The Czech Press Agency reports that the EU commissioner for enlargement, Guenter Verheugen, rejected demands (by the European Parliament) that the European Commission organize an international conference on safety at the Temelin nuclear power plant in southern Bohemia. He spoke in favor of the fast completion of the appraisal process agreed to by Austria and the Czech Republic in Melk. Unsurprisingly, his statements met with sharp criticism from the Austrian Temelin opposition. Marginally positive.
The Czech Press Agency also reports today that German activists have launched a campaign to halt the German utility RWE’s electricity purchases from CEZ. Since RWE has reportedly no purchase contract with CEZ at present, the campaign and its possible affect on CEZ are unclear. Marginally negative.
After operating on 55% of its capacity, the first reactor at Temelin will be decreased to 3% to perform relevant tests. Neutral.
The Czech Euro newsweekly carries a report this week that says that in order to have CEZ privatization bids evaluated by December, no more than three candidates will be shortlisted by the government’s privatization committee.
(Jiri Soustruznik)