The French Senate has voted unanimously in favour of improving compensation for victims of nuclear testing in French Polynesia.
The senators approved an amendment to the 2010 compensation law by loosening the criteria for claims to be accepted.
It also opens other criteria, such as insufficient supervisory measures, where claims for compensation can be made against the state.
Finally, it provides that the nuclear compensation committee can re-examine applications that have already been amended.
The 2010 compensation law has been widely criticised because of 1,000 claims made, only 20 people have ever received compensation.
President François Hollande pledged to loosen the laws when he visited Papeete last year.
The bill will now go to the National Assembly where it will be voted on there.
Photo: AFP François Hollande