1.   

Guidelines will be adopted and published by the Commission as provided in Article 42 of the Regulation. They will provide non-binding orientations and guidance to operators so as to facilitate the application of the Regulation. These Guidelines will include amongst others information related to inspection principles and procedures. It is understood that the Guidelines will not create any legal rights or obligations and that the Regulation will remain the binding instrument which will prevail in case of any divergence between the Regulation and the Guidelines.

2.   

It is understood that by following the Guidelines the operators would ensure that they are in compliance with the provisions of the Regulation addressed by the Guidelines.

3.   

The Guidelines as adopted under Commission Regulation (Euratom) No 302/2005 (1), i.e. Commission Recommendation of 15 December 2005 (2006/40/Euratom) (2) will continue to guide operators on the relevant aspects including after the entry into force of Regulation (Euratom) 2025/974 (3) until the updated Guidelines are adopted. The updated Guidelines will be available before the date of application of Annexes III to VII and X.

4.   

The Commission will follow the developments in the field of safeguards and monitor the application of the Regulation. On this basis, the Commission may, as appropriate, amend the Guidelines. Prior to the adoption of any amendment, the Commission will undertake to consult stakeholders and Member States. In adopting such amendments, the Commission will take account of the positions expressed in such consultations.

5.   

It is understood that the Working Party on Atomic Questions, in a suitable composition, will be the forum for the consultation of Member States.

6.   

The Commission acknowledges that up-to-date particular safeguard provisions for relevant installations are important for the implementation of Euratom safeguards. Considering that in many cases installations are also subject to IAEA safeguards, the existence of an up-to-date facility attachment with the IAEA is an important element for the Commission to decide on up-to-date particular safeguards provisions for the respective installation.

7.   

The Commission will continue to engage with the IAEA with the aim to agree on up-to-date facility attachments for all installations in the Community for which this is relevant.