Council of Europe: „Slavutych Appeal“ adopted

Five Basic Principles on nuclear safety matters.

06.03.2006 |Anke Stock

The International Conference “Chernobyl 20 years after” organised on 2 to 4 March 2006 in Slavutych (Ukraine) by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe resulted in the adoption of the “Slavutych Appeal”. The appeal reaffirms five basic principles to guide public authorities in nuclear safety matters. If the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe agree on the principles the appeal shall become a Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers.

The principles are the following:

1. The central role of governments

Global management of nuclear safety on a world scale can only be envisioned on the basis of control by governments players in liaison with the international community. Only governments can raise the necessary resources for education and scientific research, which are essential and are the first step in a long-term preventive policy.

2. The crucial role of local and regional authorities

Local and regional authorities have a decisive part to play, in partnership with central government, involving the citizens and protecting communities.

3. Neighbourhood solidarity

Nuclear safety cannot be confined to one country’s political and administrative boundaries. It requires effective neighbourhood solidarity and transfrontier co-operation, to ensure that each area concerned, irrespective of the country to which it is attached, is a player on an equal footing with all the others.

4. Transparency and information

There must be comprehensive and permanent access to information.

5. Involvement and consultation of the citizens

The populations directly concerned must be involved and consulted under procedures specific to each country, including all forms of direct consultation.”