The European Union delegation, following the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on nuclear security, issued a joint statement. According to it, Russia is, among other things, threatening nuclear security.
"The EU and its member states remain deeply concerned about the nuclear safety and security risks posed by Russia's war, the seizure of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and strong military activities in the vicinity of Ukrainian nuclear power plants," the statement said.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeThe EU delegation added that the issue of nuclear safety in Ukraine would be taken into consideration. This statement was joined by Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway and Moldova.
As previously reported, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, has informed the Board of Governors that the safety situation at the Zaporizhia plant remains unstable, as six of the seven pillars of nuclear safety have been compromised.
According to him, only one external power transmission line remains available at the factory, which creates serious safety risks.
The EU says it continues to support the IAEA's key missions in Ukraine and underlines the importance of respecting the seven indispensable pillars set out by the Agency's Director General to ensure nuclear security during armed conflict.
The seven essential components of nuclear and physical security mentioned in the EU declaration include: Maintaining the physical integrity of facilities, both reactors and radioactive waste storage sites; Ensuring the functioning of all nuclear and physical security systems and related equipment at all times; Allowing operational staff to perform their nuclear and physical security tasks and make decisions without undue pressure; Ensuring a reliable supply of external power from the grid to all nuclear facilities; Guaranteeing an uninterrupted logistical supply chain to nuclear facilities and two-way transport; Maintaining radiation monitoring systems on site and abroad, as well as emergency preparedness and response measures; Ensuring reliable channels of communication with the regulatory authority and other stakeholders.