Bulgaria is already exploring potential suppliers and is starting a feasibility study as it pushes ahead with plans to cooperate with Greece on a shared nuclear power project that could help the two countries overcome their dependence on Russian natural gas, Bulgarian prime minister Kiril Petkov said.

Mr Petkov told the Greek daily Kathimerini that Bulgaria, which meets almost all its energy needs with imports of fossil and nuclear fuels from Russia, expects to have a clear picture within a year on its own nuclear new build plans and also with potential cooperation with Greece on the shared project.

He said Sofia and Athens can work together as “good neighbours” and establish a long-term relationship by building a mutually beneficial nuclear power plant as a way to address “the energy deficit” in the region.