Conference introductory keynote: Radioactive waste management and the future of nuclear energy

Nuclear power contribution to the electricity consumption in the European Union amounts up to one third. Eight members states are nuclear electricity producers. These states make use of 143 nuclear plants. After extension of the Union 11 states will operate a total number of 163 nuclear reactors while the energy market could rest almost unchanged. On long term five members states declared a moratorium on new NPP construction while other states decided their nuclear reactors to be shut down at the end of their lifetime. A single state decided to construct a new reactor while others are hesitant. European Union's public opinion is not against nuclear power, on condition of safeguarding the nuclear installations, of non-proliferation of nuclear materials and of a secure and safe radioactive waste management. The speaker addresses the following topics: - The status of nuclear power; - The nuclear safety issue; - The directive 'Safety of nuclear installations'; - The directive 'Radioactive waste management'; - International cooperation. Summarizing, the author underlines as major target, the nuclear safety legislation proposals of The European Commission to ensure an extreme rigorous observance of nuclear protection throughout extended Union, in strict compliance with all international pertinent regulations. Application of this community legislation will enable European nuclear industry to evolve within a stable juridical frame. At the same time, by guaranteeing a sustainable high level nuclear safety the growth of a free and healthy concurrence in a deeply mutant electricity market will be enhanced. The debate on competence of the Community on nuclear safety matters was ceased as ordered by the EU Justice Court in December 2002. Indeed, the Court clearly uttered that Community has normative competence to be exerted. Hiding behind juridical arguments to avoid Union concern within a community frame in handling nuclear safety matters would be politically irresponsible, particularly in the current international context. Extended European Union should respond properly to this challenge as a whole and consequently the European Commission must take all the necessary measures to reach this goal. The radioactive waste management is an exemplary domain for implementing this programme