Improvement of Regulatory Framework in the Field of Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel Management in the Republic of Serbia

The use of nuclear energy and radioactive sources, including the materials resulting from such use, must predominantly have as few negative consequences for human health and the environment, as reasonably achievable. Such requirement cannot be met without the appropriate legal and institutional framework in charge of the achievement of the concept of sustainable spent fuel and radioactive waste management. The Republic of Serbia is facing the task of long-term solution to the issue of radioactive waste generated in its territory for the past 70 years, and the waste generated in the future, particularly through decommissioning of existing facilities, as well as the task of defining its strategic commitment to the establishment of mechanisms for disposal of such material in a manner that it does not affect the environment and poses no unnecessary burden for future generations. The Government and the Parliament of the Republic of Serbia recognized the need for safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management as an issue of special importance that requires an adequate solution, together with other issues connected with radiation and nuclear safety and security. Safe and secure management of radioactive waste in line with the principles of sustainable development and environmental protection is the ultimate objective contributing to successful functioning of the society, and well-being of the citizens. The Law on Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security, adopted in 2018, further improves regulatory framework in the field of radiation and nuclear safety and security with the ultimate goal of full harmonization with the EU regulations. The Law provides for legal basis for passing a number of bylaws enabling full alignment with the EU acquis in the field of radiation and nuclear safety and security, as well as with the standards and recommended practice incorporated in the documents of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In order to achieve full harmonization, it is necessary to finalize the activities on the preparation of bylaws in line with the Law, serving to define the actions, procedures, criteria and other respective issues. Implementation of the Law together with development of specific policies, strategies and bylaws presented in this paper, supplemented by the policies in the field of environmental protection, produce a sustainable solution to the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste with the lowest impact on the environment achievable, in line with the international recommendations and standards. (author)