The IAEA conducted a legislative assistance mission to Bulgaria from 13 to 15 May, organized in cooperation with the Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BNRA). The aim of the mission was to discuss legal issues with national stakeholders as the country plans to expand its nuclear power programme and considers the use of small modular reactors (SMRs).
Nuclear energy provides roughly 40 per cent of Bulgaria's electricity through the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).
The country plans to construct two new nuclear power units utilizing AP1000 technology at the Kozloduy NPP site. Bulgaria also uses nuclear and radiation technologies in medicine, industry and research. The mission provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on the legal frameworks for nuclear safety, security and civil liability for nuclear damage, as well as the elements of a comprehensive national nuclear law, with a particular focus on nuclear new build and SMRs.
Representatives of key institutions in the country participated, including from the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgarian Energy Holding, Kozloduy NPP, Kozloduy NPP-New Build, the State Enterprise for Radioactive Waste, the University of National and World Economy and the BRNA.
The mission was implemented under the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme within the framework of an interregional technical cooperation project.
The event has helped support Bulgaria's ongoing efforts to align with the international standards and to ensure a robust legal foundation for the country's nuclear program.
