In addition to individual national programmes, several European and international frameworks govern radioactive waste management:
Council Directive 2011/70/EURATOM establishes a Community framework for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. Key requirements include:
- Each EU Member State must establish and maintain a national policy and framework for spent fuel and radioactive waste management
- Member States must prepare and regularly update national programmes covering all types of spent fuel and radioactive waste
- The Directive establishes the principle that each country is ultimately responsible for management of its own radioactive waste (i.e. waste should not be routinely exported for disposal)
- Regular peer review of national programmes is required
The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (entered into force 2001) is the first legally binding international instrument addressing these issues globally. It requires contracting parties to:
- Ensure that criticality, heat removal, and radiation protection are addressed at all stages
- Take appropriate steps to ensure a high level of safety in spent fuel and radioactive waste management
- Submit National Reports for peer review at triennial Review Meetings
- The UK is a contracting party and participates fully in the review process
Note: Although the UK is no longer an EU Member State and therefore not directly bound by Directive 2011/70/EURATOM, the principles of the Directive are reflected in UK domestic policy and legislation. The UK remains a contracting party to the Joint Convention and continues to participate in its review process.