The ANVS has received a positive external evaluation as an independent administrative authority
An evaluation of the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) as an independent administrative authority has shown that it is reasonable to assume that the ANVS performed effectively and efficiently in the period between 2019 and 2023. This conclusion means that, insofar as the committee was able to observe, we performed our core task effectively and efficiently. This way we contribute to nuclear safety, radiation protection and security in the Netherlands.
Recommendations for the future
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management commissioned accountancy firm KPMG to evaluate the ANVS. KPMG completed this assignment in cooperation with research and consultancy firm KWINK. Their evaluation committee issues the following recommendations to the ANVS and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to ensure that we continue to work effectively and efficiently in the future:
- Pay attention to the long-term context in which the ANVS operates and develop a suitable vision.
- Pay attention to the means that fit in with the long-term context of nuclear safety and radiation protection and the scope of the duties.
- Work on intensifying cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
- Ensure more insight into the costs associated with the performance of the duties to improve talks on appropriate means.
Some of the recommendations are about how we could respond to developments in the nuclear sector. Ultimately, the goal is to keep our nuclear safety level high, as the Dutch government has considerable nuclear ambitions. This is a tipping point for our country: from a small player on the nuclear stage that was phasing out, to a medium-to-large nuclear country in which the nuclear sector is getting a more prominent role.
In agreement with the committee
In general, we agree with the committee’s recommendations. In our response, we discuss the recommendations and how we intend to work on their implementation. We will do so in close consultation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The response has been sent to the House of Representatives with the evaluation report (in Dutch) attached.
Chair of the ANVS Board, Annemiek van Bolhuis, said: “Our considerable independence also comes with additional responsibilities, and these include undergoing external evaluations required by law. These evaluations help us remain even more focused on the effective and efficient performance of our responsibilities, which is why we look forward to working on the recommendations in this evaluation. In addition to the above, the ANVS is also frequently monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency during international missions.”
Legal requirement
The International Atomic Energy Agency and Euratom prescribe that affiliated countries need an independent authority and everything involved with such a body. The Netherlands has implemented this in the Nuclear Energy Act, among other things. This ensures that our independence is properly safeguarded through laws and regulations.
Based on the Autonomous Administrative Authorities Framework Act, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is required to evaluate all independent administrative authorities every 5 years. The ANVS is one of these independent administrative authorities. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is politically responsible for us. However, we are independent in the performance of our duties, which include licensing and monitoring.