The ECOSENS project has released a new report titled “Analysis of Current Recommendations for Stakeholder Engagement” which presents a comprehensive review of 50+ international and EURATOM-funded documents, offering a critical synthesis of best practices and persistent challenges in stakeholder involvement across the nuclear energy lifecycle—from policy design to decommissioning.
The report explores how inclusive and meaningful engagement enhances transparency, trust, and societal acceptance in nuclear decision-making. Drawing on the Quintuple Helix model of stakeholders’ groups, it emphasises the need for early, continuous, and well-resourced participation involving diverse stakeholders: governments, industry, civil society, academia, and the public.
Key recommendations include:
- Institutionalising stakeholder engagement in all phases of nuclear projects.
- Supporting participation through transparent communication and accessible resources.
- Building trust through independent safety assessments and responsive governance.
- Recognising local and cultural contexts in designing participatory processes.
The findings serve as a foundation for ECOSENS activities, including surveys and case studies aimed at strengthening participatory governance in Europe’s nuclear energy future and project recommendations for stakeholders engagement in nuclear governance. More on link.