Euratom/USA agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation

The Committee has adopted the draft report by Mrs Naula AHERN (Greens, Irl) on the agreement for peaceful nuclear operation between the European Atomic Energy Community and the USA. But a majority in the Committee did not share the rapporteur's views on the "plutonium economy", on the reprocessing and on the transport of radioactive materials. Mrs AHERN felt that the nuclear industry and the transport of radioactive materials must come under the scrutiny of the European Parliament. "That is not the case at present, as Euratom can act alone in its decision making regarding the promotion of the nuclear industry and its allied interests. In this report I have tried to ensure some measure of accountability from Euratom to the European Parliament. This has remained intact, even though the reprocessing aspect have been severely compromised by the Committee" she said. The Committee considered that, with regard to negotiations on the agreement, Parliament should have been better informed and involved by Commission and Council. The Council was called on to recognize Article 113 on the common commercial policy of the Treaty as a relevant and valid legal base for formal consultation and involvement of the EP in all matters relating to nuclear energy. Despite these reservations, the agreement was welcomed as an important milestone in transatlantic cooperation on issues of nuclear safety.  �