Brussels, 06/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - This Wednesday, the European Commission approved a Communication proposing broad guidelines for a new strategy (reinforced and more coordinated) by the EU with regards to the problem of nuclear security in Central and Eastern European Countries and the countries of the former USSR. The aim of this policy is two fold: help the countries concerned to improve the operational security of their nuclear installations and reinforce the regulatory system, and at the same time to put pressure on these same countries so as to ensure that the dilapidated nuclear power stations, whose level of security cannot be upgraded to international standards, are closed as quickly as possible.
The Communication, jointly prepared by the services of Commissioners Patten (external relations) and Verheugen (enlargement) in close cooperation with the environment Commissioner Mrs Wallström, notably indicate that:
- With regard to the candidate countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the Commission's priority will be to make apply the arrangements concluded with Lithuania, Slovakia and Bulgaria on the closure of three power stations qualified as "non-upgradeable": Ignalina in Lithuania (both units), Bohunice in Slovakia (two out of four units) and Kozloduy in Bulgaria (two of six units);
- With regard to the countries of the former USSR, the new Commission approach will consist of concentrating on the development of a new "culture of security" among the instances of regulation and the operators of these power stations. In these countries, and notably in Russia, the Commission says it is ready to consider loans from Euratom in view of co-financing, if need be, investments aimed at increasing nuclear security. As for example, the Commission cites the case of the completion of the reactor of Kalinin 3 in Russia.
- As to the specific case of Chernobyl in the Ukraine, the Commission asserts that the EU will continue its aid in favour of the stabilisation of the sarcophagus that surrounds the damaged reactor in 1986, as well as the complete and final closure of units 1-3, as promised by the Ukrainian government, by next December 15. Furthermore, "in line with the G7 Ukraine memorandum" concluded in 1995, the Commission asserts to want to continue its policy aiming to ensure that the two reactors K2R4 (aimed at shoring up the energy shortages created by the closure of Chernobyl next December) may be completed by guaranteeing an "internationally acceptable" level of security. To this end, the Commission spoke out in favour of the granting of a loan to Euratom in favour of the completion of these two nuclear reactors in the Ukraine, once the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will have also decided to take part in the financing. At the present time, the EBRD is still divided on this issue (certain member countries, such as Germany and Austria, are strongly opposed).
- In his communication, the Commission also spoke in favour of more effective and simplified contractual procedures with regards to the practical management of technical assistance projects in the countries concerned, and notably on the nuclear sites themselves.
