21/12/2016 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 21 December, the Council gave its agreement, by written procedure, to EU funding for eight projects to support the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and in the framework of the implementation of the EU strategy to fight the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These projects, which will cost a total of around €9.361 million over a period of three years, aim to reinforce nuclear safety in the member countries of the IAEA. In its decision, the Council explains that the EU is determined to reinforce nuclear safety at a global level and is prepared to continue to support third countries in this regard. This may be achieved by supporting the activities in the IAEA, particularly by providing support to states to create the necessary internal capacities in the technical, scientific and human resources fields to guarantee effective and permanent nuclear safety. (CG)