Nuclear Advocacy

Active Against Atomic Energy

In many countries, nuclear energy still makes up a considerable part of the energy mix. Due to the risks linked thereto, this form of power production may have severe effects on the environment and society in the respective countries, but also far beyond their borders. The related procedures therefore represent an essential part of environmental law.

To date it is widely known that energy production from nuclear power poses a risk to health and nature. According to European as well as international law, nuclear projects must thus be subject to environmental assessments.

The following are applicable inter alia:

EIA Directive: Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment
Habitats Directive: Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora
Aarhus Convention: UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters
Espoo Convention: UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context

For details on these legal frameworks see Environmental Proceedings.

Within these assessment procedures, risks related to nuclear energy productions shall be limited as much as possible. Thereby, civil society has certain rights to information and control.

On an international level, the possibility to submit a communication to the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (ACCC) is an effective example for such rights. Furthermore, the current information of the public on ongoing nuclear procedures is relevant.

ÖKOBÜRO acts as communicant or observer in international procedures on nuclear power plants such as Temelín, Dukovany, Mochovce or Hinkley Point C. We continuously report on relevant meetings or hearings and publish our conclusions in position papers and legal studies.

For information on international meetings in the nuclear sector see our webpage International Reporting on Nuclear Procedures.

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