PLANS to create Europe-wide rules for nuclear reactor safety and the disposal of radioactive waste have been dealt a potentially fatal blow.
The European Commission fears that some of the 22 Soviet-designed reactors in countries expected to join the European Union in the next five years might be dangerous. The plan, which requires these countries to set up independent, externally monitored safety watchdogs, would also apply to the nuclear stations in the 15 existing member states.
The commission is keen to set a tough timetable for countries to deal with their waste. The rules require them to pick suitable burial…
