EU Commission investigates initial findings of nuclear safety stress tests

24.11.11

The EU agreed on voluntary tests for its 143 nuclear power plants, following the nuclear accident in March in Fukushima.

Today’s communication by the Commission investigates initial findings of these stress tests and highlights policy areas of the EU nuclear safety framework that can be can be made stronger with common standards. When the tests are finalised, next year, results will be published.

Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy, said: “The stress tests are an essential step in our effort to enhance the safety and security of nuclear power plants in Europe. We cannot accept anything less than the highest possible technical standards. While each individual Member State has the right to decide whether to produce nuclear power or not, it must be made sure that citizens are not put at risk and that the highest safety standards are not only prescribed but also respected everywhere in the EU, and beyond."

To read the press release in full, visit the website of the European Union.