Some Aspects of the Effectiveness of the International Regulatory Framework to Ensure Nuclear Safety

Abstract

This chapter aims at assessing the effectiveness of the current international regulatory framework for nuclear safety and its relationships with the national implementation legislation. The consequences of the major nuclear accidents show an urgent need for assessment of the global and national approach and the role of an appropriate international cooperation to enhance the nuclear safety worldwide. The effectiveness of the nuclear safety regulatory systems could be assessed through the level of independency of the regulatory bodies from the organisations responsible for the promotion of the use of nuclear energy and consistency with international norms. On the other hand, the regulatory bodies should have direct access and reporting line to the respective Government and should not be subordinated to any governmental structures responsible for setting energy policies. The unique role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to develop and update safety standards will progressively increase, especially through the use of international assessment and peer review missions. In addition, the IAEA should promote the harmonization of legal and regulatory regimes for nuclear safety and take measures to ensure synergies between nuclear safety and nuclear security. A conclusion is made that it is realistic to consider the establishment of an international verification of the national safety framework and safeguards inspections that could serve as a model for performing periodic evaluations of Member States’ nuclear safety measures, based on their advanced consent. In addition, the regulatory requirements for the nuclear safety could be continually enhanced since the need exists to strengthen capabilities to manage risks from beyond-design-basis events.