EU Statement – UN General Assembly 4th Committee: Effects of Atomic Radiation

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Serbia^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

The EU and its Member States commend the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation for its valuable contributions to expanding knowledge on the levels, effects and risks of exposure to ionizing radiation on both human health and the environment. We welcome the Committee's work on medical exposure to atomic radiation, which is one of the EU priorities with respect to radiation protection, and it is in line with the SAMIRA Action Plan (the Strategic Agenda for Medical Ionising Radiation Applications).

We recognize the importance of the Committee's efforts to improve the collection, analysis and dissemination of radiation exposure data, and the efforts undertaken for the evaluation of public exposure to ionizing radiation. 

We note with satisfaction the Committee's extensive expertise in assessing exposure following accidental radionuclide releases and in developing the scientific foundations for enhancing nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and recovery. Continuous, sustained international collaboration is essential to strengthen preparedness and response to potential radiological events or nuclear accidents, as well as to improve the management of legacy sites.

The Committee’s work aligns with the EU priorities and has been instrumental in advancing international scientific understanding of the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation in all exposure situations. With this in mind, it remains essential that this unique scientific body continues to receive stable and predictable support, including necessary financial resources and personnel, commensurate with its mandate and significant added value.

The EU and its Member States welcome the emphasis in the draft resolution on the importance of finalizing the recruitment process for the fixed-term positions allocated to the secretariat, which are crucial to the implementation of the UNSCEAR`s programme of work. The assessment of possible options of servicing arrangements for the secretariat within the framework of UN80 could be instrumental in preserving the integrity of the work of the Committee.We are confident that the research projects launched in this area by the EU will contribute with key information to the international efforts. In radiation protection, improved use of ionising radiation in medical applications, and emergency preparedness, the PIANOFORTE Partnership, co-funded by the Euratom Research and Training Programme, has served as the main driver of research for years 2021-2025, strengthening an EU-wide community of research and innovation.

Finally, we are pleased to report that the Research Framework Arrangement, signed last year between the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and UNSCEAR, is now in effect. Under this Arrangement, both parties will cooperate on characterization of radiation sources, evaluation of exposure levels and their effects on people and the environment; development of reference measurements and materials for radiation assessment; exchange of scientific data related to radiation protection; and coordination in relevant Euratom and UNSCEAR research projects.

Thank you, Chair

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.