Except for one letter, the change could seem insignificant: the ASN, for Nuclear Safety Authority, becomes on Thursday January 2 the ASNR, for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority. But this new name actually hides a major transformation of security governance in France: it marks the transition from a so-called “dual” organization, based on two autonomous organizations – one responsible for control and decision-making, 'other of research and expertise –, to an integrated organization within a single entity. It thus ratifies the definitive disappearance of the Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) and its absorption by the ASN, of which it was until now the “technical arm”.
“The IRSN closed its doors on Friday December 20 and will not reopen them again. On January 2, upon their return from vacation, IRSN employees will have become [pour l’essentiel] of ASNR employees »observes François Jeffroy, one of the representatives of the IRSN inter-union, evoking a “feeling of immense waste”.
For the first president of the ASNR, Pierre-Marie Abadie, this merger is on the contrary “a great project”. “We are going to have a stronger authority, more independent and with more skills”assures this great connoisseur of energy and industrial issues. Appointed head of ASN in November to replace Bernard Doroszczuk, the former director general of the National Agency for the Management of Radioactive Waste (Andra) – who will have to move away from issues linked to nuclear waste – has the mission to bring the reform to its conclusion by responding to the still strong concerns of staff. “The start” of the ASNR is done “under the sign of uncertainty and worry”insists the IRSN inter-union in a press release dated December 17.
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“Looking to the future”
From the surprise announcement of this merger by the executive in February 2023 to the adoption of a law creating the ASNR in spring 2024, this project sparked very strong protest from a large part of IRSN employees. but also industry experts, scientists and political leaders from left and center. Presented by the government as necessary to deal with the revival of the nuclear industry, this reform is seen by its opponents as unjustified and risking undermining an organization that has proven itself. “The subject now is to look to the future and develop our strategy for 2026”says Pierre-Marie Abadie.
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