The European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and its Member States are committed to maintaining and further improving the safety of nuclear installations and the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, as reflected in particular in existing Community legislation adopted under articles 31 and 32 of the Euratom Treaty, as well as in the relevant resolutions and conclusions of the European Council, the European Parliament, the Council, and the European Economic and Social Committee.

The European Council of 8/9 March 2007 endorsed the Commission proposal to set up an EU High Level Group on Nuclear Safety and Waste Management, with the mandate of progressively developing common understanding and, eventually, additional European rules in these fields.

The work of the High Level Group should take into account the conclusions of the 2798th meeting of the Council of the European Union (Economic and Financial Affairs) of 8 May 2007 which sets out a list of possible actions, on the basis of the reports of the Working Party on Nuclear Safety, and build on the existing cooperation within current international contexts (such as Convention on Nuclear Safety, Joint Convention, International Atomic Energy Agency, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency, Western European Nuclear Regulators Association).

The High Level Group should be composed of the heads of the national regulatory or safety authorities competent in the areas of the safety of nuclear installations and the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. The Commission should designate a representative.

The High Level Group should on a regular basis inform the European Nuclear Energy Forum, which constitutes a comprehensive discussion platform involving all relevant stakeholders in the nuclear field. It should contribute to a consistent application, in all Member States concerned, of the relevant existing provisions.

The High Level Group should submit regular activity reports, including recommendations where appropriate, to the Commission, to be transmitted to the European Parliament and to the Council.

The High Level Group therefore has to be set up and its terms of reference and structures detailed,