PR:ATOMIC BALTIC network: Gathering anti-nuclear struggles in the Baltic Sea region

Media Release Monday, December 16, 2013 - for immediate release -

ATOMIC BALTIC network:

Gathering anti-nuclear struggles in the Baltic Sea region
BALTIC SEA The "Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region" (ATOMIC BALTIC) - network/project is gathering anti-nuclear initiatives around the Baltic Sea. The project provides an opportunity for participants to organize protests against plans to build new nuclear power plants (NPP) and to get connected in a new network to strengthen anti-nuclear struggles. Artists, campaigners and activists are in exchange to support each other and to get inspired for more efficient actions.

On December 8th-14th, 2013 the second project working meeting took place in Döbeln, Germany. During the meeting participants continued their researches on nuclear facilities in the Baltic Sea region. The outcome will be a brief overview about each plant, offering contacts to active anti-nuclear groups and providing links to the websites of both critics and operators, which will be published in a reference book. Other project activities will involve publication and distribution of flyers, network meetings, street actions, public discussions, and exhibitions.

The ATOMIC THREATS IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION network/project is an attempt to unite local, regional and international initiatives, organizations and individuals struggling with nuclear developments everywhere around the Baltic Sea. It is a direct response to the current situation in the region. The Baltic Sea is the most radioactively contaminated sea in the world. This was the conclusion already in the 2007 report of the HELSINKI COMMISSION - an intergovernmental organization of the countries around the Baltic Sea. Their researches showed that the amount of manmade radiation in it is the highest compared to any other water body in the world. Compared to the Northeast Atlantic and to the North Sea, the concentrations of Cesium-137, for instance, are 40 respectively 10 times higher in the Baltic Sea.

Another reason is the plans for building new nuclear power plants in several project countries. Just one example is the Finnish Hanhikivi Cape, an environmentally valuable and nature protected area chosen by Fennovoima to build an additional nuclear power plant. After combined protests in Finland and Germany had forced the German atomic giant EON to leave the project, the Russian Rosatom giant jumped on the train. Several organizations and initiatives in Sweden, Russia, Germany, Finland and other countries in the time between are arranging campaigns to deliver the final blow to the nuclear industries new built plans.

"Concerned people around the Baltic Sea are challenging pro-nuclear politicians and the atomic industry. Connected through international networks we will stop the nuclear lobby to threaten our health, the environment and future generations," says Falk Beyer, one of the campaigners with the ATOMIC Baltic network/project. "The nuclear business is operating globally - the resistance against their deadly business is becoming more international, too. In future, anti-nuclear activists can share knowledge and resources internationally, and they don't have to do double work any more. Campaigns and actions will multiplicate their impact in coordinated events pressuring the nuclear lobby more than only regionally. Every small local group can support the international struggles organizing information events and street actions just on the spot."

The project started in August 2013 and will continue at least until the end of 2014. An overview of projects, events and campaigns is composed on the website of the ATOMIC BALTIC network/project: http://atomicbaltic.nuclear-heritage.net

Dear editor! You are welcome to contact us, if you have questions, for interviews, background information and to request photo material on anti-nuclear actions in the Baltic Sea region via landline phone +49 3431 5894177 or email to [mailto:mediaATnuclear-heritage.net "media AT nuclear-heritage.net"]. You can also have a look at the website of the "Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region" project: http://atomicbaltic.nuclear-heritage.net

-- Nuclear Heritage Network Am Bärental 6 D-04720 Döbeln GERMANY

website: http://nuclear-heritage.net email: [mailto:contactATnuclear-heritage.net contact AT nuclear-heritage.net]

phone: +49 3431 5894177

Skype: projekthaus.mannsdorf (available only during office hours)

Jabber/XMPP: network.office - domain: jabber.ccc.de (available only during office hours)

opening hours: Wednesdays at 2-4 PM CET

This media release has been provided by the "Nuclear Heritage Network". It is an international network of anti-nuclear activists. This informal alliance supports the worldwide anti-nuclear work. The Nuclear Heritage Network is no label, has no standard opinion and no representatives. All activists of the network speak for themselves or for the groups they represent.