EU reaches deal on nuclear stress tests

[May 25, 2011]  BRUSSELS (AP) -- The EU and nuclear safety regulators have agreed to examine whether atomic power plants in the bloc can withstand accidents, natural disasters or terror attacks.

The European Commission and the EU's 27 national nuclear safety authorities said Wednesday the checks will start on June 1.

The idea of performing "stress tests" on nuclear plants arose because of the accidents at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

[Associated Press]

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