The contribution of Nuclear Transparency Watch for the Evaluation of Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021-2025 is available here: https://t.co/1jSf4zGPx2
As an NGO involved in the Joint Programme on RWM EURAD, NTW has benefited from funding to represent civil society in the programme, in accordance with the first 2 pillars of the Aarhus Convention (access to information, access to participation) to help ensure the development of transparency and safety.
Results were obtained (e.g., production of deliverables on Transparency & Public Participation (T&PP) or Interaction with the Civil Society (ICS)) that envision better ways to interact with different stakeholders involved in decision making procedures and research. Progress (e.g., Double wing model of interaction and involvement in strategic studies) was made in understanding how to approach uncertainties through a common shared culture of safety and what this could mean in the perspective of intra- and intergenerational stewardship.
However, there is still insufficient structural and material support to develop sustainable, trustworthy (from industry’s interests) independent citizen engagement. Therefore, referring to the obligations under the Aarhus Convention art. 3(2), 3(3) and 3(4), it is necessary to include funds to develop civil society engagement structures to enhance civil society participation from a wider perspective and also in future research and training concerning the development of nuclear technology, including management of radioactive waste.
This is key to develop and implement processes, tools, knowledge, and relations that were previously established in the EURAD programme. If this is not continued, engagement towards transparency, public participation but also safety will suffer, as recognized by all stakeholders, who emphasized that participation of civil society in these research programmes is indeed indispensable in ensuring safety.
This contribution was developed by the European Environmental Bureau, Jan Haverkamp, Kobor Joseph, Colin Wales and other members of NTW Management Board.