Member States will have to ensure that spent fuel and radioactive waste is processed and disposed of safely.
National policies will need to include inventories and management plans for all facilities, even after they close down.
Romana Jordan Cizelj, who drafted the resolution, said: “The European Parliament has several times called for a directive on the processing of radioactive waste and spent fuel and events in Fukushima showed we were right to do so.”
MEPs also backed stricter rules for protecting and training workers. They proposed that workers involved in managing radioactive waste, from generation to disposal, should receive proper protection and training.
They are also calling for stronger investigatory powers for national authorities, and said research on alternatives to burying the waste deep underground should be stepped up.
The proposals now go to the Council for a decision on whether this becomes law.
Alison Brown