What we do
The Euratom treaty regulates civilian nuclear activities in Europe. JRC Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security is funded through the Euratom work programme to provide scientific, technical and operational support, among others, to the safeguards inspectorate of the Directorate General for Energy (DG ENER).
JRC scientific activities focus on the elaboration of concepts and approaches for safeguards and non-proliferation, on the development of new technology, equipment and tools for safeguards verifications and on delivering education and training to nuclear inspectors and students.
The JRC Strategy for its nuclear activities recognises research and development in nuclear safeguards as a key priority for current and future nuclear facilities. In this endeavour, the JRC can rely on its nuclear laboratories and facilities and on collaborations with international partners.
In 2023, the JRC proudly celebrated its 60 years of nuclear activities in nuclear safeguards, safety and security.

The JRC provides assistance to the European Commission services on trade controls for dual-use (civil and military) and strategic technologies to prevent proliferation risk.

The JRC researchers are applying data-driven technologies to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in the field of safeguards and non-proliferation.

JRC investigates how the future deployment of novel nuclear reactors will require that safeguards and proliferation resistance features are embedded from the design phase

Development and improvement of metrological tools and analytical services

Design and testing of systems for the containment and surveillance of nuclear materials

Research and development of novel non-destructive assay techniques
Education and training
The JRC delivers a wide spectrum of training courses on nuclear concepts and techniques, including safeguards, and on the development of reference materials to nuclear inspectors, professionals, students and researchers.
JRC also contributes to education programmes for schools, specialised courses and masters.
Find more on nuclear skills and competences.
Laboratories and facilities
The JRC operates several laboratories with unique facilities that make it possible to perform independent scientific and technical research and to contribute to develop and maintain nuclear expertise in Europe and worldwide.
Among all laboratories, nuclear laboratories are located in Karlsruhe (DE), Ispra (IT), Geel (BE) and Petten (NL), and are a crucial asset that supports the European Union's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards.
Some of the facilities are part of the JRC Open Access programme and are available to external collaborations.
Collaborations
The JRC has an established cooperation network with international partners, which supports the fulfilment of Euratom responsibilities at international level.
Over the decades, it has also played a central role in the European Safeguards Research and Development Association (ESARDA) facilitating cooperation and knowledge sharing among European and international organisations, safeguards authorities and nuclear plant operators.