Representatives from several European countries adopt joint declaration in Vienna
Climate change, energy efficiency, the role of nuclear power and alternatives to this type of energy were the focus of the conference of environment ministers from Austria, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia and Norway. Their two-day meeting in Vienna, which ended today, was a continuation of the dialogue started in Dublin in March 2007 on the safety of nuclear installations, the energy mix of the future and the importance of saving energy and energy efficiency. Matthias Machnig, State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry, represented Germany at the conference.
In light of the transboundary risks of nuclear energy, e.g. risk of accidents and proliferation and the issue of disposal, the participants called for more transparency and a better integration of and cooperation with neighbouring countries of nuclear states. At the meeting the participants highlighted the fundamental risks associated with operating nuclear power plants. In a joint declaration at the conclusion of the conference the ministers affirmed their view that nuclear energy and sustainable development are not compatible. They are furthermore convinced that nuclear energy is not an option to answer to the challenge of climate change.
State Secretary Machnig said: "With the informal ministerial meeting an important platform was established to discuss joint efforts to combat climate change."