"Euratom" is a compound word made up of "Eur" (short for Europe) and "atom." Its pronunciation is /jʊərətɒm/. The first syllable "Eur" is pronounced with a short /jʊ/ (like the "u" in "but") and an unstressed /ə/. The second syllable "atom" is pronounced with a stressed /æ/ (like the "a" in "cat") and an unstressed /əm/. In written form, "Euratom" is always spelled with a capital "E" and no hyphen.
Euratom is an abbreviation for the European Atomic Energy Community. It is an international organization established under the Treaty of Rome in 1957 with the goal of promoting peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy among its member states. Euratom operates alongside the European Union (EU) and shares its institutions, namely the European Commission, Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament.
The main objectives of Euratom are to create a common market for nuclear energy within its member states, ensure the secure supply of nuclear materials and the proper management of radioactive waste, promote research and cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, and contribute to the development of alternative energy sources. It also aims to establish common safety standards and regulations for the protection of individuals and the environment against the hazards of nuclear energy.
Euratom sets rules and regulations concerning the civil use of nuclear energy and oversees the implementation of safeguards to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It fosters cooperation among its members in areas such as nuclear research, education and training, and the promotion of radiation protection. Through its policies and initiatives, Euratom seeks to ensure that nuclear energy is utilized for peaceful purposes, while minimizing the risks associated with its use and contributing to the EU's energy objectives.
The word "Euratom" is a combination of two parts: "Eur-" and "-atom".
The prefix "Eur-" is derived from the Greek word "Europe", which refers to the continent. It is often used as a prefix to denote something related to Europe or European.
The suffix "-atom" is derived from the Greek word "átomos", which means "indivisible" or "uncuttable". In modern usage, it generally refers to the basic unit of matter composed of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons.
When combined, "Euratom" is the short form of "European Atomic Energy Community". It was originally established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, along with the European Economic Community (now the European Union). The term "Euratom" signifies the focus of this community on promoting peaceful nuclear energy cooperation among European countries.