‘Brexatom’ could disrupt UK nuclear sector

Subject

Euratom and Brexit.

Significance

The UK government on July 13 put forward its proposals on handling its exit from the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The document was published amid growing consensus between parliamentarians, the nuclear industry and the scientific and medical communities that the considerable risks associated with leaving Euratom made transition arrangements essential.

Impacts

• Exiting Euratom and the EU will exacerbate the United Kingdom's problems of an ageing nuclear workforce and skills shortages.
• A UK association agreement with Euratom could be derailed by a veto by the anti-nuclear Austrian government.
• The problems presented by exiting Euratom will be replicated in other areas where the United Kingdom relies on EU expertise and oversight.