Major International Nuclear Exercise in Romania
Romania hosts, after two decades, one of the most important international exercises to simulate a major nuclear incident-convex-3, under the coordination of the International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA). The launch event took place on Tuesday, being organized by the National Commission for the Control of Nuclear Activities (CNCAN), and the actual exercise will take place on June 24-25, having as central central central Cernavoda.
The convex-3 exercise has the role of testing the national and international reaction capacity in the case of a nuclear or radiological emergency. The purpose is to improve the mechanisms of cooperation, coordination, public communication and decision making under conditions of stress and uncertainty, involving authorities from multiple international states and institutions.
A defining moment for Romania and its partners
The general director of Nuclearelectrica, Cosmin Ghiță, emphasized the importance of the exercise in the current context, marked by the extension of nuclear projects in Romania. « This exercise is not only a technical test, but a true examination of the collaboration capacity between all the entities involved. We test and improve the mechanisms of response and communication, essential to protect the population and the environment, » said Ghiță.
He also highlighted the nuclearist commitment for nuclear security and the development of the sector, mentioning projects such as unit 1, the construction of units 3 and 4 from Cernavoda and the implementation of the SMR technology (small modular reactors).
A reference exercise globally
For his part, the general manager of AIEA, Rafael Grossi, sent a video message at the conference, stating that Romania demonstrates, through its participation, « leadership and capacity in a critical field for global security ». According to him, the convex-3 exercise is « a unique opportunity to validate our preparation, to identify the gaps and to improve the international response to a nuclear incident. »
Grossi stressed that, although major nuclear incidents are rare, preparation for them is essential for maintaining public confidence, environmental protection and life saving.
Strengthening the national response to emergencies
President CNCAN, Cantemir Ciurea Ercău, stressed the importance of recent efforts of the Romanian authorities for the modernization of the emergency response infrastructure. « We have today an updated response plan, a communication strategy adapted to contemporary challenges and an emergency center equipped with state -of -the -art equipment, » he said.
Ercău also mentioned that the exercise will take 36 hours and involve both national and international institutions, offering a realistic framework for a nuclear incident and validating existing capabilities.
What is convex-3
Convex-3 is the largest international exercise in simulating a major nuclear incident, organized under the coordination of the International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA). The exercise tests, under realistic conditions, the reaction capacity of the national and international authorities in the face of a nuclear or radiological emergency.
Helly every few years, convex-3 involves dozens of states, nuclear security agents, intervention teams, radioprotection and communication experts. The scenario simulates a major accident, and the authorities are caused to respond quickly and coordinated, as in a real crisis.
In 2025, Romania hosts this reference exercise after two decades, with the central point of the Cernavoda nuclear power station. For 36 hours, emergency structures will be tested in what represents a true « exam » for cooperation and reaction to an event with an international impact.
