During these meetings the following decisions were taken: ∙ approval of the WGRR programme of work for the period 2021‑2025 ; ∙ creation of a working group under ASN supervision devoted to the drafting or the technical specification for the second thematic peer review (see above) and validation of the principles adopted regarding the graded approach and the implementation of the reference levels produced by WENRA for performance of this exercise; ∙ granting of observer status to the American Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and of associate member status to its Canadian counterpart (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission –CNSC); ∙ creation of a working group tasked with exploring the means, opportunities and difficulties linked to the possible expansion of the association to include other countries; ∙ confirmation of the applicability of the safety objectives defined by WENRA in 2010 for new reactors to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and of the need that these objectives constitute a minimum to be achieved for this type of reactor, considering their expected safety improvements. 2.8 The association of the Heads of European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities (HERCA) In the field of radiation protection, HERCA, founded in 2007, also at the instigation of ASN, is an informal association of the Heads of the European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities. Its aim is to reinforce European cooperation in radiation protection and to harmonise national practices. HERCA now comprises 57 authorities from 32 European countries, including the 27 members of the EU, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Serbia and Switzerland. ASN is responsible for the technical secretariat. Six expert groups are currently working on the following themes: ∙ practices and sources in the industrial and research fields; ∙ medical applications of ionising radiation; ∙ preparedness for and management of emergency situations; ∙ veterinary applications; ∙ natural radiation sources; ∙ education and training. In 2021, the association held plenary meetings, remotely in June, and using a “hybrid” arrangement in Prague in December. The major decisions taken include: ∙ the change in the Chair of the association, now entrusted to the Swedish nuclear safety regulator (Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten –SSM), and the Vice-Chairs, entrusted to the Luxembourg Ministry for Health and to ASN; ∙ approval of the new HERCA strategy, which was defined with a significant contribution from ASN, with its main focus being reinforced cooperation between the radiation protection competent authorities; ∙ HERCA’s aim to participate actively in the project to overhaul the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) as a special partner. HERCA also plans to organise several seminars, notably concerning the implementation of national radon risk management plans or the deployment of radiation protection experts and officers as required by the European Directive on Radiation Protection Basic Standards. 2.9 The European Commission’s assistance programmes Between 2007 and 2021, the actions of the UE with regard to assistance and cooperation for third-party countries in the field of nuclear safety have continued under the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC). In 2021, ASN took part in a project. A new European Instrument concerning assistance and cooperation in the field of Nuclear Safety (EINS) was approved by the European Parliament on 27 May 2021. The EINS will replace the previous instrument. Between the date of approval and 31 December 2027, a budget envelope of €300 million is planned. The goals of the new EINS instrument concern: ∙ the promotion and implementation of the strictest nuclear safety and radiation protection standards in nuclear facilities and for radiological practices in third-party countries; ∙ the implementation of frameworks and methods for application of effective checks on nuclear materials in third-party countries; ∙ the drafting and implementation of responsible strategies for the ultimate disposal of spent fuel, for waste management, for delicensing of facilities and for clean-out of former nuclear sites. These instruments are supplemented by other international technical assistance programmes that respond to resolutions taken by the G8 or by IAEA to improve nuclear safety in thirdparty countries and which are financed by contributions from donor States and from the EU. WENRA plenary meeting at ASN – 14 October 2021 ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2021 195 06 – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 08 07 13 04 10 06 12 14 03 09 05 11 02 01 AP
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