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Association of Regulators of Western Europe (WENRA)

The Association of Regulators of Western Europe, commonly referred to as WENRA, was established on 4 February 1999. This association comprises regulatory agencies in the field of nuclear power from Western European countries, including Switzerland. The primary objective of WENRA is to create a European network of chief regulators for EU member states with nuclear power plants and other participating countries.

WENRA aims to promote harmonization of national nuclear safety regulations among its members at the European level. This association strives to be at the forefront of nuclear safety, disseminating exemplary levels of nuclear safety throughout the world. The organization is currently chaired by Olivier Gupta, Director General of the French Nuclear Safety Agency (ASN).

The history of WENRA dates back to 1999, when it was initiated by the Nuclear Safety Authority (NSA) and its President André-Claude Lacoste, who was also a founding member of the International Association of Nuclear Safety Authorities (INRA). Since its inception, WENRA has played a crucial role in recommending and obtaining the closure of several nuclear reactors among candidates for EU membership. These include eight reactors at various power plants in Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and others.

WENRA's primary mission is to work with national safety authorities to continuously harmonize and advance nuclear safety at the highest possible level, protecting people and the environment. The association's objectives, as outlined in its 1999 terms of reference, include developing a common approach to nuclear safety and regulation within the European Union, providing an independent nuclear safety review capacity for applicant countries, and assessing and reaching a common approach to nuclear safety and regulatory issues.

Member Countries

WENRA comprises several member countries from Western Europe, including:

- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- France
- Lithuania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia (Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy)
- Sweden
- Switzerland (Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate)
- United Kingdom (Office for Nuclear Regulation)

These countries share a commitment to promoting nuclear safety and cooperation through WENRA.