Today, the Croatian Parliament adopted by a majority vote the Law on the Construction of a Center for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste, which creates the legal and spatial planning prerequisites for the construction of a national center for the long-term storage of radioactive waste on Trgovska Gora.
A total of 134 deputies voted on the Law – 77 deputies were in favor, 36 abstained, while 21 deputies were against.
The law regulates the construction and establishment of the Center for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste, intended for the storage of low- and medium-level radioactive waste generated in the territory of the Republic of Croatia, as well as waste that Croatia undertakes on the basis of international obligations related to the operation of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant.
The former military site Čerkezovac on Trgovska Gora, where the construction of a central storage facility for radioactive waste and used sources is planned, is specified in the law as a preferred location for the construction of the Center.
Parliamentary representative of the Bosniak national minority, Armin Hodžić, a member of the ruling majority, abstained from voting because, as he said, he is aware of the sensitivity of this issue, its long-term ecological dimension and the special concerns of the population along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The issue of Trgovska Gora cannot and must not be reduced to a technical or administrative decision. It is a topic that affects the protection of human health, environmental protection and good neighborly relations between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as such requires additional guarantees, transparency and continuous dialogue with all parties involved. The restraint in this case is an expression of my position and a message that this issue is not closed, but that it requires further consideration, a stronger international framework and the clear involvement of the professional and local public,” said Hodžić.
In its explanation, the government pointed out that the adoption of the law was necessary in order to, as they stated, fulfill the obligations towards the European Union and international agreements, as well as to ensure the long-term and safe disposal of radioactive waste.
During the discussion, part of the opposition and representatives of local communities expressed their opposition to the project, warning of possible risks for the environment and security.
Political representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed concern about the planned location on Trgovska Gora, which is located close to the border line.
The adoption of this law paves the way for the continuation of implementation activities, including spatial planning documentation and the preparation of the Center’s construction project, Anadolu Agency writes.
