MEPs vote to export radioactive waste

EU member states should be able to send their radioactive waste to non-EU countries according to the EU Energy Committee.

Voting on a draft directive on the management of spent fuel, MEPs agreed that countries should be able to export radioactive waste outside of Europe, as long as it is processed in accordance with new EU safety rules.

Under the proposed directive, each EU state must create programmes to ensure that spent fuel and waste is safely processed and disposed of, as well as holding plans for the management of all nuclear facilities, even after they close.

MEPs also backed stricter rules for the protection and training of workers in the industry, agreeing that national governments must ensure sufficient funds are available to cover expenses related to decommissioning and management of radioactive waste under the “polluter pays” principle.

The EU Parliament's final vote on the directive will take place in June.