91996E1547

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1547/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (17 June 1996)

Subject: Storage of nuclear waste

According to the Macedonian newspaper, 'Devnik' of 18 and 20 May 1996, the national authorities are planning to build storage premises, ostensibly for radioactive lightning rods, but in fact for the storage of imported nuclear waste. It would appear, moreover, that this is being done with the cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The newspaper also quotes ecological sources as saying that no radioactivity checks were carried out on the imported material.

Given the sensitivity of public opinion to the transport and storage of radioactive waste and the failure to consider the views of neighbouring countries, what immediate and longer-term measures can the Commission take to prevent Macedonia from becoming a radioactive disposal site?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (6 September 1996)

The answer to the Honourable Member's question will very much depend on the location of the reported radioactive waste store within or outside the European Union. Information on this and, if possible, on the nature and origin of the wastes involved, would enable the Commission to give a more specific response to the question raised.

However, it may already be noted that, supervision and control of shipments of radioactive waste between Member States and into and out of the Community are covered by Council Directive 92/3/Euratom of 3 February 1992 ((OJ L 35, 12.2.1992. )) and are subject to a system of prior authorization. Also, the storage of radioactive waste on the territory of a Member State must meet the requirements of Directive 80/836/Euratom ((OJ L 246, 17.9.1980. )) laying down basic safety standards in accordance with Article 30 of the Euratom Treaty. In addition, installations solely designed for the permanent storage or final disposal of radioactive waste in the Community must be subject to an assessment under Article 4 of Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985. )).