NEA Governing Committee backs start of Ukraine's accession process

Support for the start of negotiations

The Governing Committee of the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (NEA) adopted a decision to support Ukraine's initiative to begin the accession process to this international body. This was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal.

Next steps in integration

According to the head of the energy ministry, following the adoption of such a decision, the next stage will be the conduct of an assessment mission by representatives of the Agency. NEA experts will analyse the state of Ukraine's nuclear sector, assess the country's technical capabilities, and examine its institutional and legal framework. It is based on the results of this mission and subsequent decisions by member states that it will be determined whether Ukraine can become a new participant in the NEA.

«Мав честь звернутися до учасників засідання та представити бачення України щодо подальшої роботи з Агентством. Вдячний генеральному секретарю ОЕСР Матіасу Корманну та генеральному директору NEA Вільяму Магвуду за підтримку України та сприяння нашому руху до членства» (I had the honour of addressing the participants of the meeting and presenting Ukraine's vision for further cooperation with the Agency. I am grateful to OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann and NEA Director-General William Magwood for their support of Ukraine and facilitating our move towards membership), Shmyhal noted.

Strategic significance for the country

The Minister of Energy emphasised that accession to the NEA is an important step on the path to full membership in the OECD and the deepening of European integration. It will also allow for the implementation of the highest standards of nuclear safety.

«Приєднання до NEA - важливий крок у напрямку повноправного членства в ОЕСР, європейської інтеграції та впровадження найвищих стандартів ядерної безпеки. Майбутнє членство дасть Україні змогу активніше долучатися до роботи експертних комітетів і робочих груп, поглиблювати науково-технічну співпрацю, розвивати дослідження та підготовку фахівців» (Accession to the NEA is an important step towards full membership in the OECD, European integration, and the implementation of the highest standards of nuclear safety. Future membership will enable Ukraine to participate more actively in the work of expert committees and working groups, deepen scientific and technical cooperation, and develop research and specialist training), he explained.

Ukrainian contribution to the Agency's work

Denys Shmyhal stressed that Ukraine not only seeks to obtain member status but is also ready to make a substantial contribution to the NEA's activities. The country has a powerful nuclear energy sector, developed infrastructure, experienced engineers and scientists, as well as significant expertise in the operation and modernisation of nuclear power plants, ensuring nuclear safety, managing radioactive waste, and developing prospective technologies.

The minister separately mentioned the unique experience of operating the nuclear energy system under conditions of full-scale war. This experience can be valuable for the international community in the context of crisis readiness and risk management.

«Україна готова пройти необхідний процес оцінювання, виконувати свої зобов’язання та стати активним і відповідальним членом спільноти NEA» (Ukraine is ready to undergo the necessary assessment process, fulfil its obligations, and become an active and responsible member of the NEA community), Shmyhal concluded.