Brussels, 09/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Addressing the issue of nuclear waste at a seminar organised by the European Economic and Social Committee on 8 November, Gaston Franco (EPP, France) welcomed the draft directive tabled by the European Commission on 3 November (see EUROPE 10249). “Resolving this issue is a priority if nuclear energy is to be better accepted in Europe. Lack of knowledge among the general public gives free rein to misunderstanding and wild invention: 70% of people asked believe that they have not been told the truth about nuclear energy, and 50% believe that there is no solution. The passion has to be taken out of the debate and definite solutions brought to the issue of radioactive waste management,” Franco says in a press release. “I feel it is right for the EU to legislate in this area and to ensure harmonisation of the rules at European level, because this is a matter which affects all member states, whether or not they have nuclear power stations, and because the risks are, by their very nature, cross-border. What now has to be done is to come up with a balanced directive, which reassures the public without paralysing the industry and national energy strategies - a directive that will be applied uniformly and fully by all member states,” he said. (E.H./transl.rt)