Brussels, 04/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - Jean-Pierre Audy (EPP, France) highlights the European Commission's responsibility for the additional cost of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). He reproaches it for its “lack of vigilance” and supervision of this international project so vital for the future of humanity. He regrets the fact that budgetary aspects might take on more importance than scientific, research and energy aspects, and states that the Commission has not explained how the project has gone beyond its allocated budget.
Jean-Pierre Audy also reproaches the Parliament for its lack of participation, saying: “From the outset, the European Parliament was not at all, or very insufficiently, involved in the project”. He thus suggested to coordinators of all political groups that, “when the time comes, a parliamentary initiative should be taken”. (C-C.G./transl.jl)