International Workshop on the Future of Radioactive Waste Management Held in Ljubljana (EURAD-2)

From 27 to 29 May 2026, Ljubljana hosted the international ASTRA 3+1 workshop, organized within the framework of the European research programme EURAD-2. The event brought together experts, civil society representatives, and researchers from several European countries to discuss alternative approaches to radioactive waste management. 

The workshop focused on key topics including the management of challenging types of radioactive waste, long-term interim storage, deep borehole disposal, and intergenerational governance and stewardship of radioactive waste. Special emphasis was placed on transparency, public participation, and long-term safety. Our coworker Nadja Železnik had her presentation on the theme: Overview of Challenging Waste in ASTRA. 

Participants exchanged experiences from different countries and developed recommendations for improving public engagement and decision-making processes in the field of radioactive waste management. 

Alan Tkaczyk, Associate Professor at the University of Tartu, Estonia, also shared his impressions: “The ASTRA Radioactive Waste Management Workshop hosted by EIMV was highly fruitful in technical and societal engagement aspects, exploring the diversity of approaches in European countries. It also included networking possibilities, and the local coordinator Nadja Železnik showed us true Slovenian hospitality.” 

The workshop concluded with a technical visit to the Jazbec and Boršt disposal sites located within the area of the former Žirovski Vrh Uranium Mine. During the visit, participants learned about the long-term monitoring and maintenance of these facilities.