91996E0628

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0628/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (13 March 1996)

Subject: Nuclear power plant in Turkey

Fresh information that has come to my notice compels me to return to the question of the nuclear power plant in Turkey.

A Japanese firm has carried out a feasibility study for the nuclear plant at Akkuyu, while a Korean company, Kaeri-Gamb, took charge of the technical part of an international competition to find the lowest bidder to construct it.

Turkish environmentalists plan to form an 80 km long human chain on 25 May in protest at the proposed plant.

The Turkish Energy Ministry plans to build two nuclear plants for generating electricity by the year 2010.

Bearing in mind the customs union between the EU and Turkey, will the Commission say:

1. whether it is aware of Turkey's plans described above;

2. whether those plans are consistent with European policy on the use of nuclear power;

3. whether a study of the human and environmental safety aspects exists; and

4. how it intends to react?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (22 April 1996)

According to current administrative procedures in Turkey, the Turkish Ministry of Energy's decision to build a nuclear power station at Akkayu cannot be implemented without the approval of the Ministry of the Environment. Such approval should be given only after a detailed study of the effects upon the environment and the safety of the population. This study has not yet started.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Energy's decision has been the subject of legal proceedings instituted by a Turkish environmental NGO. The court has not yet given its judgment.

At this stage the Commission is watching developments closely.