91999E0064

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0064/99

by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission

(27 January 1999)

Subject: Community approach to nuclear energy

Whilst the attempts by some countries to dismantle their nuclear installations indicate the shift away from this energy source in the West, its supporters predict its inevitable resurgence within twenty years.

The debate, based on emotional rather than rational arguments, has practical repercussions and raises expectations that a cleaner energy source will be developed than the use of coal, oil or natural gas to generate electricity.

Given the responsibility placed on it in the field of nuclear energy by virtue of the corresponding legal texts, will the Commission say what approach it has adopted and will adopt with a view to pinpointing accurately for Community public opinion the genuine assets of nuclear energy and the problems it can resolve, at a time when worldwide energy demand is on the increase?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1999)

The current and future part played by civil nuclear energy in the Community's and the world's energy supplies was examined by the Commission in its communication on the nuclear industries in the European Union: an illustrative nuclear programme within the meaning of Article40 of the Euratom Treaty(1).

This document examines, in particular, the main characteristics of the nuclear industry and identifies the challenges that it must meet.

(1) COM(97) 401 final.