Nuclear energy: the end of the line

Young Greens get together in Paris to send a powerful message to European policy-makers: Out with Nuclear, In with Renewables!

A new wind is blowing across Europe. Nuclear power is on the way out while renewable sources are gaining ground. More and more countries are giving up on this old-fashioned, dangerous and unsustainable source of energy.

Young Greens from all around Europe have been gathering in Paris this weekend for the Congress of the European Green Party. Today, in support of a campaign led by the French Young Greens, they held a special event to make their voices heard and to send a strong message to European politicians and citizens alike about the future of energy in Europe. In a symbolic action, activists depicted a domino effect among nuclear supporting countries in Europe, who one by one are renouncing this support in favour of alternatives.

Both Germany and Switzerland have already put their plans to phase out nuclear energy in motion. In Italy, voters overwhelmingly rejected the nuclear option in a referendum on the issue. The frightening events in Fukushima, Japan, showed that no nuclear facility, no matter how modern or well maintained, can ever be completely safe. The days of nuclear are well and truly numbered.

Yet some countries continue to stubbornly ignore the trend and all the evidence, choosing instead to remain dependant on nuclear. France still has 58 nuclear reactors - triple the amount of any other country in the EU, and unlike most countries, has no plans to decommission any of these. Like so many nuclear power plants in Europe, most of these are outdated and hence unsafe.

Terry Reintke, Co-Spokesperson of FYEG, commented: "Rather than spending massive amounts modernising these power plants, FYEG calls on the France to invest in renewables such as solar, geothermal, wind or wave energy. We urge France not to resist this momentum sweeping across the continent and beyond, and we call for the immediate start to a phasing out this energy, in conjuction with policies to reduce overall energy consumption."

Nic Schaefers, Co-Spokesperson of FYEG, added: "Nuclear energy is unjustifiable from a perspective of European solidarity, as the dangers of nuclear power do not stop at national borders, and hence the burden of the risks must be shared by all countries, unlike the benefits."

It's time to blow away the myths and false arguments in favour of nuclear energy. The evidence speaks for itself. A shift to renewables is the only responsible, rational and sustainable choice. It makes sense. And it is happening.

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For any additional details please contact the Press Officer or Spokespersons of FYEG:
Beatrice White, Press Officer, +0090 553 249 1858
Theresa Reintke, Spokesperson, +491777579311
Nicolas Schaefers, Spokesperson, +4915786872332