91998E3759

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3759/98

by Johanna Boogerd-Quaak (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Millennium bug in Russia

As a consequence of the economic crisis in the Russian Federation, efforts to tackle the millennium bug, which had anything but a high priority to start with, have come virtually to a standstill. Given the large number of computer-controlled atomic power stations and other nuclear installations in Russia, the situation could well pose a serious threat to European and world safety on 1 January 2000.

1. Is the Commission aware than no serious effort is being made to tackle the millennium-bug in the Russian Federation?

2. Is the Commission aware that research by the Gartner Group shows that a relatively moderate financial commitment, estimated at some 100 million dollars, would be sufficient to fix the millennium-bug in Russia?

3. To what extent does the Commission consider it desirable for existing support in the form of participation by Russian Federation representatives in millennium-bug workshops to be supplemented by a financial contribution to tackling the Russian millennium bug, as, for example, an item in the TACIS programme?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 1999)

1. and 3. Work on tackling the problem is being conducted by both the nuclear industry, notably the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) and the public sector, led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

At its last general conference the IAEA was requested by its members "to act as a clearing house and central point of contact for Member States to exchange information regarding the diagnostic and remediation action being taken at NPP's, fuel cycle and/or medical facilities which use radioactive materials to make these facilities year 2000 ready". In response to this request, the IAEA launched a special project to address the millennium bug problem. In November 1998, the IAEA prepared a guidance document on identifying, correcting and testing of equipment and on contingency planning. It will hold meetings early in 1999 on the application of this guidance document.

The Commission recognises the leading role being played by the IAEA and seeks to contribute to these international efforts to address the issue in the New Independent States (NIS) and the Central European Countries (CEC).

It is in that context that the Commission will focus its efforts primarily on promoting awareness of the issue notably among nuclear regulators. A meeting of the Concert group of senior nuclear regulators from the Community, CEC and NIS countries will be held shortly.

2. The Commission is assessing the research by the Gartner Group mentioned by the Honourable Member and will inform her direct of its findings.