Rada adopts at first reading bill on harmonization of terminology of Ukrainian nuclear legislation with EU directives

KYIV. Sept 21 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Verkhovna Rada, with 280 votes in favor, adopted at the first reading bill No. 5860 on amendments to the Law of Ukraine on permit activities in the sphere of Nuclear energy use.

"The changes proposed by the bill relate to bringing the terminology used in the Law of Ukraine on the use of nuclear energy and radiation safety into line with the directives of the European Union and its clarification, taking into account the practice of applying this law," the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said on its website on Tuesday. In particular, this concerns the definition of the terms "radioactive material," "nuclear installations;" introduction of definitions for the terms "spent nuclear fuel" and "radioactive material" in accordance with EU law.

As the inspectorate said, the changes also relate to the obligations of licensees to involve in the performance of work that affects safety in the use of nuclear energy, only those contractors and subcontractors that have the organizational structure, personnel and resources necessary to perform the specified work, in accordance with the requirements of the law.

"The changes proposed by the bill will not only bring Ukrainian legislation closer to the European one, but will also have a positive impact on ensuring nuclear and radiation safety in the state," the inspectorate said.

In addition, the bill proposes to endow the body of state regulation of nuclear and radiation safety with additional functions of organizing a regular assessment of the regulatory framework in the field of nuclear energy use and the activities of the body itself, for which international experts are invited. "The proposed powers to the body for state regulation of nuclear and radiation safety correspond to the practice of functioning of similar bodies of the IAEA member countries," the inspectorate said.