The European Commission is in contact with the Bulgarian government regarding steps that need to be taken under the EU’s Euratom Treaty in relation to the revival of the Belene nuclear power station project, a Commission spokesperson told NucNet.

The spokesperson said if Bulgaria decides to relaunch the Belene project, it will need to comply with the Euratom Treaty and its secondary legislation. This includes legislation on nuclear safety, radiation protection, radioactive waste management, security of supply and safeguards.

According to the spokesperson, Bulgarian authorities have told the Commission of actions they have taken to implement the two-unit Belene project in the north of the country. In May 2019, Bulgaria told the Commission it would meet its legal obligations under the Euratom Treaty and its secondary legislation once it has completed the selection procedure for a strategic investor, the spokesperson said.