91997E2337

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2337/97 by Nuala Ahern (V) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Implementation of environmental and safeguards sampling at nuclear facilities in the EU

According to a memorandum prepared by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director-General Bruno Pelland concerning a high-level liaison committee meeting between the European Commission and the IAEA in Brussels on December 12/13/1996, Euratom and the IAEA are at loggerheads over the implementation of environmental and safeguards sampling at certain nuclear facilities in the European Union.

Plants in Belgium, Italy and Sweden are said to be excluding IAEA inspectors until Euratom analytical capability to assess samples have been raised to IAEA levels of competence.

Is this an accurate report of current circumstances; and what is the Commission doing to facilitate better cooperation with the IAEA over nuclear inspections?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (15 September 1997)

The Commission would draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the answer given to written question E-1643/97 by Mrs Bloch von Blottnitz ((OJ C 45, 10.2.1998. )) on the same subject.

The statements cited in the question concerning the taking of environmental samples are not a correct reflection of current circumstances. The Commission and the International atomic energy agency (IAEA) cooperate by drawing samples together, sharing the results and developing the methods further. The Commission has the necessary analytical capabilities to draw independent conclusions. European laboratories are indeed providing the analysis for the IAEA together with other laboratories.

Regarding the concept for the testing and implementation of the new method, the Commission, Member State authorities and operators prefer the scientific and technical approach whereby the experience gained and the results obtained from each sampling influence the next such sampling exercise.

At the last meeting of the high level liaison committee in June 1997 there was complete agreement between the IAEA and the Commission regarding all topics relevant in this field of interest.