17.03.2011

Guenther Oettinger Plays Down Japan Warning

Warnings of a further possible nuclear catastrophe in Japan by Europe's energy chief were based on media reports and his personal fears, his spokeswoman said after the comments alarmed financial markets. EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger earlier warned of "further catastrophic events" in the coming hours in Japan, saying they "could pose a threat to the lives of people on the island." But his spokeswoman, Marlene Holzner, later clarified the situation. more16.03.2011

EU Should Consider Nuclear Stress Tests

European Union governments should consider the possibility of "stress tests" on European nuclear power stations to check they meet safety requirements, the EU's Executive Commission said on Tuesday. "This is an idea that needs to be considered and it should be debated," Commission energy spokeswoman Marlene Holzner told a regular news briefing. more