On 27 and 28 November 2025, the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) organised the 36th meeting of the Heads of the European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities (HERCA) Board of Heads in The Hague. Over 40 representatives attended the meeting: a combination of radiation protection regulators in Europe and observers from various international organisations.
Welcome to the ANVS
In its opening remarks, the ANVS reflected on current developments, such as international geopolitical shifts, technological innovation – including artificial intelligence – and the importance of independent authorities in a changing world. It was emphasised that these developments also have consequences for the field of radiation protection, for example through an increasing demand for expertise and training.
The importance of a workable system
Board member Marco Brugmans says:
”HERCA plays an important role in bringing together experience and perspectives from European regulators. Now that the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) is working on a major revision of its general recommendations for radiation protection, it is essential that we jointly contribute to a system that is clear, applicable and feasible for all parties within the field of radiation protection.
Topics on the agenda
During the course of the two-day meetings, the following topics were included on the agenda:
- updates from the HERCA working groups, including the medical use of radiation, education and training, industrial applications, emergencies and natural radiation sources;
- a strategic session on the course of HERCA;
- interaction with ICRP on the development of new general recommendations for the system of radiation protection;
- presentations by international organisations such as the European Commission, the IAEA, the NEA and the FNRBA.
Gathering in The Hague
By hosting this Board of Heads meeting, the ANVS is helping to strengthen international cooperation in the field of radiation protection. Previously, the ANVS had organised meetings of various HERCA working groups, including those on Education & Training and Medical Applications.