Chernobyl and the law of the European Communities

The article explains the situation at the time the reactor accident happened, and first reactions of the EC after the disaster. The main items discussed in this context include protection of public health according to the Euratom Treaty, especially with regard to the Directive on Radiation Protection as the legal basis for imports or sales restrictions, goods-related maximum permissible concentrations, supervisory and monitoring duties of the member states, and the right of re-examination of the Commission, the Commission's authority to issue directives and the Commission's statement on Chernobyl, problems of legal protection. Standing practice to provide for public health protection within the EC is feasible only on the basis of the Euratom Treaty. (HSCH)