The European Union (EU) takes note of the Japanese government’s decision to release treated water from the Fukushima power plant. 

We commend the Japanese authorities for providing regular updates on the Fukushima status in a timely and transparent manner. 

The EU welcomes the comprehensive report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) presented on 4 July 2023 assessing that the Japanese approach to the discharge of the treated water into the sea is consistent with the highest nuclear international safety and radioactivity standards. 

We also note the IAEA findings from the most recent review report of 31 May 2023 that the Japanese analytical system is sustainable and robust to support the discharge process of the treated water.

The EU supports the IAEA’s continuous efforts to provide technical assistance in reviewing the safety of the discharge of treated water and to provide continued independent monitoring. The involvement of the IAEA is key to ensure credibility and transparency in the monitoring process.