WRITTEN QUESTION E-0724/02

by Johannes Swoboda (PSE) to the Commission

(14 March 2002)

Subject: Temelin nuclear power plant (atomic energy)

Are there any reports (technical and scientific data) based on the tests carried out at the Temelin nuclear power plant under EU control which can be made available to MEPs?

Are there any statistics on the kinds of incidents leading to the shutdown of nuclear plants:

(a) without radioactive emissions?

(b) with radioactive emissions?

Are there any differences in the causes of the incidents in terms of shortage of materials, operational defects or problems with safety equipment?

Which simulation models were used to assess the environmental pollution caused by the incidents, particularly concerning the spread of (radioactive) pollution?

Are there any findings or comparisons of radioactivity measured and calculated at varying distances from the accident?

Are there any records of effects on health or of recognised cases of illness caused by radioactive pollution resulting from previous incidents?

What are the uniform safety standards that the Commission will require nuclear power plants to meet in the future?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2002)

In the so-called Melk Process regarding the Temelin Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the Commission chaired an expert group with trilateral participation, addressing 29 issues of Austrian concern. This role was part of the good offices of the Commission offered as a mediator facilitating a bilateral dialogue. During the work of the expert group, both sides exchanged a host of technical documents. Obviously, these documents were addressed to the respective other party. It is therefore not at the discretion of the mediator of a process that finally led to the settlement of an international dispute to release these documents. The Conclusions of the Melk Process and Follow-up reflect the agreement of 29 November 2001 reached between the Governments of Austria and the Czech Republic and are publicly available.

According to international agreements, all events that might have a potential impact on the safety of nuclear power plants are classified according to the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES). Annual statistics of such events are usually published by the national regulatory authority, to which they must be reported. The INES scale's seven levels allow for a distinction between events (typically anomalies or incidents) that do not leak radiation to the outside, and more serious events (typically accidents) that do. Such incidents and accidents must be analysed with regard to their root causes, including material and operational factors, as well as the functioning of safety systems.

There are a vast number of scientific studies on the effects of various radiation sources on human health. These studies do of course vary considerably as to the approach and scientific methodology used. As there are a number of natural radiation sources in the environment, and as human health is subject to manifold other factors, it is notoriously difficult to establish an incontestable link between any given factor and a particular disease.

Since 1975, the Commission has made sustained contributions towards a harmonisation of nuclear safety criteria and requirements. Much has been achieved already. Harmonisation efforts are also being undertaken by other organisations and associations (International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA), Western European Nuclear Regulators Association (WENRA), industrial groups). The exercise obviously is a complex one, as it needs to bridge diverse technological, legal and regulatory traditions of the countries operating nuclear power plants. Among other aspects, best existing practices to achieve a high level of nuclear safety are at the basis of any such effort. The responsibility for the safety of the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants currently remains incumbent on the operator and the national regulatory authority of the state having jurisdiction over the plant.

However, the Commission is prepared to actively contribute to the establishment of a Community dimension of nuclear safety, that would take into account the need for common safety standards for NPPs, in line with the conclusions of the Laeken European Council.