STATEMENT BY ESTONIA
70th Annual Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference
Mr. Antti Tooming
Vice-Minister of Energy and the Environment
Vienna, 14 September 2026
Distinguished President,
Congratulations on your election as President of the General Conference. You can count on Estonia’s support and cooperation.
Estonia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and wishes to highlight several national priorities.
Estonia strongly supports the IAEA’s independent and technical mandate. At a time of serious geopolitical and security challenges, its work in nuclear safety, security, safeguards and the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology is essential. The Agency must be able to carry out that work independently and effectively.
Mr President,
More than four and a half years after Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, Estonia continues to condemn this aggression in the strongest terms, including the illegal takeover of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
A nuclear power plant must never become an instrument of war. The risks extend far beyond national borders. We commend the Agency’s personnel for their continued presence and professionalism in Ukraine under exceptionally difficult conditions.
Estonia calls for the restoration of Ukraine’s full sovereign control over the Zaporizhzhia plant and the withdrawal of Russian military and other unauthorised personnel from Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. We fully support the General Conference resolution on Ukraine and urge Russia to comply with all relevant UN General Assembly, General Conference and Board of Governors resolutions. All States must uphold international law and the IAEA Statute.
Estonia also shares the European Union’s serious concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran must fulfil its legally binding safeguards obligations and restore full cooperation with the IAEA, including the inspections needed to verify the peaceful nature of its programme. Credible assurances require effective verification. We reaffirm our support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Agency’s essential safeguards role.
Mr President,
For Estonia, the responsibility that comes with nuclear energy begins long before the first electricity is produced.
Since last year’s General Conference, Estonia has adopted the Nuclear Energy and Safety Act. It establishes a framework for the entire lifecycle of a nuclear facility, from siting to operation, decommissioning and radioactive waste management. It brings nuclear safety, security and safeguards into one coherent system.
Estonians are practical people. We tend to express ambition through a work plan. Ours starts with a clear principle: nuclear safety comes first. This requires transparent decisions, clear responsibilities and effective, independent regulatory oversight.
Building a capable regulator is now a key priority. We are completing the regulatory framework and developing the expertise needed across safety, security and safeguards. The regulator must have the people, resources and independence to make its decisions—and those decisions must be respected.
In parallel, national spatial planning is underway for a potential 600-megawatt SMR nuclear power plant. These preparations go hand in hand.
Cooperation with the IAEA and experienced international partners is central to this work. The Milestones Approach, Technical Cooperation Programme and targeted training help us turn international experience into national competence. We also welcome NIDIMS as a practical tool for programme coordination and tracking progress.
Mr President,
Estonia intends to join the the CSC—and is preparing the necessary steps for accession.
Clear liability rules and adequate compensation are essential for public confidence. They must be in place before they are needed. Joining the CSC will also be Estonia’s contribution to a broader global nuclear liability regime.
The benefits of nuclear science already reach people in Estonia every day, including through cancer diagnosis and treatment. Through the Rays of Hope initiative and the North Estonia Medical Centre’s role as an Anchor Centre, we contribute to sharing that expertise internationally. This is Atoms for Peace and Development in practice.
Distinguished President, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Estonia thanks Director General Grossi and the Secretariat for their professionalism and dedication. The Agency can continue to count on our strong support and practical cooperation.
Our commitment is to turn plans into capability—and put that capability to work for people.
Thank you