The four-day National Workshop on Nuclear Security Culture in Practice, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Serbian Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security Directorate (SRBATOM) has started today in Belgrade.

Besides the representatives of the Directorate, the participants in this week’s workshop are the representatives of the Sector for Emergency Situations within the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Security Information Agency, the Faculty of Sciences of Novi Sad, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences and the Customs Administration.

Serbian Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security Directorate is responsible for the development of the regulatory framework and coordination of activities in the field of nuclear and radiation security. As a state regulatory authority, the Directorate is always at the disposal to other state authorities with the aim of strengthening the national capacities and enhancing the comprehensive security system in the Republic of Serbia.

The efficient nuclear security system depends on close collaboration between all state authorities relevant for national security, and all institutions included in the activities with nuclear and radioactive material. The organization of the workshops of this kind, focusing on the exchange of experience and acquiring new skills, is a significant step towards enhancing security in the Republic of Serbia. The establishment of the efficient system is of great importance, especially bearing in mind the ever-increasing civil use of nuclear and other radioactive material, new challenges in nuclear proliferation, and a growing threat from nuclear terrorism throughout the world.

The Republic of Serbia as a member of the United Nations and the International Atomic energy Agency, and a signatory to a number of international resolutions and conventions on security issues, suppressing proliferation and combating terrorism, is strongly committed to prevent any criminal activities involving radioactive and nuclear material on its territory and other states as well.