WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3482/98 by Marialiese FLEMMING to the Commission. Safety criteria for nuclear power stations in potential applicant countries in the former Eastern bloc
Date: 1998-11-25
Institutions: European Parliament, FLEMMING
Subjects: Central and Eastern Europe, EAEC Treaty, accession to the European Union, application of EU law, competence of the Member States, nuclear power station, nuclear safety, safety standard

15.10.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 297/75

Units VIII/A/4 and SCR/C/5 have made a concerted effort to set up a mutual information system to ensure that
any important data likely to influence a decision on whether an NGO is eligible is available at the right time.
The assessment reports will automatically be sent to DG VIII/A/4. In addition, the two units will hold monthly
meetings chaired by the two heads of unit, which should ensure an appropriate exchange of information.

(1999/C 297/099)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3482/98

by Marialiese Flemming (PPE) to the Commission

(25 November 1998)

Subject: Safety criteria for nuclear power stations in potential applicant countries in the former Eastern bloc

Some of the nuclear power stations in potential applicant countries in the former Eastern bloc are known to be
in a disastrous condition. Some of them have been classified as beyond repair by an EU commission of experts.
Reports suggest that no efforts are currently being undertaken by the Commission to ensure uniform safety
standards in Europe in the form of a directive.

What steps is the Commission planning to raise safety standards for nuclear power stations in potential
applicant countries in the former Eastern bloc to the level in the West? How does it intend to ensure that
uniform safety standards are implemented in the event of these countries joining when no relevant directives
have been adopted? What measures will it be taking to ensure that those nuclear power stations classified as
beyond repair by the above commission of experts are decommissioned as soon as the countries in question
join the EU?

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

(6 January 1999)

The competence and responsibility for the safe design, construction and operation of a nuclear installation rest
with the Member State having jurisdiction over such installation. The ‘acquis communautaire’ in the field of
nuclear safety is based on the Euratom treaty in particular Chapter III (health and safety). Nevertheless a ‘safety
culture’ has emerged over the years which is common to all Member States and is based upon a common
understanding of the challenges arising from the use of nuclear energy and a similar conception of safety as the
first priority.

In order to raise the level of safety in the Eastern countries, the Commission has, through the Community
assistance programmes, supported the creation and operation of strong, competent and independent nuclear
safety authorities and assisted the plant operators in safety upgrading measures. In its communication (1) to the
Council and the Parliament, the Commission has given further indications on proposed action to achieve the
objective of a high level of nuclear safety in these countries.

The Commission’s position on reactors which cannot be upgraded has been outlined in Agenda 2000 (2) as
well as in the decisions on the Accession Partnerships which have been adopted by the Council. The timetables
agreed by the governments concerned, subject to certain conditions, for the closure of non upgradeable units
must be respected. This applies to Bohunice V1 in Slovakia, Ignalina in Lithuania and to units 1-4 at Kozloduy
in Bulgaria.

(1) COM(98) 134.
(2) COM(97) 2000 final.

(1999/C 297/100)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3488/98

by Anne McIntosh (PPE) to the Commission

(25 November 1998)

Subject: European Union publicity material

Will the Commission please indicate the cost of the publicity material currently being distributed to British
schools concerning the European Union and who bears this cost?