The EU Member States should facilitate inclusive engagement, openness and transparency with civil society in all areas of radioactive waste management. This applies to both current and potential host communities, especially given that increasing amounts of radioactive waste will be generated every year over the next decade and beyond.

In an opinion adopted during its October plenary session, the EESC takes a firm stand. It argues that available funding should be used to build the capacity of civil society groups, particularly local communities close to nuclear installations, to take part independently in projects and studies assessing participation and transparency in radioactive waste management.

The EESC recommends that Member States report on the methods for public participation in the decision-making process on radioactive waste management, as well as on how transparency is ensured. ‘The Committee calls on the Member States to take steps to ensure the monitoring and regular disclosure of environmental, public health and socio-economic developments regarding the management of radioactive waste,’ said the rapporteur, Alena Mastantuono.

The Member States should shoulder their responsibilities and not leave future generations with the burden of processing nuclear waste, whatever its nature, lifespan and hazard level.

Given that a high proportion of used nuclear fuel can be reprocessed, fissile materials should be recycled, thereby reducing the need for a supply of natural uranium to operate nuclear reactors. Circular economy strategies would enable the Member States to minimise the amount of waste needing to be tackled by waste management strategies.

‘Member States should make sure that cost assessments for decommissioning and for managing spent fuel and radioactive waste account for cost increases over time. They should also make sure that funding is sufficient to cover the actual costs,’ said the co-rapporteur, Christophe Quarez. (mp)