Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), greeted today the participants at the online conference “Sustain Nuclear Safety” that has been organized by Serbian Radiation and Nuclear safety and Security (SRBATOM) for four years in a row now.

Grossi expressed his gratitude for the invitation to participate in this year’s conference and underlined his satisfaction of the opportunity to hear debates within the panel “Nuclear Energy – Towards Modularity” which is devoted to the current circumstances in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), especially in the light of present energy crisis. He also pointed out that some 30 countries worldwide are currently considering and planning to launch their nuclear energy programmes.

“This is a topical issue which is being discussed as we speak, and the countries are increasingly resorting to nuclear energy in order to overcome two biggest crises today: the crisis of energy uncertainty, and the crisis of climate changes”, said Grossi.

He also sent a clear message that the IAEA will give the necessary support to the Republic of Serbia in establishing the foundations of safety and security as the primary pillars that particularly have to be ensured in the forthcoming development.

Rafael Mariano Grossi especially highlighted close cooperation with Serbian Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security Directorate and expressed his satisfaction with the regulation in the field of radiation, as well as with the Law on Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security, developed by the experts in Serbia in line with safety and security standards of the IAEA.

The IAEA Director General promised further support to Serbia in the process of fulfilling these standards, and further assistance in building the public trust, which is of key importance in the application of nuclear technologies.