International co-operation is actively pursued with the aim of improving the level of safety of nuclear power, improving radiation protection and strengthening the work toward nuclear non-proliferation.
The role of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority
The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority participates in international co-operation involving the exchange of knowledge and experiences between countries.
International organisations and the European Union
The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority is active in several different organisations:
- The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA
- The International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP
- The Nuclear Energy Agency, NEA, within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- The World Health Organization, WHO
- The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation, UNSCEAR
The Authority also works in a number of groups within the European Union in order to improve nuclear safety and radiation protection in Europe. We also co-operate with neighbouring countries in Scandinavia and have bilateral agreements with several other states.
International conventions and treaties
Sweden has signed several international conventions and treaties. The main ones are:
- The Convention on Nuclear Safety
- The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management
- The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, NPT
- The protection of the marine environments of the Baltic Sea area and the North-East Atlantic through the HELCOM and OSPAR conventions
The above-mentioned international conventions mean that Sweden has undertaken specific obligations to improve the level of safety at nuclear power plants and improve radiation protection while also working toward the non-proliferation of nuclear material and nuclear weapons technology. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority is responsible for ensuring that Sweden complies with its agreements and international guidelines.
Development co-operation in Central and Eastern Europe
The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority also manages development co-operation in Central and Eastern Europe. Here, the aim is to enhance the level of safety at nuclear power plants in the region and to improve radiation protection for people and the environment. The Authority also promotes the awareness and improved control of nuclear non-proliferation in the region.