Helsinki, 20 June 2022 (TDI): International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts completed a nuclear security mission in Finland on 17th June 2022.
The mission was conducted at the request of the Finnish Government and it was hosted by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK).
The International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission conducted from the 6th of June to the 17th of June 2022 was the third mission in Finland.
The first IPPAS mission and second IPPAS mission took place in 2009 and 2012 respectively. The mission included the examination of the legislative and regulatory framework for the physical protection of nuclear and other radioactive material.
They also examined associated facilities and activities. The team assessed computer and information security arrangements; regulatory practices in licensing, inspections, and enforcement.
It also reviewed coordination between stakeholders engaged in nuclear security. They also reviewed the interface between nuclear material accounting and control and nuclear safety.
The IPPAS also looked at the country’s execution of the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its Amendment.
The Amendment to the CPPNM was adopted by Finland in 2011. The team gave its recommendations and suggestions to support Finland in enhancing and sustaining nuclear security.
The team also recognized the good practices in Finland’s nuclear security regime.
These good practices will serve as examples to other IAEA Member states to help strengthen their nuclear security activities.
The mission also met senior officials in Finland such as the Minister of Defence and many more. It also looked at the nuclear security measures in place at the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant.
THE IPPAS TEAM
The IPPAS team was the 97th IPPAS Mission carried out by the IAEA since the programme began in 1995. IPPAS Missions are made to help states in strengthening their national nuclear security regime.
The missions give peer advice on implementing international instruments together with IAEA guidance.
This mission was made up of nine experts from Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and an IAEA staff member.
It was headed by Bernard Stauffer, Head of the Nuclear and Cyber Security Section of the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI).
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