IAEA Support Programme Meeting with the participation of HAEA

Between 24-26 February 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) invited those twenty-four countries that provide voluntary support programmes to strengthen the IAEA safeguards system to attend a meeting. The aim of these programmes is to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons (non-proliferation) and to prevent the use of nuclear materials for non-peaceful purposes. In addition to reviewing daily activities in these areas, participants also analysed new challenges facing the non-proliferation regime. Beyond reflecting on several decades of experience and evaluating past achievements, an important part of the event was the review of current tasks and future challenges. On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Hungarian Support Programme, the IAEA presented an award to the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA) as the coordinator of the national support programme.

During the event, the IAEA presented the results achieved over the past two years in the field of nuclear material verification development, as well as outlining research and development areas for the next two years. In this regard, the Agency counts on financial or in-kind contributions from participating countries (such as providing venues and experts, equipment development, etc.). At the meeting, national coordinators presented the activities carried out in this field over the past two years. On behalf of HAEA, Head of Department Zsolt Stefánka gave an overview of the Hungarian Support Programme.

Within the framework of the meeting, IAEA Deputy Director General Massimo Aparo presented commemorative certificates of recognition to representatives of support programmes celebrating milestone anniversaries (Australia, European Commission, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Hungary). On behalf of the Hungarian Support Programme, the award was accepted by Zsolt Stefánka, who expressed his gratitude to the Hungarian facilities, research institutes and private companies participating in the support programme, whose commitment has contributed to the program’s successes over the past 35 years.