EU Secures Iodine Supplies in Preparation for Nuclear Risks from Russia

[Photo by Reuters-Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The European Union (EU) is reportedly considering securing stockpiles of iodine pills, personal protective equipment, and other supplies in preparation for the nuclear threat posed by Russia, according to major foreign media on the 20th (local time).

Since most health-related issues in the EU are decided by the governments of member states, the European Commission plans to encourage member states to secure stockpiles of equipment to prepare for nuclear risks. The Commission also intends to urge member states to establish countermeasures against chemical and biological threats.

A spokesperson for the Commission said, "The Commission is working to ensure thorough preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CRBN) risks."

Russia has failed to capture major Ukrainian cities nearly a month after the outbreak of the war, hindered by Ukraine's strong resistance. As analyses suggest the war has reached a stalemate, concerns persist that Russia may seek new strategies, including nuclear threats.

Earlier this month, when Russian forces seized the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the nuclear deterrence forces to enter a special combat mission, stockpiles of iodine pills ran out in countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the price of iodine pills in Europe has tripled.

There are also calls for the EU to raise its response level to CRBN risks at the EU level rather than at the member state level. In this regard, there are suggestions to expedite responses through the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), established in September last year. The EU faced difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic due to shortages of vaccines and personal protective equipment, and HERA was established to prevent a recurrence of such crises.

Veronique Trillet-Lenoir, a member of the European Parliament, said, "We are exposed to nuclear risks because of one madman in the Kremlin," adding, "We must secure sufficient stockpiles of protective equipment and establish alert and surveillance systems."