After the earthquake and the tsunami the Japanese people are facing a nuclear catastrophe that is still developing. The European Greens express their most complete solidarity with the Japanese people and present their sincere condolences to the victims of this threefold disaster. The human losses and material damage have not yet been fully assessed. We commend the mobilisation, courage and determination of the Japanese people and of the authorities in response to this disaster.

Taking into account that,

The current nuclear threat in Japan, in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and resulting tsunami, has considerably aggravated the traumatic experience of those affected by the natural disaster. Workers at Fukushima Daiichi in Japan, in their attempt to avoid the worst case scenario, are facing incredibly dangerous conditions in doing so.

Noting that

Remembering the tragic consequences of the nuclear catastrophe in Chernobil, 25 years ago. The tragic events in Fukushima (Japan) show - once more - the devastating consequences that the „risk zero‟ does not exist for nuclear. The continuing disaster also casts renewed doubt about the reassurances of the nuclear industry on the safety of nuclear reactors and underlines that it is impossible to guarantee the safety of nuclear power. There is always a „residual risk‟. Calling on Aarhus Convention, as a framework for complete transparency and necessity of including citizens and nongovernmental organisations in decision making about environment and people‟s health.

Noting that

Many nuclear safety related incidents and accidents occur year after year, all over the world, in all types of nuclear plants and in all reactor designs and that there are very serious events that go either entirely unnoticed by the broader public or remain significantly under-evaluated when it comes to their potential risk. In the last decades also in the Europe several very serious incidents occurred for example in Tihange 1 (Belgium), Civaux 1 and Blayais 2 (France), Phillipsburg, Krümmel and Brunsbüttel (Germany), Kozloduy 5 (Bulgaria), Paks (Hungary), Rivne 1 (Ukraine) Forsmark and Barseback 2 (Sweden)

Noting that,

European Heads of state have called –after the Fukushima disaster- for a comprehensive risk and safety assessment of nuclear sites in the Europe.

Further noting that,

In response to events in Japan and following pressure through the action of various citizens and grassroots actions: Germany imposed a three month moratorium for its extension of the lifespan of its nuclear power plants and temporarily closed down seven reactors which had gone into operation before 1980; France asked for a comprehensive safety tests; Italy committed for a two years moratorium on its newly pro-nuclear energy strategy and one year moratorium on the research of a potential first nuclear plant site while maintaining its referendum to go ahead with the Berlusconi‟s dream plan for nuclear; Belgium maintained its phase out programme while agreeing a moratorium on opening up the discussion of further expansion of the life-time of the nuclear plants; Switzerland and China have both frozen their new nuclear build programme

Emphasising that

Nuclear energy is not secure, not clean and very high-risk. Nuclear technology will be forever connected with hazardous mining activities, the danger of a severe accident, the unresolved problem of nuclear waste and the risk of proliferation and terrorism.

Position on Nuclear Phase Out in EuropeRecalling that,

Even after more than 50 years of using nuclear energy the problem of the disposal or final storage - in particular of high level radioactive waste - remains unresolved. Most of the Europe's radioactive waste is currently stored in interim storage facilities, where it will have to remain for many decades. In many cases, the safety-related requirements are doubtful.

The cost of nuclear energy production infrastructures is not only very high but is often obscured by Taxpayer-funded State support, even without including the yet-unknown costs of safe dismantlement.

Also noting that,

Currently almost five times as much EU research funds are set to be committed to nuclear research, in particular to fusion and its white elephant „Iter‟, as compared to research for renewables and efficiency.

Bearing in mind that,

Since uranium is not an infinite resource, nuclear cannot be considered as a solution in light of its scarcity and potential depletion. Additionally, uranium is nearly entirely imported into Europe, which does not help our energy independency. Furthermore the extracting of uranium causes unbearable working conditions and a unpairable ecocide in the exporting countries.

Further emphasising that

We don't have to rely on this high risk technology as we have safe, clean and sustainable alternatives to our disposal. Decreasing the energy consumption, increasing the efficiency of our energy use and expanding the use of renewables can provide for a secure energy supply in the Europe fully based on renewables.

Acknowledging that

Several studies such as that of European Renewable Energy Council (EREC), the European Climate Foundation (ECF) or the “Vision Scenario” by the Öko Institute have demonstrated that ambitious energy efficiency and renewables strategies, combined with a modernisation of the energy infrastructure, make a progressive phase out of nuclear as well as coal possible. Until 2050 we can achieve a 100% renewable energy supply. This requires, however, profound changes in terms of energy production and consumption as well as concerted efforts at all levels – local, regional, national and European.

The European Green Party asks for:

An immediate energy revolution leading to a fully European energy efficient renewables based economy by 2050 at the latest, to meet our climate goals . In order to succeed in this vision, we have to start today. There is no time to waste. In this context, Europe1has to abandon its commitment to the high risk technology of nuclear power and start a phase-out now.

This implies:

No new nuclear reactors must be built, likewise work on nuclear plants under construction must stop while those at the planning stage must not go ahead.

In the process of the progressive nuclear phase out, reactors posing heightened risks such as the oldest, reactors in seismic regions, and reactors without a secondary full pressure containment must be immediately shut down.

Updating binding and effective safety standards at the highest level must be implemented across the EU for those reactors that will still operate in the medium term and until they are finally shut down.

A halt to schemes to extend plant life and/or increase effect beyond that anticipated in the original plant designs. The “stress tests” as suggested by the European Commission must not be used as an excuse to extend the life-time of existing nuclear power plants, which will be forbidden. Comprehensive, compulsory transparent and full implementation of “stress tests”

will also apply to apply to nuclear waste, including spent fuels.  No public money should be provided for nuclear fission or fusion; full liability of nuclear

operators , including shareholders of the operators, will apply in case of incidents or accidents

will have to be guaranteed Ban exportation of nuclear power technology and of related intellectual property. Repealing the EURATOM treaty and creating a European Community for Renewable Energy

(ERENE). This also implies:

European leaders to urgently set out plans to make the goal of a 100% renewable energy based economy by 2050 into a reality; the upcoming 2050 Energy Roadmap should reflect this objective, including massive investment in a Europe-wide smart grid.

To this end an ambitious energy efficiency and energy savings legal framework has to be implemented. In this context, we call, as a starting point, for a 2020 binding energy savings target of at least 25% compared to the EU 2005 energy consumption.

On the way to a 100% renewable society also new ambitious intermediate 2030 and 2040 mandatory targets and measures for renewable energies have to be adopted.

Further noting that:

The tragedy in Japan acted as a powerful push to the raising of awareness of European public opinion of the dangers and unreliability of nuclear power. Calls for a process of phasing out of nuclear technology are increasing even in countries which showed a persistent support of it.

While supporting campaigns and petitions at national and regional level, and notably the referendum on nuclear to take place in Italy in June, 2011, and the initiatives which were started by different citizens groups and NGOs in Austria, France, Belgium, Germany and other European countries, considers that it is now time to go beyond national initiatives and support a European wide campaign to stop this deadly technology and to bring about a 100% renewables and efficiency based economy.

The European Green Party supports: The launching of a European wide petition in cooperation with civil society organisations and citizens groups directed to the European Union Institutions and member states; this petition could include, among other issues, the call for the immediate shutting down of high risk nuclear power plants, the progressive phasing out of all nuclear reactors, stop public funding of ITER, binding targets for energy efficiency and the revision of the 2050 EU Roadmap according to the 100 % renewable energy scenario.

The European Green Party supports the Polish, Turkish and Slovenian Greens in their national fights for nuclear phase out and the Croatian Greens in their campaign against storage of radioactive waste in Zagreb, (see annex).

Footnote: 

1 Europeincludingtheaccessioncountries,particularlyTurkey

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