Year
2011
Abstract
The European Safeguards Research and Development Association (ESARDA) ESARDA is a recognized association created in 1969 the main objective of which is to advance and harmonise research and development in the area of nuclear safeguards. ESARDA is also a forum for the exchange of information and ideas between nuclear facility operators, safeguards authorities and persons engaged in research and development. The principal issues are co-ordination of research, exchange of information and joint execution of R&D programmes. ESARDA assesses periodically the international and European context and reviewed its policies and objectives to adapt its structure and operation to the new challenges. Following the last revision in 2000, the scope of ESARDA has been extended to new verification areas and its structure and operation adapted accordingly. During the last decennium, 2000-2010 important changes have taken place in the field of global security: international safeguards, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear security and nuclear disarmament verification. At the same time, a new development of the civilian use of nuclear energy is taking place progressively world-wide and within the EU including new actors and leading to a wider diffusion of nuclear materials and sensitive technologies To keep the Association in phase with the evolution in the world and able to tackle the new and future challenges, ESARDA set up a new Reflection Group