The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) organised and chaired the fourth meeting of the International Nuclear Safety Policy Advisors Group (INSPAG) in Schaffhausen on 12 and 13 May 2026. Participants discussed, in particular, the processes and challenges involved in updating international strategies within their respective authorities. The focus was on the growing importance of international regulatory cooperation and the question of how international activities can be strategically prioritised and organised efficiently.
In addition, INSPAG exchanged views on various approaches to assessing the effectiveness of international regulatory activities. The aim was to further develop common methods to better gauge the benefits and impact of international cooperation. Other topics included current developments and priorities in individual countries, as well as cross-border challenges in the international nuclear sector.
At the meeting in Schaffhausen, INSPAG welcomed Italy, South Africa and the United States of America as new members. The group now comprises 16 member countries: Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and the Czech Republic. INSPAG is a network of officials responsible for international affairs and international cooperation within nuclear regulatory authorities.
INSPAG will continue its work until the next meeting in Poland in autumn 2026. Plans include the drafting of a joint best-practice document on international nuclear regulatory cooperation and the development of a common methodology for assessing international regulatory activities.
In future, the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) will jointly lead the management and strategic development of INSPAG with Switzerland.
INSPAG was established by ENSI in 2024 to strengthen international regulatory cooperation in the field of nuclear safety and make it more efficient through the exchange of experience. Together, the group continues to develop best practices and improve processes for international cooperation.
