An Open Door for Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Export?

Abstract

Worldwide, the majority of countries with nuclear activities have – or plan to have – national legislative, regulatory, and organisational frameworks. There is an implicit ethical principle or even a common understanding that each country should be responsible for the safe disposal of its own spent fuel elements and radioactive waste. Due to safety and proliferation concerns, however the disposal of radioactive waste should not be considered a national matter. National frameworks and policies are designed in accordance with standards and guidelines set at, and agreed to at the international level. These are laid down in international agreements and conventions.