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Uranium Tailings in Central Asia: Local Problems, Regional Consequences, Global Solutions Geneva, 29 June 2009. Considerations of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Esther Harlander. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The EBRD was established in 1991
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Uranium Tailings in Central Asia:Local Problems, Regional Consequences, Global Solutions Geneva, 29 June 2009 Considerations of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Esther Harlander
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development • The EBRD was established in 1991 • It is owned by 61 governments, the EC and the EIB • Its mandate is to assist countries of Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union in the transition to market economies and democracy London HQ
EBRD and Nuclear Safety • The largest part of the Bank’s involvement in nuclear projects is the management of six Donor Funds • To date 29 donor countries and the European Commission have contributed over € 2.5 billion • Only IFI to finance Nuclear Safety projectsExample: modernization of K2 and R4 in Ukraine as part of agreement on closure of Chernobyl NPP
Focus on nuclear safety in EBRD’s countries of operation • Decommissioning Nuclear Power Plants • Safety Up-grades to Nuclear Power Plants • Energy Sector Projects • Chernobyl Shelter • Legacy of the Northern Fleet in Russia
Exploration of EBRD’s involvement in the remediation of the uranium mining legacy in Central Asia • In 2008 a Special Shareholder Fund has been created with a € 1 million allocation for Nuclear Safety projects for the exploration of several projects • EBRD’s shareholders have asked to explore the feasibility of EBRD’s involvement in the remediation of the uranium mining legacy in Central Asia • EBRD is committed to further support to the poorer countries of operation which are a core strategic area of focus for the Bank
Findings and conclusions to date • The uranium mining legacy is a threat to the environment and to the population in Central Asia • The Central Asian countries require support by the International Community • EBRD can make a valuable contribution to the solution which satisfies our additionality objective
Findings and conclusions to date (cont’d) • EBRD favours a regional approach given the similarity of the issues and the transboundary aspects • EBRD supports a concerted effort by all stakeholders - Central Asian governments, donors, International Institutions • The concerted effort should be guided by a Master Plan which is based on reliable data and should outline priorities on a regional and national level • Active involvement by Central Asian countries – needs, legal and regulatory frameworks, institutions, state programmes