Emergency Preparedness: Regional Meeting for Better Coordination

On 4-5 of July, 2019 Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority hosted a regional meeting for a better cross-border coordination of protective actions during a nuclear accident.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Árpád Vincze, Head of Department of the HAEA highlighted: during a nuclear emergency situation it is vital to have well tested and effective cross-border coordination to protect people from the harmful effects of a possible radioactive release in every affected country. He added that the meeting provides a good opportunity to gain knowledge about each other’s systems and decision making processes and to identify areas of future development. Mr. Árpád Vincze pointed out the importance of trust, including trust of the citizens and also the mutual trust of the authorities.

The meeting in Budapest gave place to a number of presentations and discussions about the international requirements, the country specific national arrangements and the aspects and possible methods of cross-border coordination (including case studies, experiences in other, non-nuclear areas).

Discussions were developed on the challenges of coordination and harmonisation of cross-border activities as well as on the way forward.