Franco-Luxembourg Commission

The Franco-Luxembourg Joint Commission for Nuclear Security was created through an intergovernmental agreement on 29 March 1994. The Commission is based on the bilateral agreement of 1983.

It meets annually, with the venue alternating between Luxembourg and France.

Commission meetings provide an opportunity for the Luxembourg and French authorities, together with EDF, to review the latest developments in nuclear safety and radiation protection in the two countries.

The Luxembourg authorities are represented by:

  • the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs;
  • the Ministry of Health: the Radiation Protection Division (Division de la radioprotection - DRP) of the Health Directorate;
  • the Ministry of the Interior;
  • the Luxembourg Embassy in France.

The French authorities are represented by:

  • the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN);
  • the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Development;
  • the Prefecture of Moselle;
  • the Eastern Defence and Security Zone.

Storage of radioactive waste in France

Since 1994, Andra (the French National Agency for the Management of Radioactive Waste) has been conducting geological surveys on the border between the departments of Meuse and Haute-Marne to assess the feasibility of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste.

Bure is located in the southern Barrois region of the Meuse department, less than 2 km from the border with the Haute-Marne department. The site is 63 km from Nancy and 135 km from Luxembourg City.

Given this relative proximity, it is not surprising that Luxembourg's political authorities and administration are taking an interest in the progress of work on the Bure underground laboratory. Several independent studies have been carried out.

The 'Summary Report (Pdf, 12.76 Mb) on the French project for the geological disposal of nuclear waste and its implications for Luxembourg' can be downloaded below [in French].

Post-accident management in France

The Radiation Protection Division participates in the work of the Steering Committee for the Management of the Post-Accident Phase of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (CORDIRPA) in France.

This project aims to establish a framework, and define, prepare and implement measures in response to post-nuclear-accident situations.

The subjects covered include:

  • foodstuffs;
  • water;
  • waste management;
  • population health monitoring;
  • protective measures;
  • compensation;
  • communication;
  • radiation protection awareness. 

This project will form the basis for developing a Post-accident Plan for Luxembourg.

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