The European Commission has published today a Eurobarometer survey showing that an overwhelming majority of Europeans would find it useful to have European legislation on radioactive waste management. Due to the use of radioactive substances and materials also for medical applications and for research, the concern for the safety risk related to radioactive waste is shared both in countries with and without nuclear power plants .
Research plays a major role in addressing particular aspects of nuclear waste management and the monitoring and reduction of its environmental impact. It is primarily needed to reduce prediction uncertainties and thus increase general confidence. The JRC has a long-standing track record in independent and reliable research and science and technology assessment in the nuclear field, with a view to providing science-based options to address issues of nuclear stakeholders, public acceptance and policy concerns.