91998E0662

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0662/98 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Installation of hazardous nuclear reactor at Akkuyu

In April 1998, Turkey is due to select the type of nuclear reactor to be installed in the region of Akkuyu, which is particularly prone to the risk of earthquake and is also home to the rare, protected species of seal known as Monachus Monachus.

Turkey reportedly intends to select the Canadian reactor 'Candu' which is capable (through a particular method) of increasing the quantity of plutonium produced, creating a basis for the production of nuclear weapons. Moreover, it is not a matter of chance that this type of reactor has been installed in sensitive areas of countries such as South Korea, India, Pakistan and China. The quality and safety standards of these reactors have been severely criticized in certain quarters in the USA and Canada, while Canada gave a commitment at the Kyoto environment summit (last December) to close down seven nuclear plants of this type.

What action will the Commission take to prevent the installation of this type of reactor only a few miles outside the EU's boundaries?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (23 March 1998)

The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission's answer to his Question E-3787/97 ((OJ C 223, 17.7.1998, p. 22. )).

The Turkish authorities require tenderers to have a proven track record in the design, construction and performance of at least two nuclear power stations, at least one of which must be suitable as a reference for the Akkuyu project. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to manage international projects. Tenders should be submitted only by companies or organisations with sufficient financial resources to meet the commitments arising from projects of this scale.

The Turkish authorities have also called upon several consultants specialising in the technical evaluation of tenders, contract negotiation and legal and economic issues. These companies include the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Spanish company Empresarios Agrupados Internacional.

The Commission must point out that Community directives are not applicable to a plant situated outside the territory of the European Union such as that referred to by the Honourable Member.