Bulgarian MEPs and BULATOM discussed the future of nuclear energy in the EU

Experts from the Bulgarian Atomic Forum "Bulatom" discussed with MEPs key moments in the development of Bulgarian energy. A week ago, Bulatom representatives: Mr. Bogomil Manchev - Chairman of the Management Board, Mr. Stanislav Georgiev - Executive Secretary and Mr. Petar Manchev - Member of the Management Board took part in two working meetings in the European Parliament.

In the building of the Parliament, with the assistance and participation of Ms. Tsvetelina Penkova, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Vice-Chair of the Nuclear Energy Support Group in the EP, the annual meeting of BULATOM with Bulgarian MEPs was held. This was announced by the non-governmental organization.

The main goal of the meeting was for Bulatom to inform the Bulgarian MEPs of its updated position on the need to preserve the long-term role of nuclear energy as a baseload power, guaranteeing a stable energy mix for Bulgaria, and to lobby for their support for the development of nuclear energy not only in Bulgaria, but also in Europe.

At the meeting, Mr. Bogomil Manchev told the attendees that: “Bulgaria needs to build 4 new nuclear reactors to maintain the stability of our energy system. We need baseload energy to cover about 25% of our consumption, so that we do not fall into unnecessary risky situations.” He also used the occasion to emphasize again that “it is extremely imperative to develop and adopt a long-term energy strategy for our country, which will determine the prospects for the development of the electricity sector in a sufficiently long period, including in the period after 2050.”

From 12 p.m. in the same building, a key discussion was held on the establishment of an independent European supply chain for nuclear technologies. The event was hosted by Bulgarian MEP Tsvetelina Penkova.

At the opening of the event, Ms. Tsvetelina Penkova highlighted nuclear energy as a strategically important element of Europe’s energy and industrial stability. In her speech, she emphasized that “nuclear energy is critically important for achieving a balanced energy mix and long-term low electricity prices”. In her words, “the European Union cannot afford to exclude any clean technology, because European industry needs cheap energy to be competitive in global markets”.

On behalf of Bulatom, Mr. Petar Manchev welcomed the attendees and introduced them to the position and priorities of the association in order to support the development of nuclear energy in Bulgaria and Europe.

The event brought together representatives of leading nuclear companies and organizations – including BULATOM, Électricité de France (EDF), Fortum, Orano, Urenco, as well as representatives of the European Commission from the Directorates-General for Energy, Research and Internal Market. The debate also included MEP Christoph Grüdler, Chairman of the Nuclear Energy Support Group, who shared his view on the political support in the current mandate and the need for a realistic, pragmatic and scientifically sound approach to nuclear energy.

Bulatom expresses its gratitude to Ms. Tsvetelina Penkova for her support and assistance in organizing the annual meeting with Bulgarian MEPs, as well as for the invitation to participate in the workshop she organized on the topic: “Building an internal nuclear energy supply chain in the EU – challenges and opportunities”.