On Thursday 12 October, the association for the nuclear energy industry in Europe, Foratom, called for immediate talks between the EU and UK on their post-Brexit relationship with regard to the nuclear domain. If necessary, they also want transitional arrangements in order to avoid any disruption to the nuclear fuel cycle.
In this spirit, Foratom advocates in its priorities that the EU and UK swiftly conclude an agreement on nuclear cooperation (including arrangements for free trade in the nuclear sector). They also advocate that the EU and UK ensure a smooth transition for the UK from Euratom's nuclear safeguard regime towards a new British nuclear safeguard regime.
Foratom furthermore calls for the free movement of nuclear skills between the EU and UK to be guaranteed, and for a new cooperation agreement to be negotiated between the EU and UK on Euratom's R&D programmes.
Foratom also underlines the need to confirm the validity of contracts already approved by the European Commission and the Euratom Supply Agency for the supply of nuclear materials between EU suppliers and the UK.
In addition, the association advocates implementing a transitional period to minimise any disturbance to civil nuclear sector activities across the whole EU. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)