On November 28, the Armenian government approved the signing of an agreement with the European Commission aimed at modernizing the country’s nuclear safety infrastructure. The agreement focuses on enhancing nuclear safety, radiation protection, and radioactive waste management systems.
The initiative will help align Armenia's national regulations with EU directives under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee of Armenia has already begun drafting a new atomic law that incorporates European standards, IAEA requirements, and safety criteria from the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association (WENRA).
Key measures outlined in the agreement include bolstering the capacity of Armenia's nuclear regulatory authority and technical support center to conduct periodic safety reviews of the second unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP). Additionally, plans are in place to equip the environmental radiation monitoring laboratory with modern technology.
The implementation of this program will foster a robust nuclear safety culture in Armenia and establish a legal and regulatory framework that meets European standards and international best practices. These efforts are critical for ensuring the safe operation of the nuclear power plant and protecting the environment.
