Nuclear disaster in Japan and EU energy mix
17.3.2011
Question for written answer P-002935/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Kriton Arsenis (S&D)
The Japanese Government has for the first time acknowledged that radioactive leakage has reached a level which is dangerous to public health following the third explosion which occurred a few hours ago at the Japanese nuclear power plant in Fukushima. The explosions followed an earthquake registering 8.9 on the Richter scale which occurred on 11 March, creating a tidal wave (tsunami).
A few days previously, on 8 March, the Commission had announced a Roadmap for transforming the European Union into a low carbon economy by 2050.
This envisages the full implementation of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan, of which nuclear technology is a cornerstone. Furthermore, in the Commission press release of 8 March 2011 giving details regarding implementation of the roadmap, nuclear energy, together with renewables, is listed among low carbon energy technologies.
However, following the nuclear disaster, the European Commissioner for energy, Günter Oettinger, stated in an interview that the images from Japan showed that the worst could happen. In view of the Commissioner's statement and given the proven vulnerability of nuclear plant safety systems previously considered impregnable:
- 1.Under the roadmap for transition to a low carbon economy by 2050, does the Commission have an alternative framework strategy not involving nuclear energy in the EU energy mix?
- 2.Will it re-examine its stance regarding the use of nuclear energy in the EU and its funding for nuclear energy development programmes?
- 3.What measures will it take to avert the risk to European citizens arising from the construction of nuclear power stations by other European countries both inside and outside the EU, such as Italy and Turkey, in earthquake-prone areas situated close to their borders with other European countries?
OJ C 309 E, 21/10/2011