Brussels - The European Commission has published a Eurobarometer survey showing that an overwhelming majority of Europeans would find it useful to have European legislation on radioactive waste management. The concern for the safety risk related to radioactive waste is shared both in countries with nuclear power plants and those with no nuclear energy.

Günther Oettinger, Commissioner responsible for Energy said: "People throughout Europe share the same concerns, whether have nuclear power plants in their country or not. We have to take these concerns seriously and make sure that radioactive waste is disposed safely, for our people and for our environment."

Radioactive waste management

An overall majority of 82 percent European citizens say nuclear waste management should be regulated at EU level, according to the Special Eurobarometer survey "Europeans and Nuclear Safety". This belief is extremely consistent all across the European Union. Agreement is almost unanimous in Cyprus (93 percent), Hungary (90 percent), the Netherlands (90 percent) and Slovenia (90 percent). On the other end of the spectrum – in those countries where the smallest number of people share the view – a consistent majority exist (Austria 59 percent, UK 60 percent, Malta 62 percent).

Safety of nuclear plants

While citizens also have concerns towards wrong use of nuclear materials and terrorism, a large majority of 59 percent believe that nuclear power plants can be operated in a safe manner. This EU average remained stable compared to the 2006 survey. National results show some significant changes: in 14 countries agreement with the statement knows a progression which is more striking in Ireland (+11), Poland and Luxembourg (+ 9), as well as in Malta, Estonia and Italy (+6). Agreement levels decreased in Bulgaria (-9), Germany (-7), France and Romania (-5).

Thr full report on "Europeans and Nuclear safety" can be downloaded at ec.europa.eu.

Quelle: EU commission

Zurück