Transparency and stakeholder engagement in nuclear or radiological emergency management

T Perko,M Martell,C Turcanu,Tatiana Duranova,Catrinel Turcanu

doi:10.1051/radiopro/2020040

T Perko, M Martell + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/radiopro/2020040

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Journal: Radioprotection	Publication Date: May 1, 2020
Citations: 5	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Belgian Nuclear Research Centre

Abstract

Stakeholder involvement and transparency are strongly interrelated. Stakeholder involvement is key to strengthening transparency, while transparency is necessary for effective stakeholder involvement. International and European legal requirements in environmental decision-making, radiation protection, nuclear safety and emergency preparedness and response call for increasing levels of transparency and stakeholder engagement. However, recent nuclear or radiological events demonstrate that transparency and engagement in practice are perceived differently by authorities, media and the public. Research conducted in this study by means of a questionnaire sent to authorities responsible for nuclear/radiological emergency management shows a range of challenges related to transparency during a nuclear or radiological emergency, e.g. fear of panic or timely and proper information. Few countries use the full potential of tools and methods for stakeholder engagement in emergency preparedness, although these may also contribute to improved transparency. Despite lessons learned to enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement in nuclear or radiological emergency management, there is room for improvement at a practical level and for finding a common understanding among stakeholders.

Highlights

Stakeholder involvement and transparency are strongly related
Stakeholder engagement is enhanced when stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in discussions (Bertot et al, 2010), for instance, by developing or contributing to reports on incidents or lessons learned from exercises publicly accessible As stated by the (IAEA, 2017, p. 4), “The legitimate concerns of interested parties regarding nuclear and radiation safety matters are best addressed through a culture of transparency and openness, and a strategy to involve, when appropriate, interested parties in decision making”
Under the heading of “Transparency” the amended EURATOM Nuclear Safety Directive (Art. 8) requires that “EU Member States shall ensure that necessary information in relation to the regulation of nuclear safety of nuclear installations is made available to the workers and the general public, with specific consideration to local authorities, population and other stakeholders in the

Summary

Introduction

Stakeholder involvement and transparency are strongly related. Transparency in EP & R by nuclear authorities and operators towards different stakeholders is recognised in international documents as essential, and advised and even required (ICRP, 1991; UNEC, 1998; IAEA, 2006, 2007). Within the E.U., new legal requirements comprising provisions for transparency of regulatory authorities and operators of nuclear power plants towards the public have been established. Under the heading of “Transparency” the amended EURATOM Nuclear Safety Directive (Art. 8) requires that “EU Member States shall ensure that necessary information in relation to the regulation of nuclear safety of nuclear installations is made available to the workers and the general public, with specific consideration to local authorities, population and other stakeholders in the

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