IAEA concludes nuclear security advisory mission in Hungary
Europe, News July 7, 2017 No Comments on IAEA concludes nuclear security advisory mission in HungaryThe IAEA team was briefed on security arrangements for Hungary’s planned construction of two nuclear power reactors
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts have completed a 12-day advisory nuclear security mission in Hungary.
The International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission was requested by the Hungarian Government to follow up an IPPAS mission completed in 2013.
Experts concluded that Hungary has made commendable progress in implementing the recommendations and suggestions of the previous mission. The mission also identified a number of good practices and made additional recommendations and suggestions for continuous improvement.
The mission team was briefed on security arrangements for Hungary’s planned construction of two nuclear power reactors as well as nuclear material accounting and control for security at the state level and at nuclear facilities. The team visited Paks Nuclear Power Plant and the Püspökszilágy Radioactive Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility to observe physical protection measures.
The team, led by Stephan Bayer, Director of the Nuclear Security Section in the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, included seven experts from five states and the IAEA. The team met in Budapest with officials from the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA), the National Police Headquarters and other organizations involved in nuclear security.
“A strong commitment to nuclear security is a must for any state that uses nuclear power for electricity generation and that is planning to expand this capacity by constructing new power reactors,” said Muhammad Khaliq, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section.
“Hungary’s example in applying IAEA Nuclear Security guidance and using IAEA advisory services demonstrates its strong commitment to nuclear security as well as the value of Agency assistance in helping States to establish and maintain an effective nuclear security regime.”
HAEA Deputy Director General Szabolcs Hullán said: “We are satisfied with the report of this mission that serves as an independent review of our nuclear security regime.” He further added that “I am very proud that the team could identify good practices to be shared with the international community.”
IAEA team of experts in Hungary.
The scope of the IPPAS mission included the legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear security as well as the physical protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities and activities, including computer security.
Hungary’s implementation of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), which entered into force last year and provides a strengthened framework for protecting nuclear material and facilities, also came under discussion. Hungary ratified the Amendment in 2008.
Background of IAEA Mission
The mission was the 76th IPPAS mission conducted by the IAEA since the program began in 1995. The first IPPAS mission to Hungary was conducted in 1997 and the second one from 26 May to 7 June 2013.
IPPAS missions aim to help countries strengthen their national nuclear security regime. The missions provide peer advice on implementing international instruments and IAEA guidance on the protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities.
The missions call upon a team of international experts to assess a nation’s system of physical protection, compare it with international good practices and make recommendations for improvement.
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