Improving nuclear safety
The Commission has adopted a communication aimed at reinforcing the EU's efforts to improve nuclear safety in Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) and the New Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union. The ultimate aim of the EU in this area is to bring the nuclear sector in these countries up to safety standards comparable to those in the EU. With respect to the CEECs which are now negotiating to join the EU, the main objective is to ensure the safety of reactors, either by upgrading or by closing down, as indicated in Agenda 2000. This issue will become particularly relevant in the implementation of the "Accession Partnerships" and the "National plans for the adoption of the acquis communautaire", which will set out the priorities and actions to be completed in the run-up to accession. With respect to the NIS, the following reorientation is proposed: - To undertake more concentrated actions to improve power reactor safety; - To address problems related to the management of radioactive waste; - To continue general operational assistance; - To continue to assist Ukraine in the closure of Chernobyl; - To place nuclear safety as a high priority in future agreements; - To continue to pursue energy reforms in these countries.