The issue of public perception of nuclear power is a constant challenge for the nuclear industry. Perceptions about safety of nuclear power plants, management of radioactive waste, security, proliferation and terrorism have all had an influence on public opinion. A deeper understanding among the European public is necessary for an objective appraisal of the advantages and disadvantages. In general, the public is not well informed on nuclear issues. As stated in the PINC “it is essential that the public has access to reliable information and can participate in a transparent decision making process”. The Forum should examine public perceptions on nuclear issues and provide advice to European Institutions on possible ways to enhance public information.

FORATOM recommends ENEF to address the following points in order to find ways to improve public awareness:

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    • How to foster a transparent and frank debate on nuclear power
    • How to draw people's attention to energy issues and the nuclear issue in particular
    • How to increase the level of knowledge on nuclear issues of the general public
    • Address fears of general public: safety, waste management, nuclear security and terrorism…
    • How to use credible sources of information (independent scientists) to communicate the accurate information
    • What actors should be involved? The role of policy-makers and of the media
    • How to increase participation in public consultations
    • Stressing nuclear's credentials in order to increase public acceptance
    • How to fight the NIMBY (Not In my Back Yard) syndrome
    • How to foster people's recognition of the industry's credibility and transparency

Public opinion on nuclear is a complex issue and it is fundamentally difficult for an “average EU view” to be determined .

Though the latest Eurobarometers indicate that a majority of European citizens still oppose nuclear power , in fact public opinion polls show that there is no widespread opposition to nuclear in most European countries. The different Eurobarometers show on the contrary a huge gap between views expressed in countries with an anti-nuclear culture such as Austria, Cyprus, Malta and Portugal and those in countries where support for nuclear is strong like Hungary (65%), Sweden (85%), the Czech Republic (61%) and Lithuania (60%).

Radioactive waste management remains people's main concern regarding the use of nuclear power (Source: Eurobarometer on radioactive waste, June 2005 ). 79% of EU citizens believe that all radioactive waste is very dangerous. However, a majority of EU citizens would be in favour of nuclear if the waste issue was solved (around 57%). Nuclear safety is a precondition to public acceptance and a majority of EU citizens (59%) believe that NPPs are safe.

The results of the Eurobarometers do show that the greater the level of knowledge, the more favourable the opinion that citizens have of nuclear energy. The results of the Eurobarometer on Nuclear Safety of February 2007 reveal that a majority of people do not feel well informed about the safety of NPPs (76%). In fact Europeans have a moderate level of knowledge of nuclear issues.

Whatever opinion polls reveal, it is vital that politicians take the lead to implement daring decisions regarding the energy mix. Nuclear power is a non-emitting energy and can contribute to the fight against climate change. It is also a competitive source of energy and can help reduce energy dependency. Public acceptance is not a major hurdle to the expansion of nuclear power. On the contrary, public opinion's recent evolutions in the United Kingdom and Finland show that if the political decision to include nuclear in the energy mix is taken in an open and democratic way, people tend to become more favourable to nuclear power.

For further information, please go to the NICE (Nuclear Information Committee Europe) section, to the opinion poll section and read the brochure on public opinion.