Nuclear waste is often described as an eternal burden. For the human imagination, such long periods of time are hard to comprehend; instead, fears, worries and ideas fed by past and present experiences prevail, out of which expectations for the future are developed. The aim of this research is to explore how certain sites develop significance and meaning as spaces of nuclear cultural heritage and how this relates to the long-term planning necessary for dealing with nuclear waste.

Building a deep geological repository for the final disposal of nuclear wastes implies not only changes underground but also landscape changes on the surface. Research on the perceptions of surface facilities of a potential disposal and spatial identities support a better understanding of governance needs.

The focus of this presentation lies on the challenges of cross-border participation based on previous experience in other subject areas and specific cultural and political framework conditions in neighbouring countries. It addresses the questions, what risks and obstacles must be taken into account in cross-border public participation and how these can be overcome. Further it argues, that political framework conditions vary and have an effect on the expectations towards public participation.