Ukraine moves to join OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
Photo: Denys Shmyhal / Telegram
The Steering Committee of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has supported launching the process of Ukraine's accession to the institution.
This was reported on Telegram by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, according to Rubryka.
According to him, the next stage will be an assessment mission by the Agency, during which specialists will analyze:
- the state of Ukraine's nuclear sector,
- its technical capabilities,
- the institutional and legal framework.
The minister also said that he addressed the participants of the Steering Committee meeting, where he presented Ukraine's vision for further cooperation with the Agency.
"I am grateful to OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann and NEA Director-General William Magwood for their support of Ukraine and for facilitating our path to membership," he emphasized.
Photo: Telegram / Denys Shmyhal
According to Shmyhal, joining the Nuclear Energy Agency is an important step on Ukraine's path to full OECD membership, European integration and the adoption of the highest standards of nuclear safety.
Future membership, the minister noted, will allow Ukraine to:
- participate more actively in the work of the Agency's expert committees and working groups,
- deepen scientific and technical cooperation,
- develop research and improve the training of specialists.
At the same time, Ukraine counts not only on the opportunities that membership will open up, but also on its own contribution to the work of the international institution.
Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine's nuclear energy sector has:
- developed infrastructure,
- a powerful technical base,
- experienced engineers and scientists,
- significant expertise in a number of areas.
In particular, this concerns the operation and modernization of nuclear power plants, ensuring nuclear safety, radioactive waste management and the development of advanced technologies.
Separately, the minister highlighted the experience of operating Ukraine's nuclear energy system under conditions of full-scale war. In his view, this experience may be useful to the international community for improving approaches to crisis preparedness and risk management.
"Ukraine is ready to go through the necessary assessment process, fulfill its obligations and become an active and responsible member of the NEA community," Shmyhal stated.
Rubryka previously reported that Ukraine is submitting an application for membership in the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is an intergovernmental institution established within the OECD. Its activities are aimed at supporting and developing international cooperation in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The NEA's mission is to help member countries maintain and develop the scientific, technological and legal basis necessary for the safe, environmentally friendly and economically viable use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The Agency seeks to achieve this through international cooperation.
