The future of nuclear energy depends on our shared responsibility and determination . We must not allow nuclear technology to be used for blackmail and aggression. We must do everything we can to protect the nuclear safety and security of Ukraine, Europe and the world.
This call was made by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev at the First Summit for Peace in Ukraine, which is being held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. Glavchev made a speech within the thematic session "Ensuring nuclear safety and security in Ukraine".
Prime Minister Glavchev stated Bulgaria's support for the nuclear safety goals set out in the “Formula for Peace” of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and welcomes the extremely valuable efforts made by the IAEA. The Prime Minister recalled that the situation in Ukraine in terms of nuclear safety and security is serious and the responsibility for this lies entirely with Russia. The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, occupied by Russia for more than two years now, is at the center of our concerns because the IAEA's seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security and the five principles for its protection have been violated, Glavchev pointed out. In his words, turning the largest nuclear power plant in Europe into a military base is nothing more than a manifestation of gross irresponsibility. The Bulgarian Prime Minister noted that with its actions, Russia not only puts the world community at risk, but also seriously undermines confidence in the future development of nuclear energy. We cannot accept either of them, Glavchev was categorical.
Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev welcomed the key priorities for ensuring coordination of international efforts outlined in the discussion paper. The immediate priorities are – urgent withdrawal of all unauthorized personnel from the Zaporizhzhia NPP; unrestricted access to the installations of the competent representatives of the IAEA and Ukraine; restoring a sufficient number of experts with relevant experience at headquarters, as this number is currently three times less than normal. The Bulgarian Prime Minister also highlighted the special role in this regard of the countries that are currently developing or considering the possibilities of developing their own nuclear programs with the support of the Russian “Rosatom”. “We urge them to use their levers of influence to ensure compliance with established international standards for nuclear safety and security, which is ultimately in everyone's interest,” said the Prime Minister.
In his speech, Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev also emphasized the significant progress achieved by Bulgaria in the diversification of nuclear fuel supplies by eliminating dependence on the previous sole Russian supplier and developing prospective cooperation with world leaders in the sector such as “ Westinghouse“ and “Framatom“.