Radioactive waste. Fieldwork : February- March 2005 Publication : September 2005

Transcription

1 Special Eurobarometer European Commission Radioactive waste Fieldwork : February- March 2005 Publication : September 2005 Special Eurobarometer 227 / Wave 63.2 TNS Opinion & Social This survey was requested by Directorate General Energy and Transport and coordinated by Directorate General Press and Communication This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.

2 Contents INTRODUCTION...3 ANALYSIS The perception of radioactive waste and nuclear energy The level of information about radioactive waste Actual knowledge about radioactive waste The extent of danger from radioactive waste The production of radioactive waste by research centres The production of radioactive waste in hospitals The existence of different types of radioactive waste The production of radioactive waste by non-nuclear industries The production of radioactive waste by nuclear reactors The quantity of radioactive waste Average actual knowledge The level of support for nuclear energy Perception of the problem of radioactive waste Opinions of nuclear energy The diversification of energy sources Dependence on oil The emission of greenhouse gases The perception of the risk of radioactive waste Transport Storage Fears regarding the construction of a disposal site Involvement of citizens in the construction of such a site The management of radioactive waste The general opinion of recycling uncontaminated materials Use of recycled material Actual knowledge regarding management Temporary storage Underground disposal of radioactive waste Storage in steel drums Despatch to other countries Dumping at sea Average actual knowledge Sources of information

3 4. Public opinion of underground disposal The need for an urgent solution What is the safe way to get rid of this waste? Political unpopularity The underground disposal solution The European dimension of the management of radioactive waste...76 CONCLUSION

4 INTRODUCTION The European Union's energy policy is of primary importance in the Community strategy for sustainable development, supply and security. At the end of 2000, the European Commission published a Green Paper on the security of supply which emphasised the need for a common strategy and the extension of the scope of Community powers in relation to energy, to give the European Union more control over its destiny in this area 1. It sketches out a long-term energy strategy, and also undertakes an analysis of the medium-term contribution of nuclear energy. It is expected that, in the absence of any action, the contribution of nuclear energy will decline in the future. In examining the future contribution of nuclear energy, the debate should consider questions such as climate change, the security of the gas supply and sustainable development. Furthermore, research on the safe management of nuclear waste should be actively pursued. In 2004, a proposal for a directive stressed the importance of establishing a high level of nuclear safety in the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste in the Member States in order to protect public health and the environment 2. In view of this, the purpose of this study is to analyse the opinion of European Union citizens on the subject of nuclear energy, and radioactive waste in particular. This survey was carried out by TNS Opinion & Social interviewing citizens in the 25 Member States of the European Union between 9 February and 20 March The methodology used is that of Eurobarometer surveys as carried out by the Directorate- General for Press and Communication (Unit for Opinion Polls, Press Reviews, Europe Direct). A technical note on the way in which interviews were conducted by the Institutes within the TNS Opinion & Social network can be found annexed to this report. This note indicates the interview methods and the confidence intervals. It should be noted that two studies have previously been carried out on this subject in the Europe of 15, in late 1998 and late However, the questionnaires used for these surveys have been adapted to reflect cyclical needs, with the aim of identifying the main trends. 1 Green paper, " Towards a European Strategy for the Security of Energy Supply" [Com(2000) 769] 2 Proposal of directive (Euratom) of Council on the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste [COM(2004) 526 final] 3 EB 50.0 EB Special 122 carried out in October-November 1998 EB 56.2 EB Special 165 carried out in October-November

5 This reports tackles the following themes in turn: The perception of citizens of the European Union on the subjects of radioactive waste and nuclear energy The risks involved in radioactive waste The management of radioactive waste The final disposal of highly radioactive waste The European dimension of the management of radioactive waste For each of these points, we shall analyse the results in terms of the European average and the changes by comparison with the preceding surveys when this is possible. We then consider the current position by country and make some brief comments on the socio-demographic variables of citizens of the European Union 4. 4 All the tables can be found in the annexes. New rounding methods having been adopted during this survey, the figures shown may differ by a point with the sum of individual cells. It is should also be noted that total percentages given in the tables to this report may exceed 100% where respondents were able to give several responses to a single question

6 ANALYSIS 1. The perception of radioactive waste and nuclear energy The first part of this report will focus on what citizens of the European Union know about radioactive waste and their opinion of nuclear energy: How well informed do they think they are about radioactive waste? What do they actually know about waste of this type? What is their opinion of nuclear energy? 1.1. The level of information about radioactive waste Questionnaire source: Q1 Let us first look at the changes in the perception of citizens of the Union regarding their level of knowledge about radioactive waste. This question has already been posed in 1998 and in A low level of information, but rising slightly - At the beginning of 2005, three-quarters of citizens of the European Union felt that they were 'not well informed' about radioactive waste (7). In parallel, a quarter of respondents stated that they were well informed on this subject (). This represents a slight rise in the number of well informed citizens by comparison with four years ago (+4 points). Q1. How well informed do you think you are about radioactive waste? % EU EB 50.0 : 10-11/1999 EB 56.2: 10-11/2001 EB 63.2: 02/ No t well info rmed 77% 76% Well info rmed 21% 22% - 5 -

7 Within the European Union, citizens in Sweden seem best informed about radioactive waste: one respondent in two in this country felt well-informed (51%). However, everywhere else, the level of information is decidedly lower and only a minority of the people interviewed felt well-informed. In Slovenia and Finland, however, more than four respondents in ten felt wellinformed about this subject (46% and 43% respectively). Fewer that one citizen in five felt well-informed about radioactive waste in Poland (19%), Cyprus (1), Austria (17%), Greece (16%), Italy (16%), Spain (15%) and Portugal (15%). The southern countries in the Union thus seem to suffer particularly from a lack of information in this area. Q1. How well informed do you think you are about radioactive waste? Well informed Not well informed DK EU25 7 SE SI FI NL DE HU DK LU IE UK CZ SK BE EE LV FR 51% 46% 43% 37% 36% 32% 31% 31% 26% 22% 49% 5 56% 63% 63% % 73% 75% 73% 77% 76% 76% 77% MT 22% 66% LT 20% 77% PL 80% CY 79% AT 17 % 82% EL 8 IT 83% ES 15 % 83% PT 15 % 80% 0% 10 0 % - 6 -

8 The map below gives a graphic representation of the overall level of information in the Member States. Q1 How well informed do you think you are about radioactive waste? Answers: Well informed Member States Results Sweden 51% Slovenia 46% Finland 43% The Netherlands 37% Germany 36% Hungary 32% Denmark 31% Luxembourg 31% Ireland 26% EU25 United Kingdom Czech Republic Slovakia Belgium Estonia Latvia France 22% Malta 22% Lithuania 20% Poland 19% Cyprus 1 Austria 17% Greece 16% Italy 16% Spain 15% Portugal 15% Legend 51% - 100% 41% - 50% 31% - 40% 21% - 30% 0% - 20% - 7 -

9 Socio-demographic analysis of the level of information of citizens of the European Union concerning radioactive waste provides some important information. It appears that the profile of citizens of the Union stating that they are well-informed on this subject is that of: A man, A person over 40 years old, A respondent having studied until at least the age of 20, A citizen politically speaking rather to the left or right than in the centre, An executive or business manager, A person living in a large town. An additional comparison of this question with the level of support for nuclear energy in general indicates that citizens favourable to this type of energy tend to feel better informed than its opponents (35% vs. 20%). Q1. Well informed Not well informed EU25 7 Sex Male 29% 70% Female 21% 7 Age % 80% % 77% % 72% % Education (End of) % % Still Studying 76% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 29% 70% (5-6) Centre 75% (7-10) Right 2 71% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 27% 72% Managers 36% 63% Other white collars 2 75% Manual workers 20% 79% House persons 16% 82% Unemployed 22% 76% Retired 2 70% Students 76% Subjective urbanisation Rural village 75% Small/ mid size town 2 76% Large town 29% 70% Support for nuclear energy In favour 35% 65% Opposed 20% 79% - 8 -

10 1.2. Actual knowledge about radioactive waste Questionnaire source: Q5 During the course of the survey, the interviewees were given seven statements which they had to state as being true or false. Analysis of responses to this quiz enables us to see the actual level of knowledge about radioactive waste. - Eight respondents out of ten considered that all radioactive waste is very dangerous - Among the seven statements tested on interviewees, we observed a very low level of knowledge about how dangerous radioactive waste is. 79% of citizens of the European Union think that all radioactive waste is very dangerous, although this statement is false. Only 1 gave the right answer. Next, more than seven out of ten citizens correctly identified the fact that certain research centres produce radioactive waste (77%) and hospitals produce low-level radioactive waste (73%). Also 71% of respondents recognised that there are several categories of radioactive waste. Furthermore, two-thirds of interviewees think, rightly, that some non-nuclear industries also produce low-level radioactive waste (66%). In contrast, only a minority of respondents know that highly radioactive waste is not solely produced by nuclear reactors (35%). Finally, 37% of citizens of the European Union believe that radioactive waste is produced in a similar quantity to other dangerous waste, while 37% think the opposite. It should be noted that 26% were unable to answer this question. Q5. For each of the following statements, please tell me whether you think it is true or false. % EU TRUE FALSE DK A ll radioactive waste is very dangerous Correct answer : FALSE 79% 14 % Some Research centers produce radioactive waste Correct answer : TRUE 77% 7% There are Hospitals which produce lo w level radio active waste Co rrect answer : TRUE 73% 17 % There are several categories of radioactive waste Correct answer : TRUE 71% Some Non-nuclear industries produce lo w level radio active waste Correct answer : TRUE 66% 22% High level radio active waste is produced only in nuclear reactors Correct answer : FA LSE 45% 35% Radioactive waste is produced in similar quantities to other dangerous waste Correct answer : FA LSE 37% 37% 26% 0% 10 0 % - 9 -

11 The extent of danger from radioactive waste The greatest lack of knowledge among citizens of the European Union relates to how dangerous radioactive waste is: nearly eight out of ten interviewees gave the wrong answer, stating that all radioactive waste is very dangerous (79%). Only 1 of respondents seemed to know that there are varying degrees of danger, and gave no answer. By comparison with four years ago, we observe a growth in the percentage of citizens giving the wrong answer to this question (+4 points). Q5.7. All radioactive waste is very dangerous - % EU Correct answer : "False" False True DK EB 63.2: 02/ % 79% EB 56.2: 10-11/ % 75% 0% 10 0 % From a socio-demographic point of view, more men, young people, citizens with higher educational levels and people living in large towns tend to provide the right answer, stating that it is false to regard all radioactive waste as very dangerous. Furthermore, citizens who feel they are well-informed on this subject and those in favour of nuclear energy also tend to take this view. Q5.7. False True DK EU % Sex Male 17% 77% 6% Female 80% 9% Age % % 76% 7% % 6% % 81% 10% Education (End of) 15 80% 12% % 81% 7% % 75% 5% Still Studying 19% 75% 5% Subjective urbanisation Rural village 12% 79% Small/ mid size town 1 79% 7% Large town 16% 76% Level of information Well informed 20% 76% Not well informed 12% 80% Support for nuclear energy In favour 20% 75% 5% Opposed 10% 83% 7%

12 In the 25 Member States, a vast majority of respondents consider all radioactive waste as very dangerous. The Netherlands is the country recording the highest rate of correct answers: a third of respondents claim that it is false to consider all radioactive waste as very dangerous (3). They are followed by the Swedes (30%) and the Danish (27%). In contrast, there is a very high level of ignorance of the existence of different degrees of danger from radioactive waste in Latvia, Greece, Slovakia and Poland. In these countries, 91% of respondents wrongly believe all radioactive waste to be very dangerous. Q5.7. All radioactive waste is very dangerous Correct answer : "False" False True DK EU25 14 % 79% NL SE DK BE FI UK FR IT SI LU CZ MT PT DE ES IE AT HU PL CY LT SK EL EE LV 3 30% 27% 22% 22% 9% 9% 9% 9% 6% 5% 5% 5% 59% 65% 5% 66% 7% 7 73% 62% 79% 5% 80% 7% 85% 83% 5% 8 76% 7 87% 77% 14 % 81% 83% 89% 3% 91% 3% 90% 5% 89% 6% 91% 3% 91% 5% 89% 7% 91% 5% 0% 100%

13 The production of radioactive waste by research centres Across the European Union, more than three-quarters of citizens rightly consider that some research centres produce radioactive waste (77%). In Belgium, Sweden and Slovenia, the rate of correct answers reached 87%. The rate is also very high in Denmark (86%), Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary (8). In contrast, citizens in Ireland, Portugal and Malta seem less aware of the production of radioactive waste in some research centres. Although a majority of citizens are aware of the production of radioactive waste by certain research centres, it was observed that a third of respondents in these countries were unable to answer this question. Q5.4. Some Research centers produce radioactive waste Correct answer : "True" True False DK EU25 77% 7% BE SE SI DK DE CZ HU NL FR FI SK LU PL LV AT EL IT UK ES EE CY LT IE PT MT 87% 87% 87% 86% % 81% 80% 80% 79% 79% 76% 75% 72% 72% 70% 69% 69% 6 63% 59% 57% 5 5% 5% 7% 6% 3% 7% 9% 7% 9% 6% 5% 5% 15 % 9% 5% 9% 7% 17 % 7% 9% 5% 26% 7% 2 20% 7% 9% 2 32% 33% 33% 0% 100%

14 The fact that some research centres produce radioactive waste seems to be better known among men, respondents of average age (25-54 years), citizens working as managers, self employed or white collar workers and people living in large towns. There was also a higher non-response rate to this question among respondents aged 55 and over, respondents whose education had ended earlier, persons at home and the retired. Finally, citizens who consider themselves generally well-informed about radioactive waste and those in favour of nuclear energy are more likely to know that some research centres produce radioactive waste. Q5.4. True False DK EU25 77% 7% 16% Sex Male 80% 7% 12% Female 73% 7% 19% Age % % 7% 13% % 6% 12% % 7% 22% Education (End of) 15 66% 9% % 7% 15% % 5% 10% Still Studying 7 Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 82% 7% Managers 86% 5% 9% Other white collars 82% Manual workers 7 7% 15% House persons 67% Unemployed 77% 6% 17% Retired 71% 7% 22% Students 7 Subjective urbanisation Rural village 76% 7% 1 Small/ mid size town 76% 16% Large town 79% 7% 1 Level of information Well informed 86% 6% 9% Not well informed 7 1 Support for nuclear energy In favour 82% 7% Opposed 77% 15%

15 The production of radioactive waste in hospitals 73% of citizens of the European Union state that hospitals can produce low-level radioactive waste, 10% say that they do not, and 17% are unable to answer. More than eight out of ten respondents gave the right answer - true - in the Netherlands (85%), Slovenia (85%), Belgium (8) and Sweden (81%). In some countries, although a small majority of citizens know that some hospitals produce low-level radioactive waste, the number of respondents either giving the wrong answer or no answer at all is very high. This is the case in Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. In Portugal, 50% of citizens recognise that hospitals can produce low-level radioactive waste and 50% either give the wrong answer or fail to reply. Finally, in Malta, fewer than one respondent in two gives the right answer (49%) while 39% express no opinion. Q5.2. There are Hospitals which produce low level radioactive waste Correct answer : "True" True False DK EU25 73% 17 % NL 85% 6% 9% SI 85% 7% BE 8 6% SE 81% 7% FR 79% 7% 14 % LU 79% 7% 14 % FI 79% DE 77% CZ 77% 14 % 9% HU 77% DK 73% 9% ES 71% 20% IE 71% 21% UK 71% 5% 2 SK 71% 14 % 15 % PL 70% EL 69% 20% AT 6 21% IT 66% 14 % 20% CY 5 3 EE 53% 31% LV 52% 15 % 33% LT 51% 33% PT 50% 31% MT 49% 39% 0% 100%

16 Men, people aged between 40 and 54 years, respondents who have studied up to at least the age of 20 and professionals or business managers are more likely to be aware of the production of low-level radioactive waste in certain hospitals. However, there is a higher rate of don't knows among citizens aged 55 and over, respondents with a low level of education and women or men staying at home. As was stated for the preceding statements, citizens stating that they are wellinformed about radioactive waste and, to a lesser degree, those in favour of nuclear energy are more likely to know that hospitals can produce low-level radioactive waste. Q5.2. True False DK EU25 73% 10% 17% Sex Male 77% 10% 1 Female 69% 20% Age % 15% % 9% 15% % 12% % 9% 22% Education (End of) 15 63% 12% % 16% % 7% 10% Still Studying 71% 13% 15% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 76% 10% 13% Managers 83% 7% 10% Other white collars 77% 12% Manual workers 7 16% House persons 6 10% 26% Unemployed 71% 17% Retired 69% 9% 21% Students 71% 13% 15% Level of information Well informed 83% 9% 9% Not well informed 70% 19% Support for nuclear energy In favour 79% 9% 12% Opposed 72% 12% 17%

17 The existence of different types of radioactive waste In early 2005, 71% of interviewees in the European Union believed that there were several categories of radioactive waste. This percentage of right answers was slightly down on that recorded at the end of 2001 (-5 points). The number of respondents believing that, on the contrary, there are not several categories of radioactive waste rose by 6 points, while those failing to answer fell by one point. Q5.1. There are several categories of radioactive waste - % EU Correct answer : "True" True False DK EB 63.2: 02/ % EB 56.2: 10-11/ % 20% 0% 10 0 % From a socio-demographic point of view, the existence of different types of radioactive waste appears to be more generally recognised by men, respondents aged less than 55 years, citizens with a high educational level, students, town-dwellers, respondents who feel well-informed about radioactive waste and those stating that they are in favour of nuclear energy. Q5.1. True False DK EU25 71% 10% 19% Sex Male 75% 10% 15% Female 6 9% Age % 10% 15% % 9% 16% % 17% % Education (End of) 15 62% 27% % 10% Still Studying 77% 9% 1 Subjective urbanisation Rural village 69% 10% 21% Small/ mid size town 72% 10% 1 Large town 73% 9% 1 Level of information Well informed 81% 9% 10% Not well informed 69% 10% 22% Support for nuclear energy In favour 7 9% 1 Opposed 70% 19%

18 In Slovenia, more than nine out of ten citizens are aware that there are various categories of radioactive waste (92%). The next best-informed citizens regarding the existence of different types of radioactive waste are to be found in Slovakia (80%), Belgium (79%), Sweden (79%) and Hungary (79%). However, there are higher levels of non-response for this factor in Lithuania (35%), as well as in Estonia (31%) and Austria (30%). Finally, the highest recorded level (16%) of citizens mistakenly claiming that there are not several types of radioactive waste was found in the Czech Republic. Q5.1. There are several categories of radioactive waste Correct answer : "True" True False DK EU25 71% SI 92% 3% SK 80% 9% BE 79% 14 % SE 79% HU 79% 7% DE 75% LU 75% 6% EL 7 9% 17 % FR 7 6% 20% FI 7 14 % IE 73% NL 73% CY 72% MT 72% 6% 22% DK 71% IT 70% ES 69% 6% UK 69% 26% PT 67% 7% 27% LV 66% 7% 27% PL 66% 22% CZ 65% EE 60% 9% 31% AT 59% 30% LT 55% 35% 0% 100%

19 The production of radioactive waste by non-nuclear industries Two-thirds of the people interviewed in the European Union responded correctly to the statement that some non-nuclear industries produce low-level radioactive waste (66%). 12% stated the opposite, and 22% were unable to give an opinion on this question. A very high percentage of citizens correctly answering that some non-nuclear industries produce low-level radioactive waste was recorded in the Czech Republic (85%), Belgium (81%), Slovenia (80%) and Finland (7). In Portugal, 20% of respondents do not believe that non-nuclear industries can engender low-level radioactive waste and a further 35% are unable to express a view. A high percentage of 'don't knows' was also recorded for this question in Lithuania (36%), Malta (36%), the United Kingdom (33%), Cyprus (33%) and Austria (33%). Q5.3. Some Non-nuclear industries produce low level radioactive waste Correct answer : "True" True False DK EU25 66% 22% CZ BE SI FI SE DK FR PL DE ES HU SK LU NL LV IT EE EL IE UK CY AT LT MT PT 85% 81% 80% 7 73% 72% 72% 70% 67% 67% 67% 67% 66% 65% 63% 62% 61% 60% 59% 56% 55% 5 53% 50% 45% 7% 7% 17 % 20% 17 % 15 % 17 % 17 % 26% 15 % 27% 2 31% 33% 33% 33% 36% 14 % 36% 20% 35% 0% 100%

20 The socio-demographic characteristics of citizens of the European Union influence the distribution of responses to this question. Men, respondents aged between 25 and 54, people with a higher educational level, managers and the self employed are more likely to be aware that some non-nuclear industries can produce low-level radioactive waste. Furthermore, a high percentage of citizens unable to respond is found among respondents aged 55 and over, those with lower educational levels, people who stay at home and the retired. Q5.3. True False DK EU25 66% 12% 22% Sex Male 70% 12% 1 Female 62% 13% 26% Age % 12% 19% % % 30% Education (End of) 15 53% 13% 33% % 20% % 9% 15% Still Studying 6 17% 15% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 73% 16% Managers 7 9% 1 Other white collars 69% 12% 1 Manual workers 67% 13% 20% House persons 5 12% 31% Unemployed Retired 59% 30% Students 6 17% 15% Level of information Well informed 7 12% 1 Not well informed 63% 13% 2 Support for nuclear energy In favour 72% 12% 16% Opposed 65% 13% 22%

21 The production of radioactive waste by nuclear reactors A majority of respondents are mistaken as regards the production of high-level radioactive waste. 45% think that this type of waste is only produced by nuclear reactors. The correct answer was only given by 35% of respondents. Furthermore, 19% were unable to express an opinion. Hungary is the only country where more than half the citizens correctly believe that high-level radioactive waste is not solely produced by nuclear reactors (56%). Fewer than one interviewee in five in Lithuania (19%) and Austria (16%) gave the correct answer. Q5.5. High level radioactive waste is produced only in nuclear reactors Correct answer : "False" False True DK EU25 35% 45% HU FR BE CZ IT FI SE PL EL SI UK MT CY SK ES LU EE DE IE PT LV DK NL LT AT 56% 4 41% 41% 40% 40% 3 36% 35% 35% % 33% 32% 32% 30% 29% 29% 29% 29% 26% 2 37% 6% 33% 50% 9% 52% 7% 3 22% 51% 46% 50% 14 % 4 17 % 55% 32% 3 41% 40% 27% 56% 45% 49% 51% 62% 9% 41% 30% 35% 36% 4 27% 50% % 57% 2 62% 22% 0% 100%

22 An analysis of this aspect by interviewees' socio-demographic variables provides the following information: Men are less likely to be unable to answer this question than women, although they more often give the wrong response. Young people aged between 15 and 24 years, and students seem most aware of the fact that high-level radioactive waste is not only produced by nuclear reactors. The more likely respondents are to live in an urban environment, the more they tend to know the right answer. In contrast to what had been noted previously, the level of knowledge of radioactive waste in general claimed by respondents had no influence on the percentage of correct answers. On the contrary, more citizens who think they are well-informed gave the wrong answer, whereas those who believe themselves to be ill-informed registered a higher rate of 'don't knows'. The level of support for nuclear energy in general does not seem to influence the distribution of responses in any significant fashion for this aspect. Q5.5. False True DK EU25 35% 45% 19% Sex Male 37% 4 15% Female 3 42% Age % 17% % 42% % 47% 16% % 50% 2 Education (End of) 15 27% 46% 27% % 46% 17% % 15% Still Studying 47% 39% 1 Subjective urbanisation Rural village 33% 47% 20% Small/ mid size town 36% 4 19% Large town 37% 4 1 Level of information Well informed 36% 52% 12% Not well informed 36% 4 21% Support for nuclear energy In favour 37% 4 15% Opposed 36% 46%

23 The quantity of radioactive waste Across the European Union, as many respondents gave the right answer (false) as the wrong answer (true) in response to the statement that radioactive waste is produced in similar quantities to other dangerous waste, i.e. 37%. However, 26% of interviewees were unable to give an opinion on this subject. More than six out of ten citizens know that radioactive waste is not produced in similar quantities to other dangerous waste in Sweden (6), Finland (63%) and the Netherlands (62%). In contrast, more than six interviewees in ten (63%) answered this question incorrectly in Greece, and only 13% gave the right answer. Finally, the lowest level of right answers was recorded in Cyprus (7%), where 53% of interviewees gave the wrong answer and 41% gave none. Q5.6. R adioactive waste is produced in similar quantities to other dangerous waste Correct answer : "False" False True DK EU25 37% 37% 26% SE 6 14 % FI 63% 20% 17 % NL 62% BE 55% 36% CZ 55% 29% DK 53% SI 53% 35% DE 46% 3 17 % HU 43% 30% 27% EE 42% 33% IT 39% 39% AT 37% 31% 32% LV 36% 32% 32% SK 35% 47% PL 3 42% 2 LU 29% 37% 3 LT 29% 35% 36% UK 27% 31% 42% FR 26% 49% ES 42% 33% IE 41% 35% PT 21% 37% 42% MT 17 % 4 35% EL 63% 2 CY 7% 53% 41% 0% 100%

24 From a socio-demographic point of view, more men rightly consider that radioactive waste is not produced in similar quantities to other dangerous waste. This is also the case for people having studied until the age of at least 20, students, managers, whitecollar workers, people living in large towns, people regarding themselves as wellinformed about radioactive waste in general and supporters of nuclear energy. There was also a higher percentage of 'don't know' responses among women, respondents aged 55 and over, respondents with a low level of education, people staying at home and the retired. Q5.6. False True DK EU25 37% 37% 26% Sex Male 41% 36% 22% Female 32% 3 30% Age % 39% 20% % % 36% % 39% 31% Education (End of) 15 26% 42% 33% % 3 26% % 32% 22% Still Studying 45% 37% 17% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 41% 36% Managers 45% 31% 2 Other white collars % Manual workers 35% 39% House persons 27% 39% 3 Unemployed 36% 41% Retired 30% 39% 31% Students 45% 37% 17% Subjective urbanisation Rural village 35% 3 27% Small/ mid size town 37% 39% Large town 3 35% 26% Level of information Well informed 46% 37% 1 Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour 43% 35% 21% Opposed 35% 40%

25 Average actual knowledge By way of conclusion to this section detailing the actual knowledge of European Union citizens regarding radioactive waste, a supplementary analysis of the average of the answers given for the seven statements in this quiz provides some additional information. Across the European Union, the average of right answers reached 53%, the average of wrong answers 29% and the average percentage of don't knows' is 1. Citizens achieving the highest average of right answers are found in Sweden (65%), Belgium (6), Slovenia (6), Finland (62%), the Netherlands (61%) and the Czech Republic (60%). Conversely, respondents seemed on average to be less familiar with this subject in Cyprus (42% right answers), Malta (41%), Portugal (40%) and Lithuania (39%). Q5. AVERAGE OF ANSWERS M ENTIONED AT THE 7 ITEM S Average of correct answers Average of wrong answers DK EU25 53% 29% SE 65% 22% BE 6 29% 6% SI 6 29% 7% FI 62% 27% NL 61% CZ 60% 31% HU 59% 2 DK 5 2 FR 57% 27% 17 % DE 55% 33% LU 53% 2 SK 53% 35% IT 52% 30% PL 52% 33% UK 50% 21% 29% ES 49% 2 EL 47% 35% IE 46% 2 26% EE 46% 30% 2 LV 46% 30% 2 AT 45% 31% CY 42% 31% 27% MT 41% 2 31% PT 40% 29% 31% LT 39% 32% 2 0% 10 0 %

26 Analysed by socio-demographic variables: On average, men are more likely to give the right answers, while a higher proportion of women gave no response; Citizens aged 55 and over record a lower average of right answers, but a higher average of 'don't knows'; The higher the level of their education, the more citizens' average of right answers rises; The occupational category of managers seem the best informed on the subject of radioactive waste; while the average non-response rate is highest among persons staying at home full-time retired; Respondents living in an urban environment are generally more likely to give the right answer; Citizens who regard themselves as well-informed about radioactive waste demonstrated, on average, better actual knowledge of this subject. However, the rates of wrong responses appeared similar for citizens who say they are well-informed and those who believe themselves to be not well informed. The latter registered a higher average percentage of non-responses; Finally, citizens in favour of nuclear energy record a higher average of correct responses by comparison with opponents of this type of energy. Q5. Average of correct answers Average of wrong answers EU25 53% 29% 1 Sex Male 57% 29% 15% Female 50% 29% 21% Age % 29% 16% % 27% 16% % 2 15% % 30% Education (End of) % 26% % 17% % 26% 13% Still Studying 5 29% 13% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 57% 29% 1 Managers 62% 13% Other white collars Manual workers 5 29% 17% House persons 45% 2 27% Unemployed 53% 30% 17% Retired 47% 30% Students 5 29% 13% Subjective urbanisation Rural village 52% 29% 19% Small/ mid size town 53% 29% 1 Large town 55% 2 17% Level of information Well informed 61% 29% Not well informed 51% 29% 20% Support for nuclear energy In favour 59% 2 13% Opposed 52% 30% 17% DK

27 1.3. The level of support for nuclear energy The next three points in this report focus more particularly on the perception of nuclear energy by citizens of the European Union. We shall first see to what extent they support this type of energy, before analysing whether the problem of radioactive waste represents an argument for its opponents. Finally, we shall examine various opinions on the use of nuclear energy. Questionnaire source: Q2 - A minority of interviewees in favour of nuclear energy - Across the European Union, 37% of interviewees say that they are in favour of energy produced by nuclear power stations, while 55% are against it and express no opinion. Q2. A re you... to energy produced by nuclear power stations? % EU To tally in favo ur Fairly in favo ur Fairly o ppo sed To tally o ppo sed DK 7% 30% 31% 2 0% 10 0 % A detailed analysis of the percentage of supporters of this type of energy shows that only 7% of respondents are totally in favour, with 30% being 'fairly in favour'. Among opponents, 31% of the people interviewed say they are 'fairly opposed' to energy produced by nuclear power stations while 2 state that they are 'totally opposed'. There is thus stronger opposition from the citizens of the Union who here demonstrate a certain animosity towards nuclear energy

28 Considerable differences of opinion emerged in different Member States regarding the energy produced by nuclear power stations. More than six out of ten citizens support this type of energy in Hungary (65%), Sweden (6), the Czech Republic (61%) and Lithuania (60%). It should be noted that these countries follow a different nuclear policy. While Sweden proposes to abandon the nuclear route over the next forty years, the Czech Republic is undertaking the construction of two new reactors. Furthermore, a majority of respondents also said they were in favour of nuclear energy in Finland (5), Slovakia (56%), France (52%), the Netherlands (52%) and Belgium (50%). However, opponents of nuclear energy represent a very large majority of the population, primarily in Austria where 8 of interviewees state that they are opposed to this type of energy, but also in Greece (86%), Cyprus (81%), Spain (71%), Ireland (70%), Poland (66%), Denmark (66%), Italy (66%) and Luxembourg (65%). It should be noted that Austria has adopted a law prohibiting the operation of nuclear power stations for the production of electricity, thus renouncing the use of nuclear energy. This country has also set itself the task of creating a nuclear energy free zone in central Europe. It is against this background that Austria is in favour of closing down the Russian-designed Czech power station at Temelin, situated only 60 km from its border, and where the opening of two new reactors is planned for Finally, in Portugal around a quarter of interviewees were unable to give their opinion on this question (26% of 'don't know' responses). Q2. A re yo u to tally in favo ur, fairly in favo ur, fairly o ppo sed o r to tally o ppo sed to energy produced by nuclear power stations? In favour Opposed DK EU25 37% 55% HU 65% 31% 5% SE 6 33% 3% CZ 61% 37% LT 60% 27% FI 5 3 SK 56% 40% FR 52% 41% 7% NL 52% 4 5% BE 50% 4 UK 4 41% 15 % SI 4 5 3% EE 40% 50% LV 39% 49% DE 3 59% LU 31% 65% IT 30% 66% 5% DK 29% 66% 5% PL 26% 66% PT 21% 53% 26% MT 17 % 62% 21% ES 71% IE 70% 17 % CY 81% EL 9% 86% 5% AT 8 0% 100%

29 The map below illustrates the percentage of supporters of energy produced by nuclear power stations in the Member States. Q2 Are you totally in favour, fairly in favour, fairly opposed or totally opposed to energy produced by nuclear power stations? Answers: In favour Member States Results Hungary 65% Sweden 6 Czech Republic 61% Lithuania 60% Finland 5 Slovakia 56% France 52% The Netherlands 52% Belgium 50% United Kingdom 4 Slovenia 4 Estonia 40% Latvia 39% Germany 3 EU25 37% Luxembourg 31% Italy 30% Denmark 29% Poland 26% Portugal 21% Malta 17% Spain 16% Ireland 13% Cyprus 10% Greece 9% Austria Legend 61% - 100% 41% - 60% 21% - 40% 0% - 20%

30 The socio-demographic characteristics of respondents play a certain role in their opinion regarding nuclear energy: Although 46% of men expressed a favourable opinion towards this type of energy, this was true of only 29% of women (a differential of 17 points); More citizens who have had a shorter education tend to oppose nuclear energy; Citizens positioning themselves politically speaking on the right seem more likely to support nuclear energy, while supporters of the left tend to oppose it; More professionals or business managers support this type of energy, in contrast to people staying at home full-time; Citizens who are well-informed about radioactive waste appear more likely to support nuclear energy; Finally, respondents' age and place of residence do not play a determining role in their responses. Q2. In favour Opposed DK EU25 37% 55% Sex Male 46% 49% 5% Female 29% 60% Education (End of) % 12% % 53% % 53% Still Studying 37% 56% 7% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 3 61% 5% (5-6) Centre 40% 53% 7% (7-10) Right 49% 46% 5% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 3 57% 5% Managers 49% 4 3% Other white collars 39% 56% 5% Manual workers 37% 55% House persons 2 62% 1 Unemployed 33% 5 9% Retired 37% 53% 10% Students 37% 56% 7% Level of information Well informed 52% 4 3% Not well informed 32% 59% 9%

31 1.4. Perception of the problem of radioactive waste Questionnaire source: Q3 Opponents of nuclear energy were then asked to what extent they would be in favour of it if the problem of radioactive waste were resolved. - A majority of opponents of nuclear energy would not change their opinion if the issue of nuclear waste were resolved - Fewer than four in ten of those opposed to energy produced by nuclear power stations would change their minds if the question of radioactive waste were to be resolved (3). In parallel, 57% of citizens opposed to this type of energy would continue to hold this view even if the issue of waste were resolved. Nevertheless, the survey found a majority of opponents prepared to change their minds about this type of energy if a solution were found for radioactive waste in Belgium (5), the Netherlands (5), Sweden (51%), Lithuania (51%), Malta (51%), France (50%) and the United Kingdom (4). Conversely, the resolution of the waste issue did not seem to have any influence on opponents of energy nuclear, most strikingly in Austria where 8 of opponents remain opposed, but also in Portugal (72%) and Cyprus (72%). Q3. IF "OPPOSED TO THE ENERGY PRODUCED BY NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS": And if the issue of radioactive waste was solved, would you then be to energy produced by nuclear power stations? In favour Opposed DK EU % 5% BE NL % 3 3% SE LT 51% 51% 4 43% 5% 6% MT FR 51% 50% 3 47% 3% UK DE 4 41% 46% 56% 6% 3% LU DK 41% 40% 57% 57% 3% EE 3 5 CZ 36% 61% 3% PL 36% 57% 7% EL 3 62% SI 3 63% 3% LV 33% 61% 6% SK 33% 6 3% FI 32% 66% ES 30% 5 IT 30% 67% HU 30% 67% 3% CY 72% 3% IE 6 PT 21% 72% 7% AT 8 3% 0% 100%

32 From a socio-demographic point of view: Men and women opposed to nuclear energy would react in a similar fashion if the problems of radioactive waste were resolved; More young people opposed to this type energy would adopt a favourable attitude to it if the waste issue were resolved. Opponents with a lower educational level would remain opposed even if the obstacle of waste were removed; Slightly more residents of large cities would adopt a more positive attitude to this type of energy if the issue of radioactive waste were resolved; More opponents who are well-informed about the waste issue in general responded similarly; Finally, the political leanings of opponents of energy produced by nuclear power stations do not appear to influence the distribution of responses. Q3. In favour Opposed DK EU % 5% Sex Male 37% 5 5% Female 3 56% 6% Age % 49% 5% % 57% % 59% 5% % 7% Education (End of) 15 30% 63% 7% % 55% 5% % 56% Still Studying 47% 49% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 3 5 (5-6) Centre 40% 55% 5% (7-10) Right 39% 5 3% Subjective urbanisation Rural village 37% 57% 6% Small/ mid size town 37% 59% 5% Large town 40% 55% 6% Level of information Well informed 43% 5 3% Not well informed 36% 5 6%

33 1.5. Opinions of nuclear energy Questionnaire source: Q4 Let us now turn to the opinion of European Union citizens regarding three statements about nuclear energy The diversification of energy sources Across the European Union, more than six out of ten respondents agree with the statement that the use of nuclear energy enables European countries to diversify their energy sources (62%). In Hungary, the level of agreement with this principle reached 80%. Furthermore, more than three-quarters of citizens also expressed agreement with this statement in the Czech Republic (79%), the Netherlands (77%), Sweden (77%) and Slovakia (76%). Conversely, more than half of all respondents in Austria did not agree that nuclear energy brought the possibility of diversifying energy sources (56%). Q4.1. The use of nuclear energy enables European countries to diversify their energy sources Agree Disagree DK EU25 62% 14 % HU 80% 14 % 6% CZ 79% 5% NL 77% 7% SE 77% 5% SK 76% 5% BE 7 22% DK 72% 20% LT 69% FR 69% EE 6 SI 6 2 FI 66% 29% 5% PL 65% 20% 14 % DE 63% 29% LV 62% 20% PT 57% UK 57% 27% IT 56% 32% ES 53% 20% 26% LU 51% 35% 14 % EL 51% 27% 22% IE 41% 2 35% MT 40% 27% 33% CY 39% 29% 32% AT 36% 56% 0% 10 0 %

34 Dependence on oil 61% of citizens of the European Union believe that we could reduce our dependence on oil if we were to use more nuclear energy, and 27% disagree. In Sweden, 85% of the population agree with this statement. Elsewhere, 75% of respondents agreed with the statement in Hungary, 7 in Denmark, 72% in the Netherlands and 71% in Finland. As was observed in the case of the diversification of energy sources through the use of nuclear energy, a majority of people interviewed in Austria did not agree that the increased use of nuclear energy would enable us to reduce dependency on oil (5). A majority took the same view in Luxembourg (45%) and Greece (4. Q4.2. We could reduce our dependence on oil if we use more nuclear energy Agree Disagree DK EU25 61% 27% SE 85% 3% HU 75% 6% DK 7 7% NL 72% 21% 6% FI 71% 2 5% BE 69% 2 3% UK 66% DE 6 30% 6% SK 6 2 FR 6 EE 61% 26% CZ 60% 32% SI 60% 3 6% PL 60% 15 % LT 59% 22% IT 56% 3 PT 5 26% IE 49% 27% ES 4 29% MT 47% 29% 2 LV 46% 35% 20% LU 4 45% CY 42% 33% EL 39% 4 17 % AT 3 5 0% 10 0 %

35 The emission of greenhouse gases The third statement submitted to respondents was as follows: 'An advantage of nuclear power is that it produces less greenhouse gas emissions than other energy sources such as oil or coal' This question had been asked towards the end of 2001, but the example of oil or coal was not included in the wording. In early 2005, 62% of citizens of the European Union agreed with the statement that nuclear power is advantageous in terms of producing less greenhouse gas emissions. This represents a 21 point rise on the rate of agreement measured in late Furthermore, the percentage of respondents who did not agree with this principle registered a slight fall (-2 points). The considerable rise in the agreement rate thus mainly represents the fall in the percentage of interviewees who were unable to give an answer about this aspect four years ago, and who were now expressing an opinion (non-response rate down by 19 points). It may be presumed that this increased willingness to take up a position is in part due to the precision provided in 2005 by the wording of the question, which then gave two examples of energy producing significant greenhouse gas emissions, i.e. oil and coal. On the other hand, the media coverage of the Kyoto Agreement, the international agreement aimed at reducing countries' greenhouse gas emissions, and its implementation since the start of 2005, may also have played a part. Q4.3. An advantage of nuclear power is that it produces less greenhouse gas emissions than other energy sources such as oil or coal - % EU EB56.2: 10-11/2001 EB 63.2: 02/2005 Agree 41% 62% Disagree 21% DK

36 In 2005, the advantage of nuclear energy by comparison with others types of energy discharging more greenhouses gases seemed to be most recognised in Sweden. Almost nine out of ten respondents in that country are aware of this advantage (87%). Furthermore, more than three-quarters of respondents answered in the same way in Finland (79%), the Czech Republic (77%) and Belgium (76%). Turning to those less convinced of this advantage of nuclear energy, Austrians once again expressed their reluctance, with a majority of respondents in this country (4) disagreeing with this statement. Finally, more than a third of people interviewed were unable to give an opinion on this question in Ireland (3), Portugal (35%), Cyprus (32%) and Spain (32%). Q4.3. An advantage of nuclear power is that it produces less greenhouse gas emissions than other energy sources such as oil or coal Agree Disagree DK EU25 62% SE 87% 5% FI 79% 7% CZ 77% 15 % BE 76% NL 7 15 % HU 72% 14 % DE 72% 9% SI 71% DK 70% SK 69% 20% EE 66% 15 % LT 66% 22% FR 65% 22% PL 6 17 % UK 62% 27% LV 56% 20% 2 LU 5 2 MT 5 17 % 29% IT 53% 31% 17 % CY 4 20% 32% ES 45% 22% 32% PT 41% 2 35% AT 41% 4 15 % EL 40% 29% 30% IE 40% 22% 3 0% 10 0 %

37 The socio-demographic analysis of levels of agreement with these three statements (1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.5.3) reveals the following: More men seemed to agree with the three propositions studied here; Although the possibility of diversifying energy sources through the use of nuclear energy appears to be recognised less by respondents aged 55 and over, the reduced greenhouse gas emissions from this type of energy seems less widely acknowledged by young people aged between 15 and 24 years; The higher the educational level of the interviewees, the more they agreed with the three statements; Generally speaking, citizens positioning themselves on the right politically also agreed with the statements; while supporters of the left showed themselves to be more reluctant to agree with the three principles set out in this question; A higher level of agreement was obtained among managers and conversely, a lower percentage among people staying at home; The level of agreement among people living in large towns was slightly higher than among rural dwellers. Citizens regarding themselves as well-informed about radioactive waste in general are more likely to agree that nuclear energy has these three advantages the diversification of energy sources, less dependence on oil and lesser greenhouse gas emissions; Finally, the greatest divergence of opinion about these three statements appears, logically enough, between those supporting nuclear energy and its opponents. While supporters of this type of energy broadly express their approval of these three principles (at rates varying between 82% and 87%), opponents take a more cautious position. It should be noted, however, that a significant proportion of opponents also agreed with these three statements (varying between 49% and 52%). The table on the following page shows the percentages of agreement obtained for each of the three statements by socio-demographic category

38 Q4. % Agree The use of nuclear energy enables European countries to diversify their energy sources We could reduce our dependence on oil if we use more nuclear energy An advantage of nuclear power is that it produces less greenhouse gas emissions than other energy sources such as oil or coal EU25 62% 61% 62% Sex Male 6 66% 69% Female 57% 56% 56% Age % 60% 59% % 62% 63% % % 60% 61% Education (End of) 15 52% 52% 51% % 62% % 6 71% Still Studying 65% 63% 65% Left-Right scale (1-4) Left 62% 59% 63% (5-6) Centre 65% 6 65% (7-10) Right 71% 70% 69% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 66% 61% 65% Managers 71% 71% 73% Other white collars 67% 63% 6 Manual workers 61% 61% 61% House persons 50% 49% 4 Unemployed 61% 59% 57% Retired 61% 61% 62% Students 65% 63% 65% Subjective urbanisation Rural village 61% 61% 62% Small/ mid size town 63% 61% 62% Large town 6 62% 6 Level of information Well informed 7 70% 77% Not well informed 59% 59% 5 Support for nuclear energy In favour 87% 82% 83% Opposed 50% 49% 52%

39 2. The perception of the risk of radioactive waste In this section, we shall first see how citizens of the European Union perceive the risks associated with the transport and storage of radioactive waste. We shall then analyse their fears regarding the possible construction of a disposal site in their neighbourhood, before considering what role they would wish to play in decisionmaking regarding the construction of such a site Transport Questionnaire source: Q7 - Seven out of ten people believe the transport of low-level radioactive waste presents a risk - A vast majority of the people interviewed believe that transporting low-level radioactive waste carries risks (71%). Among these, 42% state that transporting this type of waste represents a high risk and 29% even state that it represents a very high risk. Furthermore, while nearly a quarter of respondents see a low risk in this type of transport (), only 2% of respondents believe that the transport of low-level radioactive waste represents no risk at all. Q7. Do you think that the transport of low level radioactive waste is something that represents? A very high risk A fairly high risk A low risk No risk at all DK 29% 42% 2%3% 0% 100%