A Brussels-Luxembourgish solution for Iranian nuclear power. The Euratom Option

(B2) A last-minute compromise solution could be envisaged in Lausanne within the framework of the Iranian nuclear negotiations. The High Representative of the EU, Federica Mogherini, who is leading the discussions, would have thus proposed to move part of the stock of disputed Iranian fuel to a country of the European Union. According to the information that has reached us, from European diplomats posted in Tehran, it is the Euratom agency - placed under the responsibility of the European Commission - which has, under the Euratom Treaty, a " exclusive right to conclude contracts for the supply of special fissile materials from inside or outside the Community ».

Crisis meeting at the Berlaymont

Two options are being considered: the stock could be placed in a space left available in Brussels, by the work carried out to create the connection of the RER Schuman-Josaphat, between the new headquarters of the European Council and the Berlaymont, the current European Commission, occupying part of the civil servant parking lot. Another solution would be to base the stock in Luxembourg, within the Euratom agency. Both options could be used as needed. An emergency meeting is currently being held in one of the European buildings on the Schuman roundabout, in a room specially equipped to create a video conference link with the Hotel Beau-Rivage, around the President of the Commission and the main commissioners concerned. The early weekend departure of most civil servants facilitates discretion. However, its outcome is not expected before 23 p.m. A dinner break is planned.

Adaptation work would start on Sunday

In the event of a positive decision, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, and his compatriot and predecessor, the current President of the European Commission, JC Juncker (if his kidney stones allow it) could join the Swiss city to present this solution. If accepted, adaptation work could begin this Sunday. Work on the Brussels RER would, on the other hand, be delayed by several months. On the financing side, the solution proposed by European diplomats is to pledge part of Iranian oil exports, freed by the agreement, to finance the transport and storage of nuclear materials.

(NGV)

April 1, 2015 (for those who have forgotten)