Experience from past nuclear and radiological accidents has shown that the consequences of a radiological emergency can be profound and long lasting, affecting public health, the environment, food systems, infrastructure and social trust. Recognising this, the Committee on Radiological Protection and Public Health (CRPPH) Expert Group on Recovery Management (EGRM), in its report "Building a Framework for Post Nuclear Accident Recovery Preparedness, National Level Guidance," emphasised the need for countries to establish dedicated recovery frameworks that extend beyond initial emergency response plans, and expressed the lack of international exercises covering recovery.
The Sixth International Nuclear Emergency Exercise (INEX 6), co-ordinated by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and conducted in 2024, was the first international exercise focused entirely on long-term recovery following a severe radiological release. Prepared by the Working Party on Nuclear Emergency Matters (WPNEM) Expert Group on INEX 6 (EGINEX6), it brought together 26 countries to examine complex recovery challenges.
This upcoming workshop, organised by the NEA and hosted by the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire et de Radioprotection (ASNR), will present key outcomes and lessons learnt from the INEX-6 evaluation and define concrete next steps to strengthen both national and international recovery preparedness.
The workshop will be highly interactive, featuring plenary sessions, breakout groups, panel discussions and opportunities for open dialogue. It will present the outcomes of INEX-6, highlight key findings, challenges and lessons learnt from the exercise. Participants will also examine how these insights can support the practical implementation of national and international recovery policies and frameworks. Finally, the workshop will help define future priorities for strengthening recovery preparedness at both policy and operational levels, including consideration of the transition phase.
The outcomes of the workshop will be compiled into a publicly available report.
The workshop is open to members of CRPPH, WPNEM and EGINEX6, as well as INEX-6 national exercise organisers and players. It also welcomes other stakeholders, including representatives from national and local governments, regulators, operators, industry, international organisations and non-governmental experts or associations involved or interested in recovery planning and emergency management.
There is no registration fee, but registration is required via this link. Registration will remain open until mid-October 2025. All participants are encouraged to register early.
For virtual observers, please send an email to wpnem@oecd-nea.org requesting access.
Lucas Martiri