Image: In the aftermath of the reactor accident at Fukushima, the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) has submitted a proposal to amend the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS).
Switzerland’s proposal will now be discussed in detail within the scope of a Diplomatic Conference. The Conference will be organised by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and has to take place within one year.
“We haven’t crossed the finishing line yet”, emphasises Hans Wanner, Director General of the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI. “It is nonetheless a significant success in view of the difficulties associated with amending the Convention.”
During the 6th CNS Review Meeting held in Vienna from the end of March until the beginning of April 2014, the Swiss delegation, in close cooperation with other Contracting Parties in favour of the Swiss amendment proposal, worked specifically towards initiating a Diplomatic Conference.
A Diplomatic Conference provides an opportunity to formulate a text that is acceptable to as many Contracting Parties as possible. It needs to be approved by at least two thirds of them.
Main lessons learned from the accident in Fukushima
The content of the Swiss proposal met with widespread agreement during the various bilateral discussions held with other Contracting Parties to prepare and initiate the vote of last week, says Hans Wanner. “All Contracting Parties have agreed that the proposal includes one of the most important lessons learned from the accident in Fukushima.
“There was, however, some resistance to the idea of amending the Convention despite a basic degree of consent. That’s why it was so important to inform the hesitant Contracting Parties about the different steps in the process in order to reduce the reluctance of making changes”, says Hans Wanner in describing the efforts undertaken by the entire Swiss delegation, which was strongly supported by representatives of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
It was made clear to all that the Convention already provides rules to initiate a potential amendment process. “The technology of nuclear power plants is also subjected to continuous development and improvement”, pointed out ENSI’s Director General. Furthermore, amending international treaties in the light of new developments is in fact the norm rather than the exception.