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Nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation

Nuclear safeguards are measures that prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The JRC provides R&D support to nuclear inspectors who must verify that operators implement nuclear safeguards and use nuclear materials exclusively for civilian purposes.

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.

Our activities

Concepts and approaches for safeguards and non-proliferation

Strategic Trade Control’s policy support cycle.

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.

Technologies, equipment and tools for safeguards verification

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.

To find out more about the JRC's work on similar topics, explore the related JRC portfolios: