When a major nuclear disaster becomes evident in Japan, EL President and Secretary General of French Communist Party, Pierre Laurent, want to reaffirm the solidarity and support of the party to the Japanese people: “This situation must be taken very seriously by French and European authorities and major emergency assets and expertise must be put at the service of the people affected by this Disaster”.

In this context, the EL shares the concerns of European people for their own safety and each hour that passes makes more urgent a public debate on national energy policy. This debate should be serious and consistent. The disaster in Japan opens a great debate on nuclear power and intercedes for the Global warming and the depletion of fossil resources that also require the abandon of carbon energy. Therefore a wider debate should be held with a general evaluation of our energy choices. Pierre Laurent has already asked, on behalf of the French Communist Party, the organization of a large national public debate that would help to set specific conditions to the necessary evolution of the energy mix to ensure in France and worldwide the right to energy for all in the coming decades. Wishing to contribute immediately to this debate, FCP will organize in its national headquarters a major initiative on 29 March titled "After the nuclear disaster in Japan What energy policy for France?”

Question to the European Commission about a nuclear exit plan

EL French member from GUE/NGL group, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, (Parti de Gauche) presented today a parliamentary question to the Council and the Commission demanding a European plan of the nuclear exit. “It would be criminal to delay the implementation of such a plan” he said.

Text of the Question:

The gravity of the situation in the Japan requires total solidarity from Europe but also a reflection on nuclear energy. The EU relied on nuclear energy more than any other region of the world. Europe is definitely the first producer and consumer of nuclear energy with more than 140 plants on its soil.  Investigations on their security are urgent but it is important that the attitude of denial on which some of our governments have adopted not willing to change anything. It is imperative to get out of nuclear power. This will take time, we know. But this is why delaying decisions would be criminal. The Ecological planning that I propose is now a central issue on the debate for the future of Europe. 

-Will the European Council finally protect the general interest of European citizens and work for a nuclear exit plan? 

-When will the Council demand the Commission to suggest such a plan?  

- In which date will the Commission make its proposal to the Council?

-In which date will this plan be effectively proposed and implemented?