Commission presents Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC)

EU News 110/2016

Brussels, 4 April 2016

This is the first report since Fukushima in 2011, focusing on the investments related to post-Fukushima safety upgrades and to the safe operation of existing facilities.

In addition, this Nuclear Illustrative Programme highlights the estimated financing needs related to nuclear power plants' decommissioning and to the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Nuclear Illustrative Program provides a basis for discussion and aims to include all stakeholders, especially civil society, in the discussion on nuclear energy trends and related investments for the period up to 2050.

While Member States are free to decide their energy mix, the Energy Union Strategy and the European Energy Security Strategy stressed that Member States who decide to use nuclear energy in their own energy mix to apply the highest standards of safety, security, waste management and non-proliferation as well as diversify nuclear fuel supplies.

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Today, the Commission also presented a recommendation to Member States concerning the application of Article 103 of the Euratom Treaty. The recommendation requires Member States to have the Commission's opinion on agreements with third countries on nuclear matters (Intergovernmental Agreements) before concluding them. This recommendation aims to make that process more efficient by clarifying the key aspects and requirements that Member States have to take into account when negotiating such agreements, in particular regarding the new directives on nuclear safety and the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. The application of this recommendation should reduce the need for the Commission to object to the conclusion of agreements, and thereby reduce the risk of delay in their conclusion.

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-1202_en.htm?locale=en

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