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Early exchange of information in the event of a radiological emergency

This decision introduces a framework for the early exchange of information between countries in the event of a radiological emergency: the "Ecurie" system.

ACT

Council Decision 87/600/EEC of 14 December 1987 on Community arrangements for the early exchange of information in the event of a radiological emergency.

SUMMARY

This decision introduces the "Ecurie" system. This system requires Member States to notify and provide information to the Commmission and to the Member States affected or liable to be affected whenever a Member State decides to take measures of a widespread nature in order to protect the general public in the event of a radiological emergency.

Such information must include the nature and time of the event, its exact location and the nature of the facility or activity involved, the cause, the foreseeable development and the protective measures taken or planned. This information must subsequently be supplemented by any further relevant information.

Upon receipt of this information, Member States are required to inform the Commission of the measures taken and Recommendations issued or envisaged and, at appropriate intervals, of the levels of radioactivity measured by their monitoring facilities in foodstuffs, feedingstuffs, drinking water and the environment. The Commission must then forward that information, plus information it receives from non-Community countries, to the competent authorities of all the other Member States.

The point of contact and the Commission service designated to forward this information shall be available on a 24-hour basis.

The information may be used without restrictions except when it is provided in confidence by the notifying Member State.

References

Act

Entry into force - Date of expiry

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Decision 87/600/EEC

21.3.1988

-

OJ L 371 of 30.12.1987

RELATED ACTS

Agreement between the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and non-member States of the European Union on the participation of the latter in the Community arrangements for the early exchange of information in the event of radiological emergency (Ecurie) [Official Journal C 102 of 29.4.2003]. This agreement extends the Ecurie system to certain non-Member States, including the candidate countries for EU membership and Switzerland.

Last updated: 24.08.2006

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