Publicatie Laka-bibliotheek:
Euratom Loans. Supporting Safety Improvement in Eastern Europe

AuteurWISE Amsterdam
6-04-0-20-49.pdf
Datumjuni 2003
Classificatie 6.04.0.20/49 (SAMENWERKINGSVERBANDEN - EURATOM)
Voorkant

Uit de publicatie:

                           EURATOM Loans:



            Supporting Safety Improvement in Eastern Europe

                                  Or

     A Trojan Horse for the Survival the Europe’s Nuclear Industry

                    Background Paper for COREPER

                               June 2003




WISE Amsterdam
Po. Box 59636
1040 LC
Amsterdam
Phone: + 31 20 6126368
Fax: + 31 20 6892179
Email: wiseamster@antenna.nl
Web: www.antenna.nl/wise
The Euratom Loan facility has awarded 90 loans in 25 years of operation for a total amount of
€3082.5 million. Of these, 90% have been used to expand the EU’s nuclear power industry. So as
this pattern may not continue under future funding (should this be agreed), it is clear that regulatory
action needs to be taken to direct funds only for safety improvements in already operating nuclear
power stations and so prevent them going elsewhere. The Commission’s current offer to prioritise
safety improvements is meaningless in law, as there are presently no means to enforce such a
gesture after a new directive is agreed.

We believe firmly that
  • The Decisions on increasing the Euratom Loans ceiling is premature;
  • The use of Euratom Loans is contrary to the development of a sustainable energy system
       and to the development of an electricity market free of distortion.
  • The adoption of both proposals must fall under Article 203 and therefore require unanimous
       support from Member States.

Introduction

In November 2002, the European Commission proposed to extend the Euratom Loan facility by €2 billion.
Simultaneously, the Commission have proposed to change the scope – the conditions for the loans and the
type of project that can be funded – in light of the forthcoming enlargement of the European Union.

The Euratom Loan facility was established in 1977 and has to date been increased on five separate occasions.
To date, ninety loans have been granted to nuclear facilities in Belgium, Bulgaria France, Germany, It