HERCA Side Event at the 69th IAEA General Conference
HERCA strengthens its strategic role in European and global radiological protection, fostering international dialogue on the practical challenges of implementing international standards
Vienna, September 16th 2025
From left to right: Ricardo FRAGA GUTERRES (FORO), Jean-Luc LACHAUME (HERCA), Mika MARKKANEN (HERCA), Hildegarde VANDENHOVE (IAEA), Y’au IDRIS (FNRBA) and Haruyuki OGINO (NRA)
The side event organised by HERCA and France on the 16th September 2025 at the Vienna International Centre. It brought together representatives of regional networks and international organisations in Vienna. They discussed the challenges and ambiguities encountered in the practical application of international radiological protection standards.
HERCA, as a key actor in European radiological protection, held this event within the framework of the 69th IAEA General Conference. HERCA aimed to enhance interaction between European and global organisations and to contribute to the refinement and constant improvement of the international regulatory system of Radiological Protection, particularly in view of the forthcoming revision of the ICRP Recommendations and the EU BSS Directive.
Jean-Luc Lachaume, Chair of HERCA and Commissioner of ASNR (France) delivered the opening remarks and emphasised the importance of international collaboration and HERCA’s leadership in radiological protection.
International cooperation is essential to address the challenges of radiological protection in a constantly changing world — Jean-Luc Lachaume
Following this, Mika MARKKANEN, expert at STUK (Finland), presented the outcomes of HERCA’s workshop held in Madrid in May 2024. He highlighted the difficulties and best practices in implementing the EU BSS Directive. The presentation underscored the need to adapt international standards to national realities and the value of European cooperation.
The central part of the event featured contributions from international guests:
- Ricardo FRAGA GUTERRES, Representative of the National Nuclear Safety Authority of Brazil (ANSN) and member of Iberomerican FORO’s Steering Committee, shared the iberoamerican perspective on regulation and radiological protection.
- Haruyuki OGINO, Deputy Director of NRA (Japan), discussed the challenges and progress in Asia, particularly regarding existing exposure situations and the graded approach.
- Y’au IDRIS, Chair of FNRBA and Director General of NNRA (Nigeria), analysed the development of nuclear energy in Africa and the consolidation of regulatory frameworks across the continent.
- Hildegarde VANDENHOVE, Director of the Division of Nuclear Safety at the IAEA, presented the organisation’s role in developing and promoting international standards, as well as the challenges identified during review and technical assistance missions.
A general discussion followed the presentations during which participants exchanged experiences and proposals to improve the implementation of standards and strengthen international cooperation.
More than 30 participants attended the side event, including representatives from international organisations such as IAEA and the European Commission. The diversity of backgrounds and regions ensured a rich debate and a global perspective on regulatory and implementation challenges.
This event was aligned with “General Objective 3” of HERCA’s Strategy, which seeks to strengthen HERCA’s role as a key actor in radiological protection. HERCA develops channels of interaction with European and global organisations, and contributes to the basis of the international regulatory system.
Presentations are available below: