Belgium has started construction of its first surface repository for low-and intermediate-level short-lived radioactive waste at Dessel, the national waste agency Ondraf/Niras announced.

A foundation stone ceremony was held on 18 September, led by prime minister Bart De Wever. Ondraf/Niras director-general Marc Demarche said the milestone marks “a unique moment for our country,” adding that the project follows years of preparation, including a 25,000-page safety dossier to demonstrate safety for at least 300 years.