Draft Law on radiation protection in the Republic of Montenegro. Highlights and problems

After major constitutional changes in 2003, which redefined Serbia and Montenegro as (de facto) a loose confederation of the two constituent states, all nuclear related issues went separately to the portfolios of the Republic of Serbia and of the Republic of Montenegro. Within the establishing of nuclear regulatory framework(s), and towards meeting the international requirements, draft Law on radiation protection in the Republic of Montenegro (including safety/security of sources) is prepared according to international (IAEA, EU, ...) standards. The draft is positively reviewed by IAEA expert missions. However, it turned out that the draft (in particular some of its provisions enabling the effective independence of the regulatory body) is conflicting with fundamental Montenegrian laws on the organization of State. A sound legal/institutional infrastructure for radiation protection, and safety/security of radiation sources in Montenegro cannot be established until this situation changes. (author)