A Moroccan nuclear expert was among the IAEA international delegation that travelled to Malta to conduct an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) to assess the country’s regulatory framework for safety
The IAEA mission, conducted at the request of the Government of Malta, took place from 24 May to 3 June 2026 and was hosted by the Commission for the Protection from Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation (RPC).
It was carried out by a team comprising six international experts from Argentina, Greece, Mauritius, Morocco, Portugal and Thailand, and two IAEA staff members.
Malta utilises radiation sources across medicine, industry and other fields, yet it does not operate any nuclear power or research reactors. It operates a single Centralised Radioactive Waste Storage Facility (CSF) to store small amounts of low- and intermediate-level radioactive material. The RPC acts as the national regulatory authority, overseeing the safe use of radiation to safeguard both patients and the wider public.
Based on IAEA safety standards and taking advantage of international good practices, IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of the national regulatory infrastructure, while recognizing the responsibility of each country to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.
During the 11-day mission the team met with the members of the RPC board and other officials to discuss legislation, regulation, and the conduct of regulatory oversight of the safety of facilities and activities in various sectors.
The team also met the Permanent Secretary (Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue) within the Office of the Prime Minister to discuss government responsibilities for radiation safety and observed two inspections performed by staff of the RPC at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre (SAMOC) Mater Dei Hospital Oncology Centre and the CSF.
“The IRRS mission provided an opportunity to assess Malta’s regulatory framework against international safety standards and to exchange good practices,” said Elefteria Carinou, Director of Licensing and Regulatory Inspection at the Greek Atomic Energy Commission and mission team leader. “Such peer reviews help strengthen national systems and enhance radiation safety.”
At the end of the mission, the team identified several areas of good performance. These included the close cooperation and regular communication between the RPC and the Government, which support the development and implementation of Malta’s national infrastructure for radiation safety and nuclear security.
The IRRS found that Malta’s primary challenge is to establish a national policy and strategy for safety that establishes and provides for a resilient regulatory infrastructure, taking into account the current use of radiation sources in the country and foreseeable developments.
