IAEA - AMSSNuR

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Rabat, July 7, 2025 – As part of the implementation of the Europe/Africa regional cooperation project funded by the European Union, the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) hosted, from July 7 to 10, 2025 in Rabat, a training and experience-sharing workshop dedicated to leadership and safety culture among regulatory authorities.

Launched in February 2025 in Rabat under the banner “Strengthening nuclear safety regulatory capacity in Africa,” this regional project covers eight thematic areas aimed at building the capacity of regulatory bodies in the fields of nuclear safety and radiation protection in participating African countries.

This workshop, falling under the eighth theme of the project, was organized with the support of European experts, particularly from the Belgian technical support organization Bel V and the French Nuclear and Radiological Safety Authority (ASNR), and benefited representatives from the nuclear safety authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa.

The workshop focused on the application of IAEA standards related to leadership and safety culture, as well as the sharing of international best practices, particularly from Europe. It also led to the development of a roadmap for African authorities to promote these concepts and integrate them into their integrated management systems and capacity-building programs in nuclear and radiological safety and security.

This participation reflects AMSSNuR’s steadfast commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting the highest standards of nuclear and radiological safety and security.

Vienna, Austria – The Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR), represented by its Director General, Mr. Saïd MOULINE, took part in the Steering Committee Meeting of the Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF), as well as the related support meeting, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 24 to 27 June 2025 in Vienna, Austria.

Established in 2010, the RCF serves as a platform for regulatory bodies from nuclear countries to promote and enhance collaboration and coordination with countries planning to introduce or expand the use of nuclear energy, as well as with relevant international organizations.

During this meeting, RCF members reviewed the progress made in developing regulatory infrastructure among active beneficiary countries, discussed cooperation mechanisms to foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences among members, examined key performance indicators for each cooperation project, and made strategic decisions on policy and implementation matters.

In his high-level intervention, Mr. Mouline presented AMSSNuR’s strategy for strengthening regulatory capacity, reaffirming its commitment to positioning itself as a strong, exemplary, and independent authority, fully dedicated to protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. He highlighted several structuring actions, stressing the importance of enhanced cooperation at both national and international levels with institutions, technical partners such as the IAEA, GNSSN, and RCF, as well as with the academic community.

Mr. Mouline also recalled the establishment of the African School for Radiological Safety Regulators, launched with IAEA support, as a continental platform for training, mentoring, and knowledge exchange aimed at developing regulatory competencies across Africa. He further underscored AMSSNuR’s role as an IAEA Collaborating Centre in emergency preparedness and response, as well as in nuclear security, having hosted over 90 activities since its designation.

Moreover, Mr. Mouline emphasized the significance of AMSSNuR’s ISO 9001 certification for its Integrated Management System, demonstrating its strong commitment to governance, organizational excellence, and continuous improvement.

He also addressed the challenges of sustaining regulatory capabilities, particularly regarding the management of radioactive ores and emergency preparedness, submitting targeted support requests to the RCF.

AMSSNuR’s participation in these meetings once again highlighted its active role in strengthening international cooperation and regulatory vigilance, its strategic involvement in IAEA networks, and its continued commitment to supporting African countries in upgrading their regulatory frameworks.

Vienna, Austria – In a constantly evolving digital landscape where misinformation can spread at lightning speed, the management of nuclear and radiological crises faces new and complex challenges. In this context, the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) participated in the International Technical Meeting entitled “Public Communication in Emergencies: Tackling Misinformation and Retaining Public Trust in Disruptive Information Environments”, held from 23 to 27 June 2025 in Vienna and organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At the heart of the discussions: the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on emergency communication and the pressing need for a proactive approach to address its implications.

The rise of generative AI has transformed content creation, enabling the rapid production of hyper-realistic text, images, and audio. While this technology offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance official communication in times of crisis, it also poses a significant risk of spreading false information, which can cause panic and distort critical messages. In the face of this technological dilemma, AMSSNuR has made its position clear: AI must be harnessed as an ally in the fight against misinformation.

In its intervention, AMSSNuR emphasized the urgent need to develop AI-based tools capable of rapidly detecting misleading content, strengthening fact-checking processes, and amplifying the dissemination of reliable and verified information. The dual objective is to maintain public trust—an essential element during emergencies—and to ensure optimal coordination among all stakeholders, including operators and relevant institutions.

AMSSNuR’s active participation in this international dialogue, alongside representatives from more than 55 countries, reflects its commitment to embracing new technologies in a strategic, ethical, and resilient manner within its nuclear safety framework. In the age of algorithms, mastering information is more than ever a core component of nuclear and radiological safety and security. Through its forward-thinking approach, AMSSNuR positions itself as a key player in building robust and adaptive responses to tomorrow’s challenges.

Rabat – For the first time, Morocco has been granted the highest level of assurance by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the field of nuclear safeguards.

The Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) announced that the IAEA, in its 2024 annual safeguards report, has classified Morocco under the “Full Transparency” (Conclusion Élargie) status. This recognition confirms that all nuclear materials within the Kingdom’s territory are used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

This achievement underscores the strength of Morocco’s regulatory framework, its commitment to nuclear transparency, and its strict compliance with international non-proliferation obligations.

The IAEA’s highest assurance level follows years of verification activities under Morocco’s Safeguards Agreement (1975) and Additional Protocol (2011), covering nuclear facilities, off-site locations, operations, materials, and technologies.

The milestone reflects the dedicated efforts of AMSSNuR alongside national stakeholders, in upholding the Kingdom’s commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and IAEA agreements.

RABAT, Morocco – June 2, 2025 – Morocco’s commitment to nuclear safety and security leadership takes center stage this week as the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) hosts the 22nd Steering Committee meeting of the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA). This major event brings together the highest bodies of African regulatory authorities, as well as representatives from the IAEA, the European Commission (EC), the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), and other key organizations such as the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR).

Supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), FNRBA serves as a vital regional network, established in 2009 and now encompassing the nuclear and radiological authorities of 34 African IAEA member states. The forum provides a platform for exchanging experiences, sharing best practices, and collectively strengthening regulatory capacities in alignment with stringent international standards.

The significance of the meeting was underscored in the opening address by Mr. Saïd MOULINE, Director General of AMSSNuR and current President of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN). He highlighted the critical timing of the discussions, set against a backdrop of rapidly evolving nuclear technologies, including the rise of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Mr. MOULINE emphasized the shared responsibility of African regulators. “As the use of ionizing radiation expands in key sectors such as health, industry, agriculture, research, and energy across our continent, our regulatory responsibility has never been more critical,” he stated. “This growth, while bringing substantial benefits, requires strong regulatory oversight, harmonized approaches, and sustained capacity building.”

He reiterated the imperative to ensure all nuclear and radiological applications on the continent are developed and utilized safely, securely, and in full compliance with international norms. Mr. MOULINE also showcased Morocco’s proactive stance, referencing the landmark adoption of Law No. 142-12 in 2014, which paved the way for AMSSNuR’s establishment in 2016. He outlined the agency’s strategic focus on modernizing regulatory processes through digitalization, enhancing competencies, fostering stakeholder communication, and rigorously aligning with IAEA standards – all reflecting a deep commitment to transparency, quality, and good governance.

Underscoring the power of collaboration, Mr. MOULINE pointed to AMSSNuR’s active participation in networks like FNRBA, GNSSN, and the Arab Network of Nuclear Regulators (ANNuR). The agency has also solidified over twenty bilateral cooperation agreements, positioning itself as a trusted partner for capacity-building efforts within Africa and globally. A tangible example cited was the launch in February 2025 of a major cooperation project under the European Commission’s Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC), coordinated from Morocco to benefit FNRBA member states.

Addressing the specific needs of the region, Mr. Reda NOUR, Secretary General of AMSSNuR and the FNRBA Coordinator for North Africa, presented a comprehensive analysis of safety and security requirements for North African nations. Based on IAEA-compliant self-assessments, his presentation acknowledged significant progress made by countries like Morocco (AMSSNuR) and Egypt (ENRRA) in establishing robust regulatory frameworks, while also identifying persistent priorities. These include the ongoing need to strengthen regulatory infrastructure, continuously develop human capacity, and actively promote a pervasive culture of nuclear safety and security.

The four-day meeting features a comprehensive agenda. Participants will receive updates on collaborations with international partners, including the European Union, the US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA/US DoE), the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), the Heads of the European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities (HERCA), the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and the GNSSN. Discussions will also cover IAEA regional assistance priorities, the progress of FNRBA’s thematic working groups, further analysis of regional needs, and the ongoing implementation of the forum’s strategic plan.

Vienna – Underscoring Morocco’s prominent role in global nuclear safety and security, the Austrian capital recently hosted the 22nd Steering Committee meeting of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN). Held from April 28th to 30th, 2025, under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the gathering marked a pivotal moment for evaluating the network’s accomplishments and defining its future trajectory.

Representing the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) at this significant international forum was Mr. Reda NOUR, the Secretary General of AMSSNuR. He attended on behalf of Mr. Saïd MOULINE, Director General of AMSSNuR and current President of the GNSSN. The meeting served as a strategic platform to review the substantial progress made by the network, placing particular emphasis on capacity-building initiatives, through specialized training programs designed to empower Member States in developing and strengthening their national nuclear safety and security infrastructures.

The discussions extended beyond the network’s overall achievements to assess the advancements made by its constituent regional networks. This focus aimed to foster enhanced interregional cooperation and ensure a more effective synchronization of international efforts within this critical field.

A rigorous review of the GNSSN’s 2025-2026 action plan was also undertaken during the meeting. The objective was to guarantee that the network’s strategies remain optimally aligned with the emerging and rapidly evolving challenges in nuclear safety and security. This forward-looking approach seeks to adapt to the constantly changing global landscape and bolster the resilience of national systems.

Key conclusions from the meeting underscored the importance of consolidating collaboration among Member States. Promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices was highlighted as essential for strengthening national nuclear regulatory systems. Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the necessity of intensifying efforts to support states in reinforcing their domestic legal and regulatory frameworks. This involves organizing targeted training workshops and reviewing existing legislative measures to ensure the safe, secure, and sustainable management of diverse nuclear technologies.

In essence, the Vienna meeting reaffirmed the GNSSN’s vital role as a cornerstone of international cooperation in nuclear safety and security. The network stands as a central hub for connecting expertise, facilitating knowledge sharing among Member States, and diligently working towards the responsible and secure utilization of nuclear technologies across the globe.

Looking ahead, the next meeting of the GNSSN Steering Committee is scheduled to take place in the final quarter of 2025.

Amman, April 29, 2025

– On the sidelines of the high-level international workshop on nuclear security, held from April 28 to 30 in Amman, Jordan, Mr. Saïd Mouline, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR), called for coordinated national and regional strategies to confront the rapidly evolving threats posed by nuclear and radiological risks in an increasingly technology-driven world.

In his address, Mr. Saïd Mouline highlighted the emergence of major challenges, including those related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the rapid expansion of civil nuclear programs—particularly in the MENA region. He emphasized the need for enhanced regional cooperation, grounded in open dialogue, mutual trust, and support for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) programs.

Mr. Saïd Mouline underscored Morocco’s ongoing efforts, through AMSSNuR, to establish a robust regulatory infrastructure, supported by an Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) developed in collaboration with the IAEA. This approach is driven by a strategic vision focused on capacity building and the sustainability of national expertise.

He reaffirmed Morocco’s strong commitment to global nuclear security, noting key milestones such as AMSSNuR’s designation by the IAEA as the first Regional Centre for nuclear security infrastructure in Africa, Morocco’s active participation in the Nuclear Security Summits, and the organization of the 3rd International Conference of Regulators in 2019.

Mr. Saïd Mouline concluded by commending the organization of this workshop—a joint effort by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), and the IAEA—which he described as a strategic platform for anticipating emerging threats and enhancing collective resilience across MENA countries.

Vienna, Austria, IAEA Headquarters, March 17-28, 2025 – In accordance with the provisions of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management and the Safety of Spent Fuel Management, ratified by Morocco in 2002, a national delegation composed of representatives from the Moroccan Embassy in Vienna/Austria, the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR), and the National Center for Energy, Nuclear Sciences, and Techniques (CNESTEN) participated in the 8th Review Meeting of National Reports from March 17 to 28, 2025.

At the opening of the meeting, Mr. Rafael GROSSI, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), highlighted the growing interest among Member States in small modular reactor (SMR) technology and emphasized that this meeting represented an opportune and crucial occasion to reflect on lessons learned from the past and reaffirm the importance of early planning and implementation of safe radioactive waste and spent fuel management policies and strategies for the future.

This 8th review meeting, held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, aimed to present the national reports of the contracting countries on the safety of radioactive waste and spent fuel management, within an efficient, rigorous, and transparent process. This would lead to the identification of good practices and performance, reinforcing the global safety regime. More than 1,000 delegates from 77 contracting countries, grouped into eight Working Groups, gathered for ten days to share their experiences and lessons learned on the safe, secure, and responsible management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, and to respond to various questions posed to each country.

Regarding the national report, AMSSNuR’s representative, in their role as the focal point for this convention, delivered Morocco’s presentation on March 18, 2025, as part of the work of Working Group 5, in which Morocco participated alongside the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Argentina, EURATOM, Thailand, Benin, Eritrea, Madagascar, and Oman.

The presentation focused on Morocco’s national program for the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, notably the legislative, regulatory, and institutional framework involved in this process, as well as the national inventory of radioactive waste and sealed radioactive sources that are no longer in use. The presentation also addressed the developments in the national program since the 7th Review Meeting in 2023, the common issues identified, and Morocco’s efforts to improve the safety of radioactive waste management.

Additionally, the national presentation included responses to questions and comments raised during the 8th Review Meeting process, as well as good practices and successful actions undertaken by Morocco.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the representatives of the Contracting Parties in Working Group 5 commended Morocco’s efforts in terms of the regulatory approach adopted and the operational practices implemented to strengthen and ensure the long-term safety of radioactive waste and spent fuel management.

Regarding the regulatory aspect, members of Group 5 praised the development and certification of AMSSNuR’s integrated management system, which they deemed a best practice contributing to good governance and the promotion of a safety culture. This best practice will be cataloged in the Joint Convention’s database, accessible to all contracting parties.

As for the good performance encouraged by the Joint Convention, the results of the EPREV and IRRS missions, hosted by Morocco in 2022 and 2023 respectively, as well as the national efforts made, were highly appreciated as values of transparency and good governance to be shared at the regional and international levels.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that, upon the proposal of the presidency of the 8th meeting, Morocco was invited to a roundtable on March 24, 2025. The aim of this roundtable is to share Morocco’s experience in Knowledge Management applied to the management of radioactive waste and the management of disused sealed radioactive sources at the national level.

As part of its technical cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) took part as an observer in the international nuclear disaster prevention exercise held in Japan. This event, referred to as FY2024, took place from 14 to 17 February 2025.

The exercise was conducted at two key locations: Kagoshima Prefecture and the headquarters of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in Tokyo. Delegations from several countries, including Morocco, gathered to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response.

As an observer, AMSSNuR closely followed the proceedings of this exercise, which aimed to test emergency response plans under a realistic scenario involving an earthquake affecting the Sendai nuclear power plant. The exercise featured several critical actions, including:

The evacuation of 1,300 residents to safe zones—an intricate yet vital operation to ensure public protection.
The deployment of advanced technologies such as drones and robots to monitor and intervene in areas deemed too hazardous for human access.
Enhanced coordination between local and national authorities to ensure a swift and effective crisis response.
The implementation of innovative systems, including QR codes, to track and manage evacuated populations.

AMSSNuR’s participation in this initiative underscores its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and highlights its active role in sharing experience and enhancing capacities necessary to respond to nuclear or radiological emergencies, both nationally and globally.

The report of the review of Morocco’s nuclear emergency preparedness and response framework, recently published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on its official website, highlights the Kingdom’s strong commitment to emergency management, training and capacity building.

During a 10-day evaluation mission carried out in collaboration with the Moroccan Nuclear and Radiological Safety Agency (AMSSNuR), a team of IAEA experts examined the national framework for nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response. The report highlights Morocco’s significant efforts, while making recommendations for further strengthening the system, including updating the national risk assessment, revising the protection strategy and developing an emergency classification system.

Morocco, which operates the MA-R1 TRIGA research reactor and is engaged in nuclear energy research, has demonstrated a strong capacity in nuclear safety. Through initiatives such as its IAEA’s Capacity Building Centre on Emergency Preparedness and Response (CBC) in Africa, and its active participation in international missions and events, Morocco has developed a strong nuclear safety capability.

Link: https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/documents/review-missions/2022_morocco_eprev_report_-_derestricted.pdf

Strengthening Regulatory Capacity for Nuclear Safety in Africa: AMSSNuR Hosts Regional Workshop in Rabat on Leadership and Safety Culture

IAEA Regulatory Cooperation Forum Steering Committee Meeting: AMSSNuR at the Heart of Nuclear Safety Cooperation

AI at the Heart of Nuclear Crisis Management: AMSSNuR Advocates for an Informed Response

Nuclear Safeguards: Morocco Receives Highest Level of Assurance from IAEA for the First Time

AMSSNuR hosts the 22nd Steering Committee Meeting of the FNRBA in Rabat, strengthening African cooperation in nuclear and radiological safety and security

AMSSNuR strengthens its international leadership: GNSSN sets new priorities in nuclear safety and security in Vienna

AMSSNuR Advocates for an Integrated Regional Strategy to Address Emerging Nuclear and Radiological Risks

AMSSNuR’s Contribution to the 8th Review Meeting of National Reports by Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management

AMSSNuR Participates as an Observer in the International Nuclear Disaster Prevention Exercise in Japan

Publication of the peer appraisal of the arrangements in the kingdom of Morocco regarding the preparedness for responding to a radiation emergency

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