European group approves the creation of a working group on fusion and reviews the proposal for a new EU-level safety advisory service

The meeting reaffirms the commitment to regulatory oversight in Ukraine and initiates preparations for the third Topical Peer Review

The President of the CSN chairs the 58th ENSREG plenary meeting

The Plenary of the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG), chaired by Juan Carlos Lentijo, President of the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), has held its 58th meeting in Brussels. The CSN was further represented by its Technical Director for Nuclear Safety, Teresa Vázquez. This meeting is essential for the coordination among the regulatory authorities of the European Union member states.

During the session, top officials responsible for nuclear safety in the EU and the European Commission discussed ENSREG's strategic priorities, with a particular focus on the harmonisation of criteria and ensuring transparency with the European society.

One of the key issues addressed during the meeting was the presentation of a document regarding the potential creation of a new voluntary nuclear safety advisory service for the European Union. This initiative is designed to strengthen the EU regulatory framework in countries planning to launch a nuclear programme. In parallel, the European Commission updated regulators on the progress of the grant programme for collaboration between regulators and the roadmap for the coming months.

A document concerning the implementation of Armenia’s National Action Plan, derived from the European Stress Tests, was also approved. ENSREG acknowledges the technical progress and commitment demonstrated by the country, but maintains its strategic position—aligned with European Union safety standards—which advocates for the shutdown and safe decommissioning of the Metsamor nuclear power plant as soon as possible, prioritizing regional integrity over any energy considerations.

Furthermore, the meeting allowed for an in-depth update on policies regarding the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Industrial Alliance and the progress of the monitoring panel being developed by the ENSREG working group on this topic to oversee this emerging technology.

Additionally, ENSREG has approved the creation of a new working group on fusion safety, of which CSN Commissioner Francisco Castejón will be a member.

Peer Review

In the technical sphere, ENSREG continues to advance the follow-up of the second Topical Peer Review (TPR II) dedicated to fire protection, through the implementation of a specific action plan to address the challenges identified in fire protection at nuclear installations. Likewise, regulators have begun studying proposed topics, the methodology for the revoiew process, and the timeline for the third edition (TPR III), thereby ensuring the continuous improvement of safety through the exchange of experiences and cross-country technical reviews.

The safety of nuclear installations during armed conflicts was once again a priority for the Plenary. The Ukrainian regulator (SNRIU) presented a detailed update on the grave challenges facing regulatory oversight in the country, prompting an ENSREG institutional statement reaffirming its support for Ukraine. This coordination is vital ahead of the next Review Meeting of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, where European regulators seek to align their positions to strengthen international protection mechanisms.

The Plenary also included an update on preparations for the next ENSREG Conference, which will take place on 16 and 17 June 2026 in Brussels.

ENSREG

As a high-level advisory group created in 2007, ENSREG maintains its mission to advise European institutions and promote a common understanding of nuclear safety and waste management—tasks in which the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) actively participates through its various working groups.

Through its participation in this meeting, the CSN reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international cooperation, the exchange of technical information, and the continuous improvement of nuclear safety. ENSREG remains a key platform for coordinating efforts among European regulators and promoting consistent practices that reinforce the protection of people and the environment.