26 Nov (NucNet): The European nuclear industry has welcomed today�s adoption by the European Commission (EC) of a proposed new directive setting up an EU framework for nuclear safety.

Foratom, the trade association representing the European nuclear industry, said the move was a �starting point� for the creation of a common EU framework on nuclear safety*.

Foratom�s director-general Santiago San Antonio said he endorsed the importance that the proposal gives to stakeholder participation in the forging of EU nuclear policy and he stressed the �significant effect that it has upon increasing public acceptance of nuclear energy�.

Mr San Antonio said: �The European nuclear industry has always made safety its top priority. All nuclear power plant operators ensure, at all times, the highest of safety standards at their facilities. We share the view of the EC that a new safety directive will play a crucial role in enhancing the public�s understanding of and confidence in the safety of nuclear energy.

�We intend to continue to participate in discussions about the creation of a common (European) community framework on nuclear safety,� he added.

The proposed directive replaces and updates one tabled in September 2004. The EC said the main aim of the revised proposal is to �achieve, maintain and continuously improve nuclear safety and its regulation in the community and to enhance the role of the regulatory bodies�.

The scope of the proposal, according to the EC, is the design, siting, construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning of nuclear installations �for which consideration of safety is required under the legislative and regulatory framework of the member state concerned�.

*The proposal is available on the EC�s web site (http://ec.europa.eu).

� by John Shepherd


>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)

EC Announces Revised Nuclear Package Proposals (World Nuclear Review No. 86, 10 September 2004)

EU Energy Chief Promises Proposed Nuclear Safety Directive �Within Weeks� (World Nuclear Review No. 43, 7 November 2008)

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