VATESI participated in International Emergency Preparedness Exercise ECUREX-2026
On October 13, the State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI), together with the Radiation Protection Center (RSC), participated in the ECUREX-2026 international emergency preparedness exercise organized by the European Commission.
The purpose of the exercise was to test the ability of the European Union and other countries participating in the European Community Urgent Radiological Information Exchange system (ECURIE) to exchange information in a timely manner.
According to the exercise scenario, a simulated nuclear accident occurred on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the port of Bar, Montenegro. During the exercise, the VATESI Emergency Operations Center was activated.
VATESI specialists refreshed their knowledge, tested their capabilities, and honed their skills by analysing the course of the incident and its potential consequences, by forecasting the characteristics of radionuclides released into the environment, by preparing and providing information to Lithuanian and foreign institutions regarding the progression of the accident and the protective measures implemented in the affected countries, and by preparing and hypothetically disseminating information to the public.
The competent authorities of 27 European Union countries, as well as Switzerland, Norway, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, participated in the ECUREX-2026 exercise organized by the European Commission.
VATESI is the competent authority in Lithuania responsible for receiving and providing information in a timely and appropriate manner to the European Commission, the IAEA, neighbouring countries, and Lithuanian institutions regarding nuclear and radiological incidents and accidents that have occurred. VATESI has established an early notification system, with early notification specialists on call around the clock, ready to receive and transmit information 24 hours a day regarding nuclear and radiological incidents in Lithuania and around the world.
Participation in the exercises provides an opportunity to test the organizational and technical measures that help ensure the smooth operation of the VATESI Emergency Operations Centre, as well as to improve the preparedness of institutions to respond to nuclear emergencies.