Nuclear safety in Iraq: Conclusion of a European project mobilising Andra’s expertise
As part of a European cooperation initiative, Andra supported Iraq in strengthening their capacity to safely manage radioactive waste. This mission, which reflects the Agency’s commitment to sharing and further developing its expertise, was successfully completed in autumn 2025. Here is an overview of a successful expertise sharing mission.
In 2006, after several decades of geopolitical tensions, Iraq was left with partially dismantled nuclear facilities and contaminated sites. Faced with this high-risk situation, the IAEA supported the country in several ways: to launch the Iraq Nuclear Decommissioning Project, to establish a radioactive waste management strategy, and to develop an appropriate legal and regulatory framework adapted to the Iraqi situation.
Andra at the heart of European cooperation
In 2009, the European Union also acted through the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC) to help Iraq to strengthen its management of radioactive waste and contaminated sites. Within this framework, a consortium bringing together Andra, the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASNR) and Expertise France (an interministerial agency for French technical cooperation[1]) conducted a project[2] with three main objectives:
- To improve the regulatory framework governing radioactive waste management facilities
- To strengthen the authorisation process for these facilities
- To enhance nuclear safety regulation and oversight, particularly in the fields of radioactive waste management, treatment, and decommissioning
The project was carried out in two phases. In 2016, Andra led the first phase and supported the Iraqi Radioprotection Centre (RPC[3]) in the decommission of nuclear facilities and the management of the country’s radioactive waste. The second phase, launched in 2023 and led by Expertise France, focused on strengthening the capacities of the Iraqi Nuclear Regulatory Commission (I-RNC[4]) in the fields of radioactive waste management and placed particular emphasis on compliance with international standards and European best practices, including licensing of disposal facilities, regulation and oversight. This second phase was completed in October 2025.
Significant progress achieved
Although some challenges remain (finalising the legal framework, continuous training of local staff, setting up technical solutions adapted to the Iraqi situation…), the project enabled Iraq to achieve significant progress. The country has notably strengthened its regulatory oversight and transparency standards in the fields of radioactive waste management, and now realistically aims to reach a level of performance in line with international standards. Dr. Sabah Noorulden, vice-President of the I-NRC, confirmed this progress: “Thanks to the collaboration and support of the European Union and the technical partners (Expertise France, ASNR, Andra), the regulatory framework in Iraq quantitatively and qualitatively improved regarding domestic activities and work plans”.
Comprehensive Support Based on Complementary Expertise
The success of this project marks a renewed recognition of French model for radioactive waste management, as well as the effective combination of complementary expertise. Andra contributed its practical and operational experience gained through the management of disposal facilities (the CSA and CSM) and the operation of its underground research laboratory (Meuse/Haute-Marne). The ASNR, for its part, brought its advanced expertise in regulatory aspects and safety standards. Together, these complementary skills provided Iraq with comprehensive on technical, regulatory and organizational support. Andra and the ASNR organised training sessions for Iraqi representatives to strengthen local capabilities, particularly in regulation, monitoring and licensing of disposal facilities. In spring 2025, an Iraqi delegation notably visited Andra’s Aube Disposal Facility (the CSA). This allowed for discussions on best practices regarding environmental monitoring[5].
[1] Within the French Agency for Development Agence française de développement (AFD), Expertise France works towards reinforcing public policies in partner countries on all local, national, regional and international levels.
[2] « Supporting capacity building of Radiation Protection Centre on the field of Radioactive Waste Management »
[3] The Iraqi Radiation Protection Centre is the country’s regulation authority on decommissioning and radioactive waste management. It is also part of the Iraqi Ministry for Environment.
[4] The new nuclear regulatory authority was created in 2024 and replaces the Radiation Protection Centre (RPC).
[5] On-site sampling of liquid waste, analyses and complete monitoring in laboratories, practical data acquired on data mining and result deliveries.