5. International situation

In terms of institutional management of radioactive waste, all countries have set up structures to ensure separation between waste producers and/or managers and nuclear safety authorities, which are generally independent of governments. All countries respect the management principles of the Joint Convention, if they have signed it, and the IAEA guides, as well as the ICRP dose limitation system. These are harmonization tools. Nevertheless, each country has its own management organization (management plans, laws and regulations, authorization procedures, financing). In the case of nuclear waste, management is adapted to the country's energy policy with regard to the recycling of fissile materials from spent nuclear fuel, or to its defense policy, and to the absorption of waste from a possible military nuclear program. Governments can play a dual role, promoting nuclear energy and regulating...