WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3488/98 by Anne McINTOSH to the Commission. European Union publicity material
15. 10. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 297/75 Units VIII/A/4 and SCR/C/5 have made a concerted effort to set up a mutual information system to ensure that any important data likely to influence a decision on whether an NGO is eligible is available at the right time. The assessment reports will automatically be sent to DG VIII/A/4. In addition, the two units will hold monthly meetings chaired by the two heads of unit, which should ensure an appropriate exchange of information. (1999/C 297/099) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3482/98 by Marialiese Flemming (PPE) to the Commission (25 November 1998) Subject: Safety criteria for nuclear power stations in potential applicant countries in the former Eastern bloc Some of the nuclear power stations in potential applicant countries in the former Eastern bloc are known to be in a disastrous condition. Some of them have been classified as beyond repair by an EU commission of experts. Reports suggest that no efforts are currently being undertaken by the Commission to ensure uniform safety standards in Europe in the form of a directive. What steps is the Commission planning to raise safety standards for nuclear power stations in potential applicant countries in the former Eastern bloc to the level in the West? How does it intend to ensure that uniform safety standards are implemented in the event of these countries joining when no relevant directives have been adopted? What measures will it be taking to ensure that those nuclear power stations classified as beyond repair by the above commission of experts are decommissioned as soon as the countries in question join the EU? Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (6 January 1999) The competence and responsibility for the safe design, construction and operation of a nuclear installation rest with the Member State having jurisdiction over such installation. The ‘acquis communautaire’ in the field of nuclear safety is based on the Euratom treaty in particular Chapter III (health and safety). Nevertheless a ‘safety culture’ has emerged over the years which is common to all Member States and is based upon a common understanding of the challenges arising from the use of nuclear energy and a similar conception of safety as the first priority. In order to raise the level of safety in the Eastern countries, the Commission has, through the Community assistance programmes, supported the creation and operation of strong, competent and independent nuclear safety authorities and assisted the plant operators in safety upgrading measures. In its communication (1) to the Council and the Parliament, the Commission has given further indications on proposed action to achieve the objective of a high level of nuclear safety in these countries. The Commission’s position on reactors which cannot be upgraded has been outlined in Agenda 2000 (2) as well as in the decisions on the Accession Partnerships which have been adopted by the Council. The timetables agreed by the governments concerned, subject to certain conditions, for the closure of non upgradeable units must be respected. This applies to Bohunice V1 in Slovakia, Ignalina in Lithuania and to units 1-4 at Kozloduy in Bulgaria. (1) COM(98) 134. (2) COM(97) 2000 final. (1999/C 297/100) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3488/98 by Anne McIntosh (PPE) to the Commission (25 November 1998) Subject: European Union publicity material Will the Commission please indicate the cost of the publicity material currently being distributed to British schools concerning the European Union and who bears this cost?