The young generation - guarantors for the future of the nuclear industry

The concept of the 'Young Generation' has been meeting with considerable interest in many European countries for a number of years already. On the basis of the Young Generation Network initiated by Jan Runermark, Sweden, Young Generation networks have been created in a number of European countries, including Germany. Since October 1998, Germany's Young Generation has worked in a changed political environment: As a result of the outcome of the elections to the federal parliament in 1998 and the establishment of a federal government by SPD (the Social Democratic Party) and Alliance 90/The Greens, opting out of the peaceful uses of nuclear power has become one of the guiding principles and goals. Hence, the qualified and highly motivated young employees of nuclear companies are bound to ask themselves whether there is any future for them in nuclear engineering. The Young Generation will work for the future of nuclear technology by embarking on a series of activities. Discussions with the public, transfer of know-how, and also an intensification of contacts among all companies active in the nuclear field are only some of the items of their agenda. The purpose of the activities, and the principle, of the Young Generation is this: The Young Generation is aware of its responsibility for the future, and is ready to meet the challenges. (orig.)