Answers by Ian Hudghton MEP

Q: Do you support rapid closure of "high-risk" reactors in line with the conditions put forward in the national and international agreements?

A: Yes

Q:Do you believe that EU funding sources such as Euratom and the EU Fusion budget should be redirected towards closing "high-risk" reactors, and subsequent decommissioning and waste management?

A:Yes, and also towards promoting alternatives to nuclear power.

Q:Do you believe that the EU should insist that definite closure dates for Ignalina and Kozloduy 1-4 must be agreed with Lithuania and Bulgaria before it begins formal negotiations with them on EU membership? (please note that the decision whether to open negotiations will be taken at the European Council meeting in Helsinki in December)

A:Definite closure dates should be agreed as soon as possible.

Q:Do you believe that the Slovakian Government must reinstate the 1994 decree that Bohunice V1 would be closed by 2000 before formal negotiations on membership of the EU begin? (please note that the decision whether to open negotiations will be taken at the European Council meeting in Helsinki in December)

A: This should certainly be one of the issues raised over Slovakia's EU application. Their human rights record would be another.

Q:Do you believe that there should be a specific prohibition on using EU funds to extend the life of Soviet-designed units beyond their design lifetime?

A:Yes

Q:Do you support the Austrian proposal for reform of the Euratom Treaty (please see enclosed briefing)?

A: Yes, reform is required to move EU funding away from nuclear power towards renewable energy. Also there should be stronger safety requirements put in place by the EU on existing nuclear power installations.