1.1 The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management came into force on 18 June 2001 following ratification from twenty-five countries including fifteen countries with nuclear power plants. The objectives of the Convention are:

• to achieve and maintain a high level of safety worldwide in spent fuel and radioactive waste management, through the enhancement of national measures and international co-operation, including where appropriate, safety-related technical co-operation
  
  
• to ensure that during all stages of spent fuel and radioactive waste management there are effective defenses against potential hazards so that individuals, society and the environment are protected from harmful effects of ionizing radiation, now and in the future, in such a way that the needs and aspirations of the present generation are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs and aspirations
  
  
• to prevent accidents with radiological consequences and to mitigate their consequences should they occur during any stage of spent fuel or radioactive waste management

The Convention can be viewed here, together with the latest status.

1.2 Euroelectric published a report in December 2001, entitled Nuclear Plants' Radwaste in Perspective. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the status of waste management within EU member states and also reviews radioactive waste management within the EU accession states.

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