KOŠARAC URGES CROATIAN PARLIAMENT TO REJECT NUCLEAR WASTE LAW

SARAJEVO, DECEMBER 12 /SRNA/ – The Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac warned members of the Croatian Parliament that the draft Law on the Construction of the Radioactive Waste Disposal Center represents an unlawful step toward finalizing the political project of building a radioactive waste storage site at Trgovska Gora.

In an open letter, Košarac called on Croatian MPs, who are considering the lex specialis on the construction of the Radioactive Waste Disposal Center under urgent procedure, to take into account—before voting on what he described as a scandalous act - the serious consequences this project could have for public health, the environment, and overall safety, both in Croatia and in Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH. "Although we are aware that Croatia’s leadership shows absolutely no understanding or concern for the neighboring territory and population, the basic expectation of your voters is that you at least protect the interests of the citizens of the Republic of Croatia," Košarac stressed, noting that he also serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers. He warned that the manner in which the draft law was prepared and presented, as well as its content, is in direct contradiction with international conventions and numerous standards to which Croatia is bound. Košarac warned that BiH, as a neighboring and directly affected country, was not involved at all in the decision-making process regarding the controversial choice of location in the border area, nor was it meaningfully consulted in accordance with international legal norms - constituting a serious violation of the Espoo and Aarhus Conventions. "Moreover, the well-founded and substantiated objections raised by the concerned public and institutions in BiH were not even effectively considered, and remained without any adequate response or indication of willingness to respect international standards," Košarac emphasized. He noted that the management of radioactive waste is among the most complex matters related to nuclear energy and environmental protection—an issue that by its nature goes far beyond national borders and requires full compliance with the principles of regional stability, responsible policy, and regional cooperation. "We express grave concern and strong opposition to Croatia's conduct so far regarding the planned construction of the Radioactive Waste Disposal Center at the Čerkezovac site, particularly the most recent example of this draft law. We consider such actions entirely contrary to the principles of international law, European standards, and the principles of transparency, cooperation, and good-neighborly relations," Košarac stated. He urged Croatian MPs to vote conscientiously and protect the international legal order, the legal system of the European Union, the legal system of Croatia, and most importantly, the endangered population and its fundamental human rights. "Vote against the Law on the Construction of the Radioactive Waste Disposal Center at Trgovska Gora," Košarac said. The Croatian Parliament is expected to vote on the law on Monday, December 15.