Romanian Practice in Physical Protection

After the September 11 events, which have shown a terrorist attack can cause a large number of victims with a very unconventional weapon, strengthening the control measures for those materials which can be used for developing mass destruction weapons is a must. After the former Soviet Union disintegration, the nuclear scientists` exodus was followed by a transfer of nuclear materials and technologies. Unfortunately, some of the destination countries are on the bad list, and the fact is all this trafficking is carried out against the international treaties and agreements. After 1990, because of their geographic proximity and their natural connections with the ex-soviet states, the former communist countries make up one of the busiest routes for human and forbidden materials traffic, including radioactive substances. In the last years, in keeping with the treaties Romania agreed and with international recommendations, regulations concerning warranty control and physical protection in nuclear field were adopted, in order to establish effective measures to counter theft, sabotage and other illicit uses of nuclear fissile or other radioactive materials. The “Threat Design Basis” document, emerged from the National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control, the national authority in the matter, is aimed to define the characteristics of the probable enemy, against whom the physical protection system is intended and dimensioned. The physical protection system has been projected in accordance with the “Threat Design Basis” and observing the international recommendations, but also the Romanian laws and procedures for obtaining the most effective measures to minimize the risks of losing control of protected areas and materials.