Euradwaste '08 - EU Bookshop - Europa

Another important development is that the European Council endorsed in March 2007 a
Commission proposal to set up an EU High Level Group on Nuclear Safety and Waste
Management.
The mandate of the group is to progressively develop a common understanding in these
fields and, eventually, to suggest additional European rules. This work has to take into account
a set of actions formulated in Council Conclusions in May 2007.
Triggering progress in Radioactive Waste Management is forming an important objective
and again, a dedicated Subgroup has been created to cover a number of issues, including
obstacles and drivers, the better use of the Joint Convention process, guidelines for national
programmes as well as the use of best practices and peer reviews.
Finally let's talk about Research and a very recent initiative to create a Technological Platform
on the IMPLEMENTATION of Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste.
Following a feasibility study, an interim Executive Group under Swedish leadership is right
now developing a Vision Document describing the possible scope and objectives of this
Platform.
The group arrived at the view that after decades of extensive research, development and
technical demonstration the time is ripe now to focus on the implementation of geological
disposal without further delay. It is no surprise that the draft vision suggests to cover three
key topics: confidence building, establishment of national waste management plans as well
as facilitating and maintaining access to existing competence and technology.
The Technological Platform is scheduled to be launched during 2009.
We very much hope and expect that these three initiatives will lead to significant progress in
Radioactive Waste Management.
5. Conclusions
In summary, I would like to offer the following conclusions for your consideration.
Following 30 years of research, geological disposal now represents a passively safe and
sustainable option for the long-term management of high-level waste, also proven by natural
analogues.
European citizens attach to this issue a high importance.
There are solutions as regards all technical, financial and societal aspects.
– It is therefore time to implement this solution, independent from medium- to longterm
national energy policies. Wait-and-see approaches putting burdens on future
generations and certainly waste export to countries outside the EU should not be supported.
– The Commission believes that the eventual implementation of deep geological disposal
is an essential condition for the continued use and possible expansion of nuclear
power.
20