EU directive
July 19, 2011
European Union members agreed Tuesday on a new directive that sets out new regulations for the safe storage of radioactive waste in Europe. The new framework will enter into force in September, and will require national authorities to draw up nuclear waste plans by 2015.
Europe's Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger was pleased with the result. “After years of inaction, the EU for the very first time commits itself to a final disposal of nuclear waste," Oettinger said in a statement.
Under the new directive, storage of nuclear waste will in future have to move to secure underground bunkers. Safety standards drawn up by the International Atomic Energy Agency also become legally binding under the rules.
No export ban
Member states didn't opt for a total export ban on European nuclear waste, something which had been suggested by the Commission in June.
According to existing EU directives on the shipment of spent fuel rods and radioactive waste, export to African, Caribbean and Pacific nations - as well to Antarctica - is already banned.
European Union member states currently store most of their radioactive waste in surface bunkers or warehouses, often near power stations, on a temporary basis. Japan's stricken Fukushima plant has highlighted the risks posed by surface storage. The German government has decided to phase out nuclear power by 2022.
Nations need to plan
At the moment only three deep underground storage facilities in Europe are under construction – in Finland, Sweden and France. The first is due to be completed in 2020.
Member states will have to submit their national nuclear waste programs to the Commission by 2015 at the latest. The documents will have to include a timetable of construction and a description of costs and financing.
According to Mr Oettinger's office, there are currently no plans to build any deep storage facilities outside Europe.
Author: Andre Leslie (dpa, AFP, Reuters)
Editor: Susan Houlton