Brussels, 15/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger gave an update at the Energy Council of 10 June on the stress tests which have been under way since 1st June on the 143 working nuclear reactors in the EU, checking their ability to withstand natural disasters (earthquake, flooding and tidal waves) and the effects of any other event that could potentially lead to safety risks that would require serious accident management. National progress reports are expected by mid-September and the Commission, working with ENSREG, with which it reached agreement on 24 May on the scope of and arrangements for the tests (see EUROPE 10386), will bring out a report in November. The European Council of 9 December will discuss the findings.
After the Energy Council, Hungarian minister Tamas Fellegi said that there were no fundamental differences among member states on the content of the tests, apart from some slight disagreements over the extent and speed. Several delegations, those of Poland and the Baltic states in particular, argued for the tests to be extended to neighbouring countries, especially Russia. As for the thorny issue of terrorist attack, which the Commission suggested be discussed at an informal meeting this autumn, the Hungarian Presidency said that, in future, the matter would not be discussed at the Energy Council, which has no remit in this area. It could be taken up by an ad hoc working group from either the General Affairs or the Home Affairs Council. (E.H./transl.rt)