Economisch en Sociaal Comité spreekt zich uit vóór kernenergie (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Europees Economisch en Sociaal Comité (EESC) i, gepubliceerd op donderdag 19 februari 2004, 1:53.

A draft European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Opinion considers that nuclear power must be one of the elements of a diversified, balanced, economic and sustainable energy policy for the EU. The draft Opinion indicates that nuclear power is also essential if the EU is to successfully apply the concept of sustainable development to policy making. Nuclear power strongly contributes to the EU's energy needs and security of supply. Europe also needs nuclear power in order to meet its commitments vis-à-vis reductions in CO2 emissions agreed under the Kyoto protocol. Respecting the stabilisation commitments on CO2 emissions at the present time will not be possible without further advances in technological development and consumer behaviour. Abandoning nuclear power would only exacerbate the problems associated with climate change. Several key points that form the backbone of a draft own-initiative Opinion that is due to be debated during EESC's February's Plenary Session that takes place on 25-26 February*.

Nuclear Power essential for EU's energy needs

The increased use of renewable energy will become a vital element for security of supply and will be essential to meet the growing demand for electricity. The European Commission has set itself the goal that 12% of electricity production should come from renewable sources by 2010. However renewable energy sources will not yet be in a position to satisfy Europe's energy requirements once the current generation of nuclear power stations come up for decommissioning. Even if the most optimistic increase of renewable energy installations is assumed, the EESC has come to the conclusion that the replacement of nuclear energy through renewables is an entirely unrealistic option for the foreseeable future for both Europe and the World, indicates Rapporteur Claude Cambus.

Nuclear waste

The more problematic issues raised by nuclear power are safety, protection against the physiological effects of ionising radiation, waste and spent fuel. The first two are already the subject of technical and regulatory responses, which will evolve over time. Some EU Member States are making progress in resolving the issue of nuclear waste. Two countries (Finland and Sweden) have opted for deep level storage with sites already chosen; other countries (France and Spain) have adopted solutions for low-level products and are continuing investigations into higher-level products.

Abandoning nuclear power costly for the EU consumer

Currently 35% of the EU's electricity needs are provided for by nuclear power and according to most current and up-to-date indicators, the demand for electricity is expected to increase over the next few years the basis of a range of different growth rate scenarios. Abandoning nuclear power would also be prohibitively expensive for EU consumers given the current lack of suitable and viable alternatives such as renewable energy. Indeed nuclear energy has ensured a certain degree of price stability within the EU.

The Rapporteur Claude Cambus will also call for a EU-wide information campaign, which he feels is essential to inform EU citizens about what's really at stake over nuclear power.

Opposition to draft opinion

During the debate members of the Committee will contest the approach advocated by the Rapporteur.

*Notes to editors:

A Press Breakfast concerning this Opinion will take place on Thursday 26 February at 08:30am in the presence of the Rapporteur Claude Cambus (Group II, Employees, France).

A copy of Mr Cambus's presentation, that will be delivered during the session, is available from the EESC Press Office.

The European Economic and Social Committee represents the various economic and social components of organised civil society. It is an institutional consultative body established by the 1957 Treaty of Rome. Its consultative role enables its members, and hence the organisations they represent, to participate in the Community decision-making process. The Committee has 222 members. Its members are appointed by the Council of Ministers.

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