The existence of infrastructure and expertise to prevent the illegal and unregulated trafficking of radioactive and nuclear material has become an integral part of the plans are being developed at national and international level.
The ultimate aim is the safety of the population and the protection of the environment.
In Greece, the EEAE has been coordinating and providing technical and operational support for these plans since 2003, in collaboration with the customs authorities and other bodies. In the event of an emergency, the EEAE activates its response mechanisms and notifies the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Incidents and Trafficking Database (IAEA ITDB).
Legislative framework
“Mandatory installation and use of equipment to detect the presence of radioactive materials in iron ores and their illegal importation”, Ministerial Decision No. 11592 (F.O.R.) 1125, Government Gazette 1633/B/18 August 1999
“Organisation of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR)”, Decision No. D. ORG. A 1036960, Government Gazette 968/B/22 March 2017
“Adaptation of Greek legislation to Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013, laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from ionising radiation and repealing Directives 89/618/Euratom 90/641/Euratom, 96/29/Euratom, 97/43/Euratom and 2003/122/Euratom (OJ L13, 17 January 2014) – ‘Adoption of Radiation Protection Regulations’, Presidential Decree 101, Government Gazette 194/A/20 November 2018.
The legal obligation to install radiation detection systems in steelworks and at customs points had been identified as ‘good practice’ during the international (peer review) to which the national regulatory framework was submitted in 2012 (IAEA, IRRS mission).
National infrastructure for the prevention of illicit trafficking in radioactive materials
The national infrastructure for the prevention and combating of the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials was developed shortly before and in the run-up to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, given the high security requirements. The existing infrastructure comprises technical expertise and specialised detection equipment, trained personnel and procedures for responding to alerts.
MORENuclear Safeguards
Greece has signed, along with 190 other countries worldwide, including the five officially recognised nuclear-weapon states, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
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