Information from the Commission on the AIPES-DG ENERGY Radioisotopes Observatory

 Brusssels 31 March 2012.

The Commission's representative reported to the WPAQ (Working Party on Atomic Questions)  that a meeting between AIPES and the Commission services to discuss the creation of the Observatory was held on 12 January 2012 in Brussels. It was agreed that DG ENER will coordinate the activities of the Observatory and Mr A. Janssens (Head of Radiation Protection Unit) will be a Chairperson. The structure, operating modalities and allocation of the tasks were discussed between DG ENERGY and the Executive Committee of AIPES. It was also agreed to establish four working groups to deal with:

(i) global reactor scheduling and Mo-99 supply monitoring;

(ii) cost recovery mechanisms for the EU;

(iii) management of HEU, LEU and target production for the EU;

(iv) capacity and infrastructure development.

The next Stakeholders meeting will be held in Brussels on 29 June 2012.  DG ENER has already sent the note asking to arrange for the timely official nomination of representatives of all  stakeholders to the relevant Working Groups.

In reply to CZ, the Commission's representative reassured that the "cost recovery" working group will cooperate and not duplicate the work of the NEA. In reply to FR, the Commission's  representative noted that establishment of the Observatory provides first steps towards a Joint Undertaking in the future.

DG COMP is informed on the plans and is looking into possibilities to grant an exemption for this structure. SE was reassured that safety is a fundamental priority in the work of the Observatory.