- Status
- Closed
Summary
The EXTRA-EURDEP project (INSC/2018/401-066), funded under the European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC) and coordinated by DG INTPA, aimed to strengthen radiological environmental monitoring (REM) and Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) cooperation beyond the European Union. Its core objective was the customization of the European Radiological Data Exchange Platform (EURDEP) to the needs of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), resulting in the development, installation and validation of the GCC-RDEP platform at the GCC Emergency Management Centre. The project delivered a fully operational regional data exchange system aligned with EURDEP standards, accompanied by comprehensive documentation, structured training for users and programmers, and continued technical assistance.
In parallel, the project supported the six Western Balkans partners in strengthening or preparing their connection to EURDEP, contributing to alignment with the EU acquis in REM and EPR. Through technical assistance, bilateral missions, workshops and a structured roadmap approach, the initiative enhanced data exchange capabilities, reinforced institutional cooperation, and consolidated a regional stakeholder network. Overall, EXTRA-EURDEP demonstrates the EU’s capacity to export best practices in radiological monitoring while fostering sustainable international partnerships in nuclear safety governance.
Background
The EXTRA-EURDEP project (2019–2025), funded under the European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC) coordinated by DG INTPA and implemented by DG JRC as contractor, aimed to strengthen radiological environmental monitoring (REM) and emergency preparedness and response (EPR) cooperation beyond the EU.
The project had a dual geographical focus:
(A) Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC)
The primary objective was the customization of the European Radiological Data Exchange Platform (EURDEP) to the regional needs of the GCC, resulting in the development of the GCC-RDEP (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf Radiological Data Exchange Platform). The project built upon prior EU-GCC cooperation, including work on JRODOS decision-support capabilities
(B) Western Balkan Partners (WBP)
In parallel, Task 7 of the project focused on supporting the six Western Balkan partners: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo ([1]), Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) in strengthening their connection — or pathway toward connection — to EURDEP. This component was directly aligned with the EU enlargement process (Stabilisation and Association Process), the EU acquis in the areas of EURDEP, ECURIE, REM and EPR, and the strategic objective of reinforcing nuclear safety governance in the Western Balkans.
([1]) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
Objectives
(A) GCC objectives
The overall aim was to enable the GCC region to operate a system aligned with EURDEP standards while retaining full regional ownership
(B) Western Balkans objectives
The strategic objective was to support long-term operational connection to EURDEP and strengthen preparedness capacities in view of EU accession
Results
(A) Results – GCC
The project delivered substantial and tangible results:
- Development and Deployment of GCC-RDEP
The system is operational at the GCC-EMC and has successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept data exchange with Kuwait monitoring stations
- Capacity Building
Dedicated training programs for users and programmers. Comprehensive documentation (user manuals, technical documentation, test protocols). Continuous remote technical assistance during and after deployment.
- Institutional and Strategic Impact
The GCC-RDEP is now operational and fully owned by the GCC-EMC, with continued EU technical support until project closure
(B) RESULTS – Western Balkan Partners
The Western Balkan component produced primarily structural and institutional results:
- Technical Assistance
- Progress Toward EURDEP Integration
- Three partners are connected to EURDEP.
- A fourth partner is close to connection.
- Two additional partners have made substantial progress toward infrastructure readiness.
- Dissemination and Institutional Consolidation
OVERALL DISSEMINATION IMPACT
Across both regional components, EXTRA-EURDEP has:
- Demonstrated the exportability of EU radiological monitoring standards.
- Strengthened international interoperability in radiation monitoring.
- Enhanced institutional ownership in partner regions.
- Reinforced EU external action in nuclear safety governance.
- Consolidated technical, operational and policy-level cooperation frameworks.
The project represents a successful combination of:
- A tangible technical deliverable (GCC-RDEP platform),
- Structured capacity building and institutional strengthening (GCC and WB),
- Strategic alignment with EU external action priorities under INSC.