Here’s a breakdown of the Commission Regulation (Euratom) 2025/974 on the application of Euratom safeguards:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation establishes a framework for the application of safeguards within the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). It outlines the obligations of individuals and organizations involved in the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium ore extraction to waste disposal, to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted from their intended peaceful uses. The regulation details requirements for nuclear material accounting, reporting, inspections, and other control measures, taking into account international agreements and technological advancements. It aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards while reducing the burden on operators through a graded approach.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
The regulation is structured into seven chapters and several annexes, covering various aspects of Euratom safeguards:
* **Chapter I (Scope and Definitions):** Defines the scope of the regulation and provides definitions of key terms such as “nuclear material,” “installation,” “material balance area,” and “effective kilogram.”
* **Chapter II (Basic Technical Characteristics and Particular Safeguard Provisions):** Specifies the requirements for operators to declare the basic technical characteristics of their installations to the Commission. It also outlines the process for the Commission to adopt particular safeguard provisions tailored to specific installations.
* **Chapter III (Nuclear Material Accountancy):** Details the obligations of operators to maintain a system of accountancy and control for nuclear materials, including record-keeping and reporting requirements. It covers inventory change reports, material balance reports, and physical inventory listings.
* **Chapter IV (Transfers Between States):** Sets out the procedures for advance notification of exports, shipments, imports, and receipts of nuclear materials between Member States and third countries.
* **Chapter V (Specific Provisions):** Includes specific rules for ore installations, carriers, temporary storage agents, intermediaries, and the transmission of information to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It also addresses the treatment and reporting of waste.
* **Chapter VI (Specific Provisions Applicable in the Territory of the Nuclear-Weapon Member State):** Addresses the specific situation in France, taking into account defence requirements.
* **Chapter VII (Final Provisions):** Contains articles on confidentiality, implementation, repeal of previous regulations, and entry into force.
The annexes provide detailed questionnaires for declaring basic technical characteristics of various types of installations, as well as formats for accounting reports and other notifications.
**Changes Compared to Previous Versions:**
The regulation repeals and replaces Regulation (Euratom) No 302/2005. Key changes include:
* A more graded approach to safeguards requirements, with burden reduction for operators where relevant.
* Emphasis on electronic submission of reports and declarations.
* Incorporation of safeguard considerations early in the planning and design processes for new installations.
* Specific provisions for pool accounting and obligation exchanges.
* Updated provisions for waste management and reporting.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
Several provisions are particularly important for operators and others subject to the regulation:
* **Article 3:** Obligation to declare the basic technical characteristics of installations, including preliminary declarations for new installations.
* **Article 8:** The Commission adopts particular safeguard provisions relating to the matters.
* **Articles 9-15:** Requirements for nuclear material accountancy, including maintaining accounting systems, providing inventory change reports, material balance reports, and physical inventory listings.
* **Articles 23 and 24:** Procedures for advance notification of exports, shipments, imports, and receipts of nuclear materials.
* **Article 34:** Obligation to provide advance notification of any processing campaign of material that has previously been declared as retained or conditioned waste.
* **Annex I:** Detailed questionnaires for declaring the basic technical characteristics of various types of installations.
* **Annexes III, IV, and V:** Formats for inventory change reports, material balance reports, and physical inventory listings.
**:** This regulation may have implications for Ukraine and Ukrainians involved in the nuclear sector, particularly regarding the transfer of nuclear materials, waste management, and compliance with Euratom safeguards requirements.
