91997E1035

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1035/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (24 March 1997)

Subject: Completion of the nuclear power plant in Mochovce, Slovak Republic

The pressurized water reactors Mochovce I and II in the Slovak Republic, which would be the first nuclear power plant complexes in central and eastern Europe, are to be brought up to western safety standards with EU assistance. This is a project which the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has refused to finance because it regards the plan as unrealistic. Now the European Mochovce Consortium (EUCOM), consisting of Siemens and Framatom, has been commissioned by the Slovak energy supply company Slovenske Elektrame (SE) to complete the partly-built plant. In this connection, Siemens has applied to the German Government for a guarantee under the Hermes scheme.

1. Does the Council agree that supporting a nuclear energy policy in the Slovak Republic will impede the development of an efficient, environmentally sound energy supply system and that as a result energy consumption levels will remain high?

2. Does it agree that Austria's interests are being harmed by the involvement of France and Germany in the Slovak Republic? What kind of discussions, if any, are being conducted on this matter?

3. Does the Council know how and where the radioactive waste produced if the Mochovce plant is brought into service will be processed and stored?

Answer (16 June 1997)

The question of nuclear safety in Slovakia is being kept under constant review by the Community authorities and was recently referred to in the framework of the Association Council with Slovakia on 25 February 1997. On that occasion, the Community clearly stressed the great importance which it attaches - also with a view to the accession of Slovakia to the Union - to achieving a high level of safety in nuclear power stations and to strict cooperation to that end.

On the basis of these principles, note was taken at the meeting of Slovakia's intention of completing the Mochovce plant in accordance with internationally recognized safety guidelines, as well as of its commitment to close nuclear installations which did not satisfy these standards. With regard to the latter point, the Community side referred explicitly to the closure of Bohunice NPP-V-1 at the earliest opportunity.