92002E0187

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0187/02

by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(6 February 2002)

Subject: Commission statements in favour of nuclear power

Of the 15 European Union Member States, seven at present have no nuclear power stations. In some cases (e.g. Italy) this is the result of a referendum. Other Member States, such as Sweden, have also consulted their voters and intend to phase out their nuclear power stations. A similar situation applies in Germany, where, after complex negotiations, the government and the electricity companies have agreed on a timetable for the closure of all nuclear power stations. No reactor is currently being constructed in any EU Member State, while Spain shut down its last operating uranium mine in 2000. For some years now it has been clear from all opinion polls that public opinion in the EU is strongly opposed to nuclear power.

In the light of the above what are the Commission's reasons for its statements in favour of nuclear power?

Does the Commission consider it a reasonable policy to reaffirm support for an energy source which is rejected by European public opinion and by a considerable number of governments in the Union?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-0133/02 and E-0187/02given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2002)

The Commission's position on nuclear energy is outlined in the Green Paper on energy supply(1) from November 2000. The declarations referred to by the Honourable Members as those of any other Member of the Commission are made in this context.

(1) COM(2000) 769 final.