Oslo
Norway has launched its first national strategy focused on radiation protection and nuclear safety, marking a major step to boost health preparedness and security amid global tensions.
The strategy outlines Norway’s international commitments and aims to improve the country’s emergency response and safety systems, as noted in a government press release on Thursday.
Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre expressed satisfaction over the new move, saying it would strengthen health and security efforts. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide highlighted that, with rising global conflicts, nuclear safety has never been more important. He added that Norway is committed to active international cooperation on these issues.
This plan follows gaps identified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a 2019 review of Norway’s safety systems.
The strategy sets 10 main goals, such as improving regulatory oversight, adopting strict safety laws, and using a life-cycle approach to radiation-related activities. It also aims to reduce risks of radiation incidents and ensure that safety remains the top priority in all nuclear activities.
Additionally, Norway plans to improve patient safety when using medical radiation and to better manage radiation sources outside government control.
The government stressed that openness, transparency, and strong coordination are key parts of the new strategy to protect human health and the environment.