"EU Mulls Nuclear-Free Future, Extra Tests On Reactors"

"BRUSSELS/BERLIN --Europe's energy chief Tuesday raised the prospect of a nuclear-free future and said the 27-nation bloc is considering 'stress testing' its nuclear power stations to check they can cope with crises.

The developments mark a dramatic turnaround for a continent that had been considering a nuclear revival until this week, when Japan's nuclear disaster highlighted how quickly events can run out of control, and not only after an earthquake.

Ministers, diplomats and nuclear experts at an emergency meeting in Brussels agreed that the continent's 143 nuclear plants should be put through more rigorous stress tests."

Pete Harrison and Brian Rohan report for Reuters March 15, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

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"China To Learn Japan Nuke Lessons, Then Go Ahead " (Reuters)

"French Greens Call For End To Nuclear Energy" (Reuters)

"German Green Industries Say Can Fill Nuclear Gaps" (Reuters)

"Germany To Shut Down Pre-1980 Nuclear Plants" (Reuters)