The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will take place in Vienna from 15 to 19 September 2025. On the very first day, BASE will contribute its expertise by hosting a side event. The event, titled “Enhancing Decision-Making in Radioactive Waste Management through Public Participation”, will highlight various national approaches to public involvement. Alongside BASE, organisations from France, Canada, Sweden and Switzerland will present their respective participation procedures for the repository search. 

International exchange on issues related to the repository search

“The search for a repository site – as well as public involvement in that process – takes place under very different conditions in each country. With our contribution, we aim to foster international exchange, as there is great potential for all to share experiences and learn from one another,” said Dr Mareike Rüffer, Head of the Nuclear Safety Department at BASE (in German).

 In addition to presenting the objectives and structures of national participation procedures, the side event will focus on shared challenges – for example, how to engage young people or how to transition from national to regional participation formats. The exchange aims to identify possible best practices. 

BASE supports the German delegation

The IAEA General Conference is held annually and brings together the organisation’s Member States to decide, among other things, on the IAEA’s budget and to discuss issues related to nuclear safety and non-proliferation. As part of bilateral and multilateral discussions and negotiations, BASE provides expert support to the German delegation.