IAEA completes Nuclear Security Advisory Mission in Hungary

The Hungarian Government requested the 12-day International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission to follow up an IPPAS mission completed in 2013.

The scope of the IPPAS mission included the legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear security as well as the physical protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities and activities, including computer security. Also discussed was Hungary’s implementation of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), which entered into force last year and provides a strengthened framework for protecting nuclear material and facilities. Hungary ratified the Amendment in 2008.

In addition, the mission team was briefed on security arrangements for Hungary’s planned construction of two nuclear power reactors as well as nuclear material accounting and control for security at the state level and at nuclear facilities. The team visited Paks Nuclear Power Plant and the Püspökszilágy Radioactive Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility to observe physical protection measures.

The team concluded that Hungary has made commendable progress in implementing the recommendations and suggestions of the previous mission. It identified a number of good practices, while also making additional recommendations and suggestions for continuous improvement.

The team, led by Stephan Bayer, Director of the Nuclear Security Section in the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, included seven experts from five states and the IAEA. The team met in Budapest with officials from the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA), the National Police Headquarters and other organizations involved in nuclear security.

“A strong commitment to nuclear security is a must for any state that uses nuclear power for electricity generation and that is planning to expand this capacity by constructing new power reactors,” said Muhammad Khaliq, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section. “Hungary’s example in applying IAEA Nuclear Security guidance and using IAEA advisory services demonstrates its strong commitment to nuclear security as well as the value of Agency assistance in helping States to establish and maintain an effective nuclear security regime.”

“We are satisfied with the report of this mission that serves as an independent review of our nuclear security regime,” said HAEA Deputy Director General Szabolcs Hullán. “I am very proud that the team could identify good practices to be shared with the international community.”

Source: www.justearthnews.com