Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is a semi-autonomous organisation within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) based in Paris. The Federal Republic of Germany is a founding member of the OECD and joined the NEA in 1958.

The specific task of the NEA is to assist its member states in obtaining and further developing the scientific, technological and legal bases required for the safe and economical use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

The NEA implements its tasks through a programme of work on topics such as nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, radiological protection, nuclear energy law and liability and through public information.

The governing body of the NEA is the Steering Committee, which convenes twice a year. Several standing technical committees report to the Steering Committee.

These committees are comprised of high-ranking experts from the member states. Much of the specialist work on nuclear safety is conducted in the Committee on Nuclear Regulatory Activities (CNRA) and the Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI); the Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC) deals with the management of radioactive waste and the Committee on Radiological Protection and Public Health (CRPPH) is responsible for issues pertaining to radiological protection.

In Germany, the Federal Environment Ministry (BMUKN) has lead responsibility for activities relating to the NEA and its committees. As a member, the BMUKN takes part in the meetings of the Steering Committee and the standing technical committees.