EU, IAEA boost nuclear ties during latest Senior Officials Meeting

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and European Union (EU) representatives recently worked to strengthen ties concerning nuclear issues during their fourth annual Senior Officials Meeting in Vienna.

The forum focused on facilitating cooperation on nuclear matters, including safety, security, research and development, and sustainability. The IAEA said it receives support from the EU on its global assistance projects, specifically in Africa and parts of Asia.

“Frequent exchanges at both the technical and senior official levels are very important,” Cornel Feruta, chief coordinator for the IAEA, said. “The EU is an important partner for the IAEA, and we are interested in further enhancing this cooperation. The IAEA and the EU can work together and contribute to the objectives of the sustainable-development agenda.”

During the forum, members representing the EU committed support for the IAEA and its actions relating to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which will monitor Iran's nuclear program. Other matters concerning nuclear security also were discussed, including the establishment of the Low-Enriched Uranium Bank in Kazakhstan.

The next meeting will take place in early 2017 in Brussels.