CEE

In this letter 46 non-governmental organisations alarm European Union representatives involved in the decision-making at the EBRD and Euratom to the fact that Ukraine is pressing ahead with its plans to extend the life-time of its old nuclear reactors even though they are in breach of international law (Espoo Convention) and without proper impact assessments and despite UKraine's obligations under the loans provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Euratom.

This independent study reveals critical vulnerabilities in the 32 year old nuclear unit 1 in the South Ukraine nuclear power plant, whose lifetime was extended by 10 years in December 2013. The study shows the reactor pressure vessel in unit 1 has several dangerous vulnerabilities that could lead to the appearance of micro-cracks in the vessel's metal casing. The observed wear in a number of elements in the reactor vessel already exceeds tenfold tolerable levels.

This study assesses the potential for the use of hydraulic fracturing in Ukraine, looking into potential impacts and costs as well as putting together the country's experiences with the technology to date. The report highlights the fact that Ukrainian companies have used hydraulic fracturing before the shale gas boom with at least two dozens of companies involved in the drilling. (In Ukraine, no specific rules or laws exist that would regulate the use of this hydraulic fracturing. The activities of relevant companies are governed by laws applicable to conventional oil and gas production.)