Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers has approved a derogation from Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014 related to anti-Russian sanctions. The cabinet of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov approved the partial repeal of restrictions in order to ensure the provision of essential equipment for the maintenance and safe operation of the Kozloduy NPP.
Currently, Kozloduy NPP operates two Soviet-built VVER-1000 reactors (units 5&6). Bulgaria was obliged to close four older VVER-440 units as a condition for accession to the European Union, even though the units had undergone significant safety upgrades.
The decision makes it possible for the NPP “to conclude a public procurement contract with selected contractors and to import products from Russia listed in the annexes to the decision”. The government emphasised that the main priority is to maintain a high level of nuclear and technical safety, health working conditions and environmental protection.
The plant relies on regular deliveries of components from the original designers, engineers, and manufacturers of its equipment to ensure safe and continuous electricity production. Because most systems and components are of Russian origin, certain contracts critical to the reliable and safe operation of 5&6 have been, or may need to be, signed with Russian suppliers.
