The Council of the European Union's Working Party on Atomic Questions will meet on 11 March 2026 to discuss the security situation in Ukraine, preparations for the 2026 Convention on Nuclear Safety review meeting, and follow-up on the INSC-D Regulation, according to a provisional agenda published on 3 May 2026.
The provisional agenda, issued by the General Secretariat of the Council, lists five items for the meeting of the Working Party on Atomic Questions, which coordinates EU member state positions on nuclear and atomic energy matters. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Brussels.
Policy items The first substantive item is an update on the security situation in Ukraine, reflecting ongoing EU concern over nuclear safety at Ukrainian facilities during the war. The second item is preparation for the 2026 Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) review meeting, with a presentation by the European Commission. This will allow member states to align their positions ahead of the international conference.
The third item is a follow-up discussion on the INSC-D Regulation (Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation) REV 2, led by the Presidency. This regulation governs EU funding for nuclear safety cooperation with third countries. The discussion follows earlier work on the revision.
Information points Two information points are scheduled: one on the Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC), which outlines the EU's long-term nuclear energy outlook, and one on the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Communication, which sets out the Commission's strategy for supporting SMR development in Europe. These items are for information only and are not expected to require a decision.
Impact on stakeholders The meeting will directly affect EU member state authorities responsible for nuclear safety and energy policy, as they coordinate their positions for the CNS review and the INSC-D revision. EU nuclear industry stakeholders, including operators and technology developers, will be impacted by the policy direction set on SMRs and the PINC programme. The European Commission, as presenter of the CNS preparation and SMR communication, will use the meeting to gauge member state support. Civil society groups focused on nuclear safety and non-proliferation may be indirectly affected by the outcomes of the INSC-D discussion.
Institutional follow-up The Working Party's conclusions will feed into higher-level Council discussions, including those of the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) and the Energy or Foreign Affairs Council formations, depending on the issue. The CNS review meeting preparation will also involve coordination with the European Commission and the EU's external action service.
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