Brussels, 18/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - The setting up of the high level group on nuclear safety and waste management was approved on the basis of the Commission's proposal in its draft indicative nuclear programme (energy and climate change package, January 2007: EUROPE 9341) last March (EUROPE 9383). It will be up and running by the end of the summer. The new group will bring together representatives from member states' regulatory authorities in charge of nuclear safety. It aims to develop a common analysis on issues relating to the safety and dismantling of nuclear plants; manage irradiated fuel and radioactive waste; and formulate recommendations on what possible action to take at Community level. Given its desire for transparency, the high level group on nuclear safety is also expected to provide regular reports on its work, at least every three years, to the Council and European Parliament. Transparency in the decisions taken will also be ensured for a wider public via a special internet site. The chairman of the group will be expected to ensure coherency with the work of the Nuclear Forum, which will meet twice a year in Bratislava and Prague alternatively (EUROPE 9448). (eh)