Bucharest, June 3, 2025 – The Romanian National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN), under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), officially launched today the international exercise ConvEx-3, held at the Marriott Hotel in Bucharest. The event brought together approximately 100 participants, including representatives from national authorities, international organizations, regulatory institutions, and emergency management structures.
ConvEx-3 (2025) marks a milestone for Romania, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable partner in the field of nuclear safety.
The opening was marked by the address of Ms. Cristina Trăilă, Secretary General of the Romanian Government, who emphasized the Government’s strong support for this essential exercise and highlighted the need for strengthened interinstitutional cooperation to ensure a swift and effective response to nuclear emergencies. Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, conveyed a video message in which he reiterated the strategic importance of the exercise for enhancing the global capacity to respond to nuclear incidents.
His Excellency Mr. Stelian Stoian, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Romania to Vienna, acknowledged Romania’s diplomatic efforts and commitment to supporting nuclear security. Mr. Cantemir Ciurea Ercău, President of CNCAN, underlined the vital importance of ConvEx-3 in testing coordination, communication, and decision-making processes in cross-border nuclear crisis situations.
Mr. Raed Arafat, Secretary of State and Head of the Department for Emergency Situations, emphasized the critical role of effective and integrated cooperation in emergency management. Mr. Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre, stressed the importance of practically testing both national and international response capabilities. Mr. Khalid Aleissa, CEO of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory and Research Center in Saudi Arabia, participated online and highlighted the value of sharing best practices and fostering international collaboration. Additionally, Mr. Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of Nuclearelectrica, reaffirmed the Romanian nuclear industry’s commitment to supporting large-scale exercises and its dedication to nuclear safety and security.
ConvEx-3 is the most complex and extensive exercise organized by the IAEA, aiming to assess the ability to respond in a coordinated and efficient manner to a nuclear incident with potential cross-border impact. In today’s global context, marked by diverse challenges ranging from natural disasters to cyber threats and nuclear terrorism, preparedness and international cooperation remain fundamental pillars of collective security. In recent years, Romania has made significant progress in strengthening its nuclear emergency response capabilities through strategic planning, partnership development, and the implementation of sustainable development projects.
Today’s launch marks a key step in an extensive process of preparation and cooperation that will continue in the coming weeks and culminate with the actual conduct of the ConvEx-3 exercise on June 24–25, testing Romania’s and its international partners’ ability to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner to critical situations.
