Summary
Nuclear safety and security concerns have been on the rise
in Europe ever since the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents (respectively,
in 1986 and 2011), as well as recent terrorist attacks. Moreover,
many of Europe’s nuclear facilities are rapidly ageing, making the
probability of serious incidents and accidents higher.
The report points to the secrecy surrounding the operation
of nuclear facilities and the fact that there has been no meaningful
public consultation prior to the construction of the bulk of the
European nuclear “fleet”. As many nuclear plants in Europe operate
close to large cities and densely populated areas, European States
must provide unquestionable and “reasonably achievable” protection
to these strategic objects. Emergency-preparedness capacity and
contingency plans should be enhanced, in particular in cross-border
situations.
Accordingly, the draft resolution makes a series of recommendations
in general and regarding the new nuclear plant in Ostrovets (Belarus),
and expresses deep concern about the nuclear power plant under construction
in Akkuyu (Turkey). It notably calls for more frequent periodic
safety reviews for nuclear installations and enhanced safety perimeters,
independence and capacity of national nuclear regulators, protection
of reactors and spent fuel pools.
