Transparency in regulating nuclear safety is a fundamental commitment shared by international, EU, and national institutions. This transparency encompasses two key areas: Public information and Public participation.
Public information
Ensuring access to a broad range of data, from general information on how a country oversees the safety of its nuclear activities to specific details, such as plans for a new radioactive waste management installation.
What information is available
National regulators communicate proactively on nuclear safety matters, and under certain circumstances, are legally obliged to provide information upon request. Below are examples of how public information can be implemented:
Standard communication (Publicly Available)
- Press releases and information notices
- Publications (e.g., annual reports, fact sheets)
- Materials from conferences, workshops, and exhibitions
- Findings from reviews, incident investigations, and inspection follow-up letters
Local communication – Direct Engagement by Operators
Nuclear power plant operators and licensees also provide information – particularly to local communities – on safety-related matters. This often includes:
- Organised plant visits
- Public meetings and consultations
- Freedom of information – Released upon request
Certain documents must be disclosed under freedom of information laws, though some sections may be redacted – for example, to protect national security or personal privacy.
Practical Guidance
In 2019, ENSREG's Working Group on Transparency (WGTA), in cooperation with the Nuclear Energy Agency's Working Group on Public Communication, published updated Guidance on openness and transparency for European nuclear safety regulators. The review and update of the guidance included a survey on its implementation (read the survey report).
In 2020, ENSREG adopted a document on its communications policy.
In 2024, OECD NEA has issued the report on ‘The Characteristics of a Trusted Nuclear Regulator’ (NEA, 2024) that provides a practical guide to explain the organisational characteristics, attributes and ways of thinking that can help a nuclear regulator build and maintain trust with stakeholders and the public
Public participation
By prioritising transparency, public institutions actively encourage public engagement in nuclear matters, for instance, through consultations and information campaigns.
Together, these measures enhance public understanding of the work carried out by regulators and operators, ultimately strengthening confidence in the safety of nuclear installations.
ENSREG is also committed to enhancing transparency in nuclear safety across EU member states. The group actively engages the public by sharing updates on its work – through this website, public events, and consultations.
How to participate
Public participation in nuclear safety primarily arises from legal obligations, national legislation, and international conventions, as well as structured engagement initiatives. Below are the key forms it takes:
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Public involvement is mandated through several Euratom and EU legal instruments, including:
- Nuclear Safety Directive (2009/71/EURATOM) and the Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management Directive (2011/70/Euratom) – both require public participation in decision-making.
- Directive 2003/4/EC – ensures on public access to environmental information, defining how such data must be disclosed.
- Directive 2011/92/EU – requires environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for projects with significant environmental implications before authorisation.
At the national level, legislation increasingly demands transparency and public engagement in nuclear matters, often rooted in international conventions or EU law.
Key international conventions influencing public participation include:
- Aarhus Convention – links environmental rights with human rights, emphasising public access to information and decision-making.
- ESPOO Convention – governs cross-border environmental impact assessments and mandates public consultations.
Hearings and debates coordinated by Public Bodies
Public participation practices vary by country, with consultations often led by non- regulatory bodies, such as:
- Local authorities
- Environmental agencies
- Government departments
These consultations may occur at different stages of a nuclear project –whether during licensing, operation, or decommissioning – allowing local residents to contribute to decisions. While such consultations are often legally required, their outcomes are typically non-binding.
Examples include:
- National debates – held for major policies or projects, such as the construction of a new nuclear power plant.
- Local hearings֪ – focused on specific issues, like extending nuclear power plant’s operational life or modifying its licence.
Consultations Initiated by National Regulators
Many national regulators proactively seek public input, publishing consultations on their official websites.
Standing bodies
To foster continuous dialogue, standing advisory groups are often established near nuclear sites.
These bodies bring together local representatives, civil society organisations, and interest groups to discuss:
- Nuclear safety and radiation protection
- Environmental and community impacts of nuclear activities
- Operational transparency and oversight
Their role is to provide a permanent forum for discussion, vigilance, and local accountability.
ENSREG has a working group dedicated to transparency and public information. Find more information on the group here.