Our modern society is increasingly faced with challenges and problems that cannot be solved by a purely technical, political or social approach. There are multi-dimensional issues to be considered in site selection (whether for a wind farm, a new railway line or a radioactive waste storage facility) or in deciding which technologies a country should use to produce electricity.

In this respect, many national and local authorities today see stakeholder dialogue as a necessary policy element. In the past decades, the nuclear energy sector has acquired common experience in organising public involvement activities, following the principles of transparency, openness and dialogue. The tools used include newsletters, open days, guided tours, web cams, discussion evenings and interactive websites7. Recently, several initiatives from outside the nuclear community were set up with the aim of approaching nuclear issues in a 'multi-dimensional' way, by setting up trans-disciplinary research programmes.

These have either been 'own initiative' projects or have the support of national authorities and the European Institutions. These programmes study in particular how stakeholder dialogue can be organised in a practical way. An example of co-ordinated research activity, with an impact at both local and international level, is COWAM 2 (Community Waste Management 2 – Improving the Governance of Nuclear Waste Management and Disposal in Europe). COWAM 2 is aimed at achieving the broad involvement of individuals from civil society, with significant representation from local communities, elected representatives and non-governmental organisations, as well as scientists not connected with radioactive waste management (RWM) organisations, together with established players in the field, such as the implementers of RWM, public authorities, experts and waste producers.

COWAM 2 focuses on better addressing and understanding societal expectations, needs and concerns with regard to radioactive waste decision-making processes, notably at local and regional level, and taking advantage of the past and present successful and unsuccessful experiences of RWM in European countries. In addition, the programme should result in increasing social awareness of – and accountability for – RWM at the local, national and European levels, creating the conditions for improved dialogue between representatives of civil society and others. Along with a focus on transparency, involvement and trust-building, the programme also has a policy-related aspect, as it aims to develop guidance on innovative democratic governance in the RWM field, integrating local, national and European levels of decision-making, as well the key technical and non-technical dimensions involved.