Year
2006
Abstract
A European strategy for nuclear security, based on identified threats and a corresponding response and remediation plan, has been developed and implemented along the traditional 3 phases: (a) Identification, analysis and prevention of the risk (e.g. for diversion of the sensitive material) (first line of defence); (b) Detection and early warning for the risk in course (e.g. the theft of nuclear material) (second line of defence) and (c) Reaction to and remediation of the risk (e.g. response plan for illicit trafficking) (third line of defence). Furthermore, the enlargement of the EU has recently modified its borders, expanded the risk and obliged the EU to work with new countries. Nuclear Security having a strong international dimension, the collaboration with traditional partners, such as the IAEA or USDoE has been strengthened and broadened to areas that had not been covered by existing agreements. Within the European Commission, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is both a Commission Directorate General and a research organisation: it is the technical arm of the EC and thus a significant player in nuclear security both within and outside the EU. After 10 years of successful co-operation between JRC and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, in particular Russia, in the area of Nuclear Safeguards focusing on Nuclear Material Accountancy and Control and response to Illicit Trafficking of nuclear and radioactive material, the European Commission initiated a new program covering the period 2005 -2010 and emphasizing nuclear security.