91999E0594

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0594/99

by Nuala Ahern (V) to the Commission

(12 March 1999)

Subject: Illegal import or export of radioactive materials into or out of the EU in 1998

How many instances were reported to the Euratom authorities of alleged illegal import or export of radioactive materials into or out of the European Union in 1998? What investigations were made into each respective allegation and will the Commission give details of those instances that were substantiated?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(3 May 1999)

The Commission wishes to remind the Honourable Member that, according to the Euratom Treaty, there is no legal obligation for Member States to inform the Commission on legal or illegal imports or exports of radioactive substances. However, if the radioactive substances are also to be classified as nuclear materials in the sense of Article 197 of the Euratom Treaty, they automatically become subject to Euratom safeguards under chapter VII of the Euratom Treaty. In some cases, the supply rules laid down in chapter VI also apply. Therefore any illegal appearance of nuclear material on the territory of the Community must be reported to the Commission.

The majority of the instances in 1998 do not involve nuclear materials but only radioactive substances, sealed sources and contaminated scrap metal. Member States are legally not obliged to inform the Commission about cases of illegal practices involving radioactive substances. Furthermore, while investigations by public prosecutors or court proceedings are under way no detailed information on cases of illicit traffic can be given to the Commission. However, the Commission received information on three cases of illicit trafficking with radioactive substances within the Member States in 1998. Moreover, as far as nuclear materials are concerned, three other instances were reported to the Commission on the basis of chapter VII of the Euratom Treaty. Two instances involved low-enriched uranium and the third case depleted uranium.

For details of these instances the Honourable Member should contact the competent authorities of Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom as the Commission, pursuant to Article 194 of the Euratom Treaty, is not at liberty to disclose further details.