Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community)

In News: India and the European Union (EU) have reiterated their commitment to cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under the India–Euratom Agreement, signalling deeper strategic and technological collaboration.

About Euratom

What is Euratom?

• Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community) is an international organisation established to promote the peaceful development and use of nuclear energy in Europe.
• It was created alongside the European Economic Community (EEC) to ensure collective growth of nuclear technology at the European level.

Established

• Year: 1957
• Treaty: Treaty of Rome

Objectives

• Develop a common market for nuclear energy in Europe
• Promote research and development in atomic energy
• Ensure security of nuclear fuel supply
• Facilitate investment in nuclear infrastructure
• Establish uniform safety standards
• Oversee safe disposal of radioactive waste

Note: Euratom’s mandate excludes nuclear materials meant for military use.

Membership

• Founding Members: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands
• Over time, all EU member states became part of Euratom.
• Euratom continues to exist separately but in parallel with the EU.

Role in Europe’s Energy Mix

• Regulates the civil nuclear industry in Europe
• Nuclear energy contributes ~30% of electricity generation in the EU
• Supports Europe’s energy security and low-carbon transition

Key Functions

• Nuclear safeguards: Prevents diversion of nuclear materials
• Supply assurance: Ensures equal access to nuclear fuel
• Safety oversight: Sets operational and radiation safety standards
• Waste management: Regulates radioactive waste disposal
• Research promotion: Encourages nuclear innovation and fusion research

Institutional Structure

• Governed by:
• European Commission
• Council of the European Union
• Subject to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ)

Key Instruments

• Euratom Supply Agency: Manages nuclear fuel supply and contracts
• Safeguards & Inspection Mechanisms: Monitor nuclear material usage
• Joint Research Centre (JRC): EU’s in-house nuclear research arm

Advanced Research & Future Energy

• Actively involved in nuclear fusion research, including projects like ITER
• Fusion is viewed as a potential source of:
• Abundant
• Sustainable
• Low-carbon energy in the future

India–Euratom Cooperation

• Focuses on peaceful nuclear uses, including:
• Nuclear safety
• Radiation protection
• Research collaboration
• Training and capacity building

Strengthens India’s civil nuclear ecosystem without military implications