In 2018, the partners began a four-year project to enhance nuclear safety and security in Romania, with a focus on disaster resilience and preparedness for radiological and nuclear events. The project aims to enhance regulatory effectiveness and national infrastructure to prevent the risk of accident or malicious acts in the radiological and nuclear field.

It supports work to:

• Align Romania’s national regulatory framework and practices with IAEA safety standards, other international standards and European Union legislation in the areas of nuclear safety and protection against harmful effects of ionizing radiation;
• Implement recommendations from IAEA peer review missions in the areas of nuclear safety and nuclear security, including an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission held in 2011, a Follow-up mission held in 2017, and an Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) mission held in 2010;
• Implement Romania’s National Strategy for Nuclear Safety and Security;
• Implement new responsibilities in nuclear emergency management and improve emergency preparedness and response.

The project is financed through the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and involves the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), the IAEA and the Romanian National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN).

From 2013 to 2017, the partnership strengthened CNCAN’s capacity to enhance safety and security, radiation protection, emergency preparedness, knowledge management, inspection processes at nuclear facilities, radioactive waste management and safeguards.

From 2009 to 2011, it focussed on five areas: safety assessment, safety culture, capacity building, emergency preparedness, and management systems.