In Switzerland, on-going activities regarding safety assessment of the different stages in the lifetime of nuclear installations consist of periodic assessments and assessments of long-term operation for existing Swiss NPPs.

When it comes to international affairs, Switzerland has signed the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) on 31 October 1995. In November 2011, an IRRS Mission was conducted in Switzerland. The results of the mission are currently being implemented, and it is planned to have an IRRS Follow-Up Mission in 2015. In October 2012, an OSART Mission to the Mühleberg NPP was completed. Switzerland participated in the European Stress Test and its Follow-Up activities.

Background Articles

4 March 2021

‘Switzerland is regarded as very reliable in nuclear matters’ – a commentary by former Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard

At the time of the fateful accident in Fukushima, Doris Leuthard was head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC). To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the nuclear disaster, the former Federal Councillor explains why it was essential to provide political support for nuclear safety after the accident.

4 March 2021

Ten Years on from Fukushima (5/6): Switzerland’s International Position

After the accident at Fukushima, there was an increasing demand for international safety standards and their international monitoring. Switzerland, and in particular ENSI, was committed to mandatory backfitting on a global basis. Even if such safety principles are still not legally binding, the reactor accident acted as a booster for a new safety awareness amongst the international community.

2 August 2016

Exchange of information across borders

«The safety authorities cultivate a frank exchange of information. Swiss experts, for instance, support French colleagues during inspections of their nuclear power plants – and vice-versa. In this way we learn from each other and share our wealth of experience for the benefit of all countries.»

6 August 2013

Convention on Nuclear Safety ensures high global safety standards in nuclear power plants

The Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) is an international agreement aimed at increasing the safety of civil-sector nuclear power plants throughout the world. Switzerland is one of the founder nations of the CNS and is actively involved in strengthening the accord.