The Bulgarian Government has enacted a targeted exemption from specific European Union sanctions related to Russia, aimed at safeguarding the operational integrity of the country’s sole nuclear power plant, NPP Kozloduy. This decision underscores the strategic importance of maintaining energy security and regulatory compliance in the face of geopolitical challenges.
This exemption pertains to select provisions of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, enabling NPP Kozloduy to advance a public procurement contract with a designated contractor. Under this derogation, the facility is authorized to import essential iron and steel products from Russia necessary for fulfilling the contractual obligations outlined by the government.
Officials have emphasized that this measure prioritizes safety over commercial interests, reflecting a commitment to uphold stringent nuclear and technical safety standards. These include radiation protection, workplace health measures, and environmental safeguards, which are critical for ensuring safe and stable operations at NPP Kozloduy.
A significant portion of the systems and equipment utilized by Kozloduy is sourced from Russia. Consequently, certain vital supplies required for the reliable operation of units 5 and 6 can only be procured from Russian manufacturers. The government has indicated that while some contracts with Russian suppliers are already established, additional agreements will be necessary to guarantee uninterrupted electricity generation and adherence to nuclear safety protocols.
