Ukraine preparing for Chernobyl 2.0

9.12.2014

Question for written answer E-010412-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Béla Kovács (NI)

The Chernobyl disaster was the result of the ‘creativity’ of Ukrainian experts, who completely disregarded the safety standards and switched off the automatic protection systems.

There are now plans to replace the heating elements used previously at the nuclear plant in southern Ukraine with ones made in the USA, which do not comply with the standards.

The American heating material caused serious problems in 2012‐13, as a result of which the Ukrainian nuclear energy agency prohibited its use.

In response, the heads of the agency were dismissed from their posts.

The unforeseeable consequences of the renewed ‘creativity’ may even be another serious nuclear accident.

In the interest of safeguarding the lives and safety of EU citizens, effective measures must be taken immediately.

1. Does the Commission have any information about the tragedy which is looming?

2. What immediate measures does it intend to implement?

3. Does the Commission agree that the use of USA-made heating elements should only be permitted in reactors constructed to USA specifications and that legislation to this effect urgently needs to be adopted?