Holland asked Areva and EDF to work “closer” – The Obs

Madrid (AFP) – French President Francois Hollande said Wednesday it has asked Areva leaders in big trouble, and EDF to work on a “merger” of the two nuclear units

“I asked the leaders of the two companies present a reconciliation could be confirmed in a few months,” he said at a press conference in Madrid.

The goal is that “players in the nuclear France team can work more than it did in the past and that is an understatement,” said Francois Hollande, speaking after a summit devoted to energy interconnections between France and the Iberian Peninsula.

“Everything will be done so that through this cooperation, this new strategy, as there will be a new industrial strategy, we can give a future” the French nuclear industry, he stressed, noting that this “French excellence die” had 2,500 companies employing 220,000 employees.

The French president also called to commit “to more fast “social dialogue within the Areva Group to avoid layoffs.

” Social dialogue must be initiated as soon as the dialogue with the elected representatives of affected sites “to that” no dismissal can be pronounced, “he said.

” The personnel must be guaranteed because these personnel have expertise recognized in France and in the world, “he argued .

The French Head of State reiterated his “confidence” in the nuclear industry “in which, he recalled,” the state plays a significant role “as” is 85% shareholder of Areva as EDF. “

Areva on Wednesday unveiled the first phase of his shock therapy with a plan of one billion euros in savings, significant disposals and refocusing its activities.