By Martin Banks - 17th March 2011
European leaders must take note of the growing nuclear crisis in Japan
Patricia Lorenz
Environmentalists say the "catastrophic" events in Japan are a "clear signal" that high risk nuclear reactors across Europe need to be shut down.
The disaster was a consequence of the earthquake and tsunami which resulted in the devastation of several towns and villages and an estimated 10,000 deaths.
The nuclear aftermath has now resulted in several European governments postponing decisions to build new power stations or to decide to prolong the operation of certain power stations
In its first response to the disaster, Friends of the Earth Europe said many countries with nuclear programmes or plans "now find themselves in discussion on the future of nuclear energy".
Patricia Lorenz, its Brussels-based nuclear campaign spokesperson, said, "The events in Japan highlight that no matter how prepared, there are risks with nuclear power, and the consequences of unpredictable events can have disastrous outcomes for people and planet.
"European leaders must take note of the growing nuclear crisis in Japan, and act now. Europe needs a phase-out plan for nuclear, and must open the way for safe solutions to climate change and energy security."
"The only safe and secure form of energy is that which harnesses clean, renewable resources, or the energy we save through increased energy efficiency."
The group is calling for various measures, including the closure of reactors at Dukovany in the Czech Republic, Paks in Hungary and Mochovce in Slovakia.
It also wants older reactors, including Isar and Neckarwestheim in Germany, to be shut down.
Lorenz said, "The catastrophic events in Japan are a clear signal that high risk reactors across Europe need to be shut down, and the process needs to start immediately."
The group has called on the European commission to "demand a genuine, open process to bring about the end of the nuclear age in Europe, and for the introduction of phase-out laws at national level".
Its demand is supported by the Greens group in parliament, which this week also called for the "planned" phase-out of Europe's nuclear plants.
Meanwhile, the European federation of public services unions (EPSU) said it welcomes the decision to apply a "stress test" for nuclear power stations in Europe.
EPSU's deputy general secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan said, "This is a welcome initiative.
"Governments are well advised to check up on the security of the nuclear power sector. Such checks should consider all risks such as backup of cooling and containment systems.
"These tests should include if excessive work with subcontracted staff poses a bigger risk then having permanent employed staff.
"Also the staffing of the nuclear safety and other related agencies is a concern as the austerity programmes of governments are hitting many services and agencies cutting back on staff and freezing pay and conditions.
"Workers and public health are at stake here, and we want the highest possible standards."
