WRITTEN QUESTION E-2174/98

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: EU policy on nuclear reactors at Kozloduy

Commissioner Hans Van den Broek has repeatedly stated the EU's intention to exert pressure on the Bulgarian Government to close down the hazardous nuclear reactors at Kozloduy and Bulgaria receives funding under the Phare programme for this purpose. The Commissioner's advisor, Mr Konzen, recently visited Kozloduy to draw up a new report on the nuclear plant.

In 1993, when it concluded an agreement with the Nuclear Safety Account (NSA)/ European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Bulgaria undertook to decommission units 1-2 by April 1997 and units 3-4 by the end of 1998. Bulgaria has not implemented this agreement and has apparently managed to continue operating these units. It is obvious that Bulgaria is attempting not only to keep the existing hazardous plants open but also to continue operating units 1-2 until 2005, 3-4 until 2010 and, moreover, to upgrade the generating capacity of units 5 and 6, while constructing more new nuclear plants on its territory.

The NSA/EBRD is treating Bulgaria with greater flexibility than other central and eastern European countries with nuclear plants. The EBRD, which is studying the Bulgarian proposals for the revision of the 1993 agreement, is due to make its views known in June. The Bulgarian Government has not taken any measures such as developing alternative forms of electric power.

1. What exactly does Mr Konzen's report say about the risk posed by Kozloduy?

2. Why is the Commission flexible with Bulgaria?

3. Will the Commission adopt the views of the EBRD's experts?

4. Who will assume responsibility in the event of a probable nuclear accident?

5. Will the Union continue to provide Bulgaria with funds despite its inconsistent conduct?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(30 September 1998)

The Commission has always insisted that Bulgaria should abide by its commitments for the closure of non-upgradable nuclear power plants. In Agenda 2000, the Commission states that for nuclear safety, timetables agreed by governments concerned (subject to certain conditions) for the closure of non-upgradable units must be respected. It recalls that for Bulgaria closure commitments in return for grants by the nuclear safety account (NSA) signed with the European bank for reconstruction and development (EBRD) were subject to certain conditions. The NSA which Bulgaria entered into in 1993 provided for the closure of units 1 to 4 of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant as soon as other energy sources became available. Respect of Bulgaria's commitments in the NSA is also included as a priority of the accession partnership.

In 1998, the Bulgarian government indicated that it intended to postpone the closure of these units and requested a revision of the NSA agreement. The Commission opposes this request, as did the contributors of the NSA in a meeting in London in June 1998. The importance of respecting the NSA commitments has been consistently emphasised during contacts between the Commission and the Bulgarian authorities, most recently during the recent visit of the responsible member of the Commission to Bulgaria on 11 September 1998. The Commission also took note of the recent statement by President Stoyanov that he takes very seriously the messages from Brussels, and would in no case wish that this issue delays his country's march towards Europe.

Concerning financial assistance, the Commission is currently examining the possibility of granting a Euratom loan for financing part of the safety upgrading of units 5 and 6, which, as foreseen in the NSA agreement, would facilitate the timely closure of units 1-4. On the other hand, the Commission has stated clearly that it would not finance any upgrading of units 1-4 (apart from short-term safety improvements) and still requires closure of these before the expected lifetime.

As far as alternative energy sources are concerned, the accession partnership set as a short-term priority to be completed by the end of 1998 that Bulgaria should establish a comprehensive, long term, energy strategy and in respect of nuclear safety standards and NSA commitments. Bulgaria has already established an action plan as a first step towards this and the Commission has indicated that it is ready to assist Bulgaria further in efforts in this direction.

Responsibility in case of nuclear accidents is defined by national legislation and international law. Bulgaria is a signatory of the Vienna Convention on nuclear civil responsibility. Nonetheless what is now important is to ensure that the probability of a nuclear accident in Kozloduy be reduced to the minimum. The Commission is continuing to support the Bulgarian nuclear safety authority with a view to creating a climate favourable to nuclear safety.

Finally, the report by the panel of high level advisers, chaired by Mr Contzen, on nuclear safety in Central and Eastern Europe and the New Independent States, is intended as an independent input to the Commission in developing its future strategy in the nuclear safety sector. The findings, which relate to priorities for future Community actions in this sector, will be taken into account in the orientation and future implementation of Phare programmes in this sector in Bulgaria.