NEA/COM(2017)2
Paris, 18 May 2017
On 17 May 2017, upon recommendation of the Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy, the Council of the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) agreed to invite the Argentine Republic and Romania to become full members of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and its Data Bank. These accessions will be formalised with official exchange of letters between each country and OECD Secretary‑General Angel Gurría in June 2017.
"We are very glad to have Argentina and Romania join the NEA, a step that signals the growing co‑operation between the OECD and both countries, and an evidence of their commitment to best practices in the field of nuclear energy," said OECD Secretary‑General Angel Gurría. "The Agency will also benefit from the experience that Argentina and Romania can provide to the rest of its members with regard to nuclear technology and safety."
Within the context of their national energy policies, both Argentina and Romania are active players in the nuclear energy field, with significant research capacities. They share the same values as the NEA member countries, particularly with regard to nuclear safety. Both countries have well-established relations with the NEA.
The accession of Argentina and Romania to the NEA will be mutually beneficial for the accession countries and the NEA membership in several fields, particularly know‑how and research activities related to pressurised heavy water reactor technology. Synergies are also expected in activities related to electricity market design, high‑level waste management and scientific research infrastructures. Both countries will gain from the sharing of nuclear data, continuous benchmarking and experience in areas such as stakeholder involvement provided through NEA committees and working groups.
"We are pleased to have Argentina and Romania join the NEA family to take part in collaborations related to the application of nuclear science and technology, and in the global debate on the energy mix required to meet the security of energy supply, socio‑economic and environmental goals of the future," said NEA Director‑General William D. Magwood, IV.
Background notes for editors
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is an intergovernmental agency which operates under the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD). It facilitates co-operation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, related environmental and economic matters and law. The mission of the NEA is to assist its member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international co‑operation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It strives to provide authoritative assessments and to forge common understandings on key issues as input to government decisions on nuclear technology policies. With Argentina and Romania, NEA membership will include 33 countries that co‑operate through joint research, consensus‑building among experts and development of best practices.
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