Japan

Commenting on the emerging situation in Japan and beyond, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms said:

“As the tragic and catastrophic consequences of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the wider pacific region continue to unfold, the Greens express their sincere condolences to all those affected by this disaster. The EU must begin to immediately mobilise all possible aid to assist Japan.

“Alongside the destruction, the disturbing situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant is raising real concerns, coming just weeks before the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. It also casts renewed doubt about the reassurances of the nuclear industry on the safety of nuclear reactors in the context of an earthquake. The construction of nuclear reactors in seismically active regions has long been criticised as being irresponsible. This tragic situation heightens those concerns, particularly with regard to older reactors, which are based on decades old technology and outdated safety standards. This is also relevant in Europe in the context of the current debates on extending nuclear power plant life. We cannot afford to again ignore the implications of a nuclear accident.

“The Greens have called for an EU inquiry into the wider implications of the nuclear accident in Japan. This must assess the safety of nuclear reactors in general and in earthquake situations in particular, looking at reactors in the EU and neighbouring countries.”