WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3795/98 by Anna KARAMANOU to the Commission. Construction of nuclear power plant at Akkuyu - risk to eastern Mediterranean
C 182/126 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 28. 6. 1999 Does the Commission intend to undertake a comprehensive examination of its general water policy at 1. this juncture, taking account of all the factors which affect it directly and indirectly? 2. What steps does it envisage taking in the legislative sphere of water policy? Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 February 1999) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3181/98 by Mrs Sierra González (1). (1) See page 47. (1999/C 182/172) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3795/98 by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission (22 December 1998) Subject: Construction of nuclear power plant at Akkuyu 4 risk to eastern Mediterranean Despite a general outcry, the Turkish Government recently decided to proceed with the construction of a nuclear power plant in the region of Akkuyu on its southern shores, which is scheduled to commence operation in 2006. It should be stressed that the risk of a nuclear accident is particularly high, as the region around Akkuyu is exceptionally prone to earthquake. Last June, a tremor measuring 6. 2 on the Richter Scale left 100 people dead and some 1000 others injured. The negligible contribution of this nuclear power plant to Turkey’s energy requirements (2-3 %) casts doubt on the expediency of building it. It should also be stressed that there will be serious environmental repercussions not only in the event of an accident but at all times, as there is no safe way of disposing of the nuclear waste. What representations has the Commission made to the Turkish Government and what measures will it take to safeguard the environmental balance in the eastern Mediterranean region? Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (15 January 1999) The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the Commission’s answers to Written Questions P-662/98 (Mr Kaklamanis) (1), E-2107/98 (Mr Alavanos) (2), E-2190/98 (Mr Kaklamanis) (3) and to oral question H-11/98 (question time at the February 1998 session -Ms Kokkola) (4). The European strategy for Turkey includes closer cooperation on environmental matters with the aim inter alia of bringing Turkey’s law into line with that of the Community. The ability to take specific cooperation measures will depend on the budget appropriations available to implement the strategy. As requested by the Cardiff European Council, the Commission adopted proposals on 21 October which are now before the budget authority. (1) OJ C 304, 20. 10. 1998. (2) OJ C 96, 8. 4. 1999, p. 37. (3) OJ C 96, 8. 4. 1999, p. 54. (4) Debates of the European Parliament (February 1998)