Belarus joined special pool of states due to construction of its own NPP

A draft law on safety in the use of atomic energy was approved at a meeting of the tenth session of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus of the seventh convocation

The law is aimed at strengthening and maintaining a proper level of nuclear and radiation safety in the use of atomic energy.

The Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Council of the Republic on Economy, Budget and Finance, Tatiana Runets, explained, “With construction of a nuclear power plant, Belarus has joined a special pool of states. The use of nuclear energy is a big step in development of the Belarusian energy sector and the economy as a whole. At the same time, it is also a great responsibility related, primarily, to security issues. The draft law envisages comprehensive regulation of public relations in the field of safety in the use of atomic energy at all stages of the life cycle of nuclear energy facilities; distribution and strengthening of responsibility of authorised republican public administration bodies involved in decision-making process on management and regulation of safety in the use of atomic energy; formation by Gosatomnadzor [Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry] of a system of scientific and technical support for regulatory activities in areas of nuclear and radiation safety.”

According to the senator, the priority of safety in the use of atomic energy, enshrined in the bill, will contribute to an unconditional increase in the level of nuclear and radiation safety, ensuring protection of life, health, rights and legitimate interests of citizens, as well as environmental protection, strengthening the image of Belarus in the international arena as a country that shares modern international safety requirements.