Russia halts OECD nuclear agency contribution for 2026

Russia will not pay its 2026 contribution to the Nuclear Energy Agency, a specialised body of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, according to a government order cited by state news agencies.

The decision follows a proposal from Rosatom and was coordinated with the country’s finance, foreign affairs and economic development ministries.

“To accept the proposal... of Rosatom, agreed with the Ministry of Finance of Russia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, not to pay in 2026 the annual membership contribution of the Russian Federation to the budget of the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in the amount of 61,313.4 thousand rubles ($773,534),” the order states.

Funds earmarked in the federal budget for the contribution will instead be redirected toward environmental rehabilitation projects in Tajikistan, specifically targeting areas affected by uranium mining activities.

Russia’s membership in the OECD has been suspended since 2022, and it has ceased paying contributions to the organisation since 2025.

The Nuclear Energy Agency supports member countries in developing the scientific, technological and regulatory frameworks necessary for the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy. Russia joined the agency in 2013.

By Tamilla Hasanova