IAEA-EU Joint Action Partnership in Improving Nuclear Security

Nuclear and other radioactive material is on the move and in demand. Used in peaceful applications such as energy, medicine, research and industry, it improves the daily lives of individuals worldwide. Nonetheless, the risk posed by it falling into the wrong hands is a real and growing concern of the international community and one that demands improved nuclear security. Steps to bolster nuclear security and mitigate this risk include accounting for and securing nuclear and radioactive material as well as their related facilities, and helping to prevent theft, sabotage and use with malicious intent. Strong legislative, regulatory and enforcement frameworks, enhanced national capacity, and increased international cooperation in protecting against, and preparing for, any scenario strengthens these measures further. As a result, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved a plan of activities in 2002 to improve nuclear security worldwide. In 2003, the Council of the European Union (EU) adopted its Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Since then, five Contribution Agreements between the European Commission (EC) and the IAEA have been undertaken to provide financial support to IAEA activities in the areas of nuclear security and verification. These 'Joint Actions' assist States in strengthening their nuclear security infrastructure and underscore both the EU and IAEA's commitment to effective cooperation. IAEA-EU JOINT ACTION. The IAEA works to improve and strengthen national nuclear security programmes worldwide. EU support helps to advance the IAEA's efforts by raising awareness and improving understanding of nuclear security and its many component parts. Priority is given to those States that need to determine what radioactive and nuclear material they have, how to control it and how to reduce the risk it poses. Efforts focus on three main areas, strengthening: (i) States' legislative and regulatory infrastructure related to nuclear and other radioactive material to enable the country to fulfil its national and international obligations; (ii) Nuclear security measures for nuclear and other radioactive material in use, storage and transport and their related facilities; (iii) State's capabilities for dealing with nuclear and radioactive material out of control of national regulatory control. The programme - with a combined budget for the first four EU Joint Actions of about Euro 22 million (implementation period January 2005-December 2011) - covers 88 potential beneficiary States and includes both Member States and non-Member States of the IAEA. These funds have been appropriated in response to a growing need for tighter control of nuclear and radioactive material and a better understanding of how to implement policies and procedures to ensure that effective nuclear security measures are in place. An additional region was added to each Action, with Central Asia, South-eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia being covered by EU Joint Action IV in 2008. A Contribution Agreement for EU Council Decision V was signed in November 2010 under which the European Commission contributed nearly Euro 10 million to the Nuclear Security Fund (NSF). EU Council Division V expands the reach of the programme to States in the Gulf, South America, the Caribbean and Middle America region, with 126 States eligible for support worldwide.