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Parliamentary question - E-005076/2017Parliamentary question
E-005076/2017

Nuclear threat of Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia

Question for written answer E-005076-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Anna Elżbieta Fotyga (ECR)

Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia is the last of its kind outside Russia that still uses an outdated model from the 1960’s. The soviet model of using a pressurised water reactor is often cited as the most dangerous kind of nuclear power plant, as it does not meet the minimum required safety standards. In addition, Metsamor is situated in an active earthquake zone just 30 km from Yerevan, and as such poses a potential threat to the Armenian capital and the whole South Caucasus region.

Previously, the EU had made several calls for the plant and similar facilities in Bulgaria, Slovakia and Lithuania to be shut down. All but Metsamor were closed.

Furthermore, there have been terrorism-related cases of nuclear and radioactive materials being smuggled from Armenia, with the Georgian security services thwarting a number of incidents, including the smuggling of materials such as highly enriched uranium.

Is the Commission aware of the potential threat that the Metsamor Power plant poses?

What is its assessment of the incidents outlined above? How will these be prevented in future?