Nuclear Policy – The Government Programme
Translation of the part "Active anti-nuclear power policy" of the current Government Programme
"The Austrian Federal Government stands by its conviction that nuclear energydoes not represent a sustainable form of energy supply. Particular attention must
be given to the safety issue. The creation of high EU safety standards for nuclear
energy facilities continues to be a significant objective of Austrian nuclear policy.
Agreed closure obligations for particularly problematic plants are to be strictly
observed, further closures with financial support from the EU are to be aspired to.
Increasing the capacity of existing plants must not be supported, just as the
construction of new ones shall not be. In all cases where there are nuclear power
plants near the border, Austria will apply and use all means available within the
scope of EU Law and the ESPOO convention to protect Austrian security also in
the future.
The Austrian early warning system and risk research will be expanded further as
the budget permits.
Regarding the nuclear power plant of Temelín, the zero option continues to
remain in effect and the safety dialogue is being continued intensively. As part of
the Melk Process, the Federal Government is pursuing the goal of achieving the
implementation of the safety measures agreed to in Appendix 1.
The Federal Government will continue its efforts with regard to a reform of the
Euratom Treaty. The currently valid Euratom Treaty also contains
significant provisions that are important for the protection of the population and
the environment.
The Austrian Federal Government is committed to advocating against the
construction of new nuclear power plants in general at the EU level, and to
espousing the strengthening and expansion of the safety provisions for the
protection of health within the scope of Community Law.
The existing system regarding the treatment and storage of legally occurring
radioactive material in Austria, for example, from medical treatment, x-rays and
research, is to be technically and financially secured in the long-term.
Downloads
BGBl. III.Teil (2001) Melk Process (PDF 67,37 kB )
02.05.2007, Lebensministerium V/6