Obsolete nuclear power plants in Belgium

18.3.2016

Question for written answer E-002319-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jørn Dohrmann (ECR)

There have been recent media reports that two German states have filed complaints about two ageing nuclear power plants in Belgium. The plants are regarded as posing a very great safety risk. Consequently, the two German states concerned have filed complaints with both the EU and the United Nations.

The Tihange and Doel nuclear power plants have been generating electricity since 1974; the obsolete facilities should have been decommissioned last year. Despite warnings, and solely on investment and employment grounds, Belgium opted to keep them in service. According to the Rhineland-Palatinate Minister for Energy, the Belgian Government ought to have carried out an impact assessment, given that the impact of any accident would not stop at the border.

What is the Commission's view of Belgium's decision to continue to operate the plants?

Is the Commission aware of the problems at the plants?

How will the Commission respond to Belgium's decision to keep obsolete reactors in service?