Chernobyl - 20 years on but not forgotten

5.44.43pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Apr 2006

Graham Watson MEP, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe spoke today in the European Parliament on the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster drawing the link to Europe's current and topical energy debate:

"The 20th anniversary of Chernobyl is a potent reminder to us all of the challenges we face in delivering Europe's growing energy needs in a secure and sustainable manner", he said.

"Nuclear power currently makes an important contribution to our energy requirements and offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels - but it is not without cost or risk, as Chernobyl reminds us."

"The European Union must pool its collective research and innovation efforts to explore the potential of safer possibilities through nuclear fusion but also to dedicate far more financial and technical resources to developing renewable energy sources such as hydrogen and biomass that can contribute a greater share of Europe's overall energy mix."

Vittorio Prodi, ALDE MEP in both energy and environment committees also raised concerns over the safety issue which continues to prevail in discussions on nuclear energy.

"Twenty years on, Europe desperately needs to be reassured about its energy supply. The nuclear sector is playing its part in responding to this challenge but safety must come first and this shall be our main concern, together with the problem of the use and proliferation of nuclear technology for military ends."