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www.eeae.gr

International Experts Meeting on Enhancing Transparency and CommunicationEffectivenessin the event of a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency

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Communication during theFukushima nuclear accident:the perspective of a non-nuclearcountry

Vasiliki TafiliInternational and Public Relations OfficeGreek Atomic Energy Commission

www.eeae.gr

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Outline

Background information on national characteristics

affecting the public information activities

Formulation of communication strategy during the

Fukushima nuclear accident

Key messages

Issues raised / lessons learned

2

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National characteristics

3

In the national energy mix planning

nuclear power is not an option

The overwhelming majority of the publicopinion is against the nuclear power

option

The perception of nuclear energy as a risk

for the public and the environment

predominates

Concern for the nuclear neighborhood

risks

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The global village effect

4

Influence by major external

events

Rapid information

dissemination

Our communication challenge:

to deal with the perceived risk of the Fukushima nuclear accident

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The public sphere: issues ofinterest

5

Concern for the public health and the environment: radioactivity in air,

food/water consumption, imports, travel

Nuclear safety in Europe

Comparison to Chernobyl strong memories from Chernobyl Discussions on risk from neighboring NPPs

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Information inquiries

6

extended press and broadcast media coverage

requests for interviews

information requests (telephone, email) from the

public and the media

number of visits at GAEC website x2

Parliamentary demands

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Forming the communicationstrategy

7

fact-basedinformationvs.

rumors/speculations

Chernobylmemories

strong fear ofradiation risks

mistrusttowards

nuclear safetystakeholders

gainingtrust

throughtransparenc

y

incompleteinformation andmixed messages

about theaccident

limitedpublic

awarenesson nuclear

safety

real conditions:e.g. distance,

no public healthrisk

addressing theconcern of

special groupse.g. crew of

ships

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8

Forming the communicationstrategy

GAEC goal:

to successfully respond as the information source

government - public authorities

media

public

groups of special interest (crew of Greek ships and citizens in

Japan)

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Key messages

there is no radiological risk for the citizens or the country

radioactivity levels in the country are constantly monitored

coordination of the national mechanism of environmental

radioactivity measurements

no need to take any protection measures or change dietary habits

the country fully implements the EC guidelines/directives regarding

foodstuff monitoring and imports control

cooperation with international and European authorities

being on alert and available provide information updates as soon

as confirmed data are available 9

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From theory to practice

16 press releases & 8 web announcements

11 TV interviews, 4 radio interviews

FAQs at the website

Presentation in the Parliament

Participation in European/international meetings

National information event organized on 7 July 2011

10

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Pillars of GAEC communication

11

Media relations

Web-based communication

Coordination in information

sharing and

communication

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Consideration to be given to:

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Social media: information source / disseminationtool

Media relations

Spokesperson: a crucial

roleBuilding publicawareness on nuclearsafety

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Conclusions

Information: key element in emergency response plans

Challenge: address the high concern

Functions of communication crisis management were tested

Strengthening of our profile as trustworthy organization

Identification of specific aspects of communication process

requiring further consideration at national level

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Thank you for you attention!

Greek Atomic Energy Commission

P.O BOX 60092

g. Paraskevi 15310, Greece

www.gaec.gr

www.facebook.com/eeaegr

www.twitter.com/#eeaegr

T: + 30 210 650 6714

F: + 30 210 650 6748

E: vtafili@eeae.gr

Acknowledgment to the co-authors:

V. Kamenopoulou, C. Potiriadis, S. Economides, S. Simopoulos, C. Housiadas