Legal Triggers for Digitalization of Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management within the European Union

Abstract

The article examines the impact of digitalization on radioactive waste and spent fuel management in the EU. The purpose of the research is the legal mechanisms that launch new digital technologies to improve radioactive waste accounting and control over its management. To set the goals of the research, such methods of scientific knowledge as logical, system-structural and comparative legal analysis were used. New EU legal documents (EC Digital Strategy 2018 and Shaping Digital Future of Europe 2020) have triggered process digitalization in the EU. According to analysis the EU legal acts, the authors came to the conclusion that the EU Commission principles of digitalization are security, confidentiality, openness, transparency and simultaneity. EURATOM successfully applies digital 3D technology and simulation for dismantling planning of nuclear facilities. In turn, the European Commission uses digitalization applies to data collection and radioactive waste and spent fuel management in the EU Member States. In conclusion, it is determined that the EU has not yet adopted artificial intelligence act for radioactive waste and spent fuel management. However, the EU already has some experience. In the future the EU can adopt a new legal act that will summarize all the practice of the EC, EURATOM and EU Member States to regulate of digitalization in the EU radioactive waste management.