Brussels, 04/02/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has proposed to the Council that it should extend until 31 December 2009 the joint undertaking status of Hochtemperatur-Kernkeraftwerk GmbH (HKG) together with certain advantages linked to this status. The Council had granted HKG joint undertaking status for a period of 25 years commencing 1 January 1974 in accordance with the provisions of the Euratom Treaty which stipulates that companies that are of particular importance for the development of the nuclear industry in the EU can be given joint undertaking status. HKG's aim was to construct, equip and operate a nuclear power station, Uentrop, which was since shut down, following which HKG started dismantling the power station, ensure safe enclosure and oversee the surveillance of the enclosed nuclear installations. The Commission examined the request to extend the joint undertaking status and found that it met the requirements set out in the Euratom Treaty, therefore deciding to recommend the Council extends HKG's joint undertaking status.