Belgium rejects German call for nuclear plants closure

Belgium's nuclear safety agency says 40-year-old Tihange 2 and Doel 3 reactors meet 'strictest possible safety requirements'

Belgium on Wednesday rejected a request by neighbouring Germany to shutter two ageing nuclear plants near their shared border, arguing the facilities met with the strictest safety standards.

German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks earlier on Wednesday requested that the 40-year-old Tihange 2 and Doel 3 reactors be turned off "until the resolution of outstanding security issues".