portal, with the Call for Evidence being open for the next four weeks, with a fuller 12-week public consultation to follow.
The directives covered by this evaluation have been in force for 14 and 19 years respectively, which is considered long enough to assess how they have performed in practice and whether they remain fit for purpose as nuclear energy re-enters EU public policy discussions following several precarious years for EU internal energy markets. The findings will form the evidence base for any future legislative action to improve or update these rules.
What does the evaluation assess, and who can participate?
As usual, the evaluation applies the five standard Better Regulation criteria (effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance, and EU added value), also assessing whether the directives have achieved their objectives, whether they remain fit for purpose given the developments of the last decade, and where the administrative burden that they impose could be reduced without compromising safety. The evaluation will cover all member states across the full period.
The Commission is particularly seeking input from:
- Member State authorities at national, regional, and local level
- National regulatory and competent authorities
- Industry players in the nuclear sector (including start-ups)
- Professional organisations active in radioactive waste management and shipment
- Academic, civil society and relevant international organisations.
The Commission explicitly invites contributions from scientific researchers and learned societies, with a preference for submissions synthetising the current state of knowledge in these fields. The general public may also participate.
How to participate
Responses can be submitted via the Have your Say portal. The questionnaire is available in English, with responses accepted in any of the 24 official EU languages.
