Nuclear industries in the Union

Mr Andre SOULIER (F, EPP) saw his report on the Commission's communication on the nuclear industries in the EU adopted. a majority of the Committee followed its rapporteur by stating that, as long as there is no alternative to nuclear power, which currently accounts for one third of electricity production, investment must be continued. However given the fact that the nuclear industry is open to controversy and that public opinion is calling for an improvement in safety, the Committee made it clear that there can be no reduction in investment in research and development. The draftsman noted that the Commission programme does not tackle the question of ageing of the great majority of existing nuclear installations, though even investment will be needed for their renewal at the beginning of the next century. The Committee also pointed out that spent fuel from nuclear reactors cannot be stored indefinitely on closed down production sites until all the necessary political and economic decisions have been taken.�