European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom)

Why in News?

The European Union (EU) and India have committed to promoting collaboration on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy on nuclear research, safety, and radio-pharmaceuticals under the India-Euratom agreement.

• It is an international organization that regulates the civil nuclear industry within the EU to ensure safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy.    z
• It facilitates nuclear research, safeguards materials, and manages waste, covering roughly 30% of EU energy production.
• Established under – Treaty of Rome.
• Established in – 1957.
• Original members - Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
• It subsequently came to include all members of the European Union (EU).
• The UK left Euratom following Brexit.

Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union (EU).

• Objectives - Coordinates research and development, sets uniform safety standards for health protection, and ensures secure supply of nuclear materials through the Euratom Supply Agency (ESA).
• Scope - Focuses on the peaceful, non-military, use of atomic energy, including fusion technology (ITER).
• Structure - Operates under the European Commission and the Court of Justice.
• Key Instruments - Euratom Supply Agency (ESA) and Joint Research Centre (JRC).
• Recent Developments - As of early 2026, Euratom remains central to European energy security and research, particularly through the Horizon Europe program and Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Reference

The Hindu | Euratom