ABSTRACT
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) was established in 1958 to further safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Originally a European agency, it has since admitted Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members outside Europe. The NEA has 34 member states. China and India have been designated as Strategic Partners. The Committee comprises senior representatives of member governments, presided over by a chairman. It reports directly to the OECD Council and meets twice a year. The NEA’s mission is to assist its member countries in maintaining and further developing the scientific, technological and legal bases required for the safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The NEA supports joint projects and information exchange programmes that enable countries to share the costs of pursuing research or the sharing of data, primarily in the areas of nuclear safety, radioactive waste management and radiation protection.
