Achieving confidence in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy requires the existence of a comprehensive and effective legal framework to protect the health, safety and security of the public and the integrity of the natural environment. These frameworks include regulation at a national level, co-operation at bilateral and multilateral levels and international harmonisation of national policies and legislation through adherence to international conventions. These regimes need to be strong enough to set and enforce limits, and flexible enough to keep pace with technological advances and changing public concerns.
The NEA's aim in this field is to assist member countries in the development, strengthening and harmonisation of nuclear legislation and regulation in areas such as nuclear safety, radioactive waste management and environmental law (as applied to nuclear activities) based upon internationally accepted principles and in line with international binding instruments for the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.