Bulgaria will not proceed with the sale of two nuclear reactors from the Belene nuclear power plant to Ukraine, Deputy Prime Minister and Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) leader Atanas Zafirov confirmed during a press briefing after a meeting of the BSP Executive Bureau. He emphasized that this decision was made collectively by the ruling coalition, highlighting the reactors’ critical importance to Bulgaria’s energy security and economic independence.
Zafirov called nuclear energy a reliable, affordable, and predictable resource, noting that Bulgaria possesses the infrastructure and expertise needed to further develop the sector domestically. Selling the reactors, he argued, would have been a major strategic error. Although he acknowledged that the issue might still be debated in parliament, he expressed confidence that the coalition would support the decision through a National Assembly vote.
He also stressed that all coalition partners, including GERB, endorsed the decision, following discussions with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. Zafirov praised the unified position, noting its importance amid rising global energy prices and ongoing uncertainty in the energy sector.
Negotiations for the sale of the two Russian-made VVER-1000 reactors, originally intended for the unfinished Belene plant, began in 2023. In January 2024, Ukraine’s parliament approved a plan to purchase them to expand the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, with Bulgaria’s parliament initially endorsing the deal valued at over $600 million. Ukraine later estimated modernization costs, including installation of the reactors, at around $1 billion. However, the sale will no longer proceed, pending final confirmation by Bulgaria’s parliament.
Addressing the broader political situation, Zafirov commented on the upcoming no-confidence vote initiated over corruption allegations. He dismissed the motion as a political stunt intended to disrupt government operations and halt progress. According to Zafirov, the opposition offers no credible alternatives and is seeking only to destabilize the country.
He reaffirmed BSP’s support for the Zhelyazkov government and coalition partners, warning that political instability threatens Bulgaria’s strategic trajectory. Zafirov concluded by stressing the need to maintain stability, order, and responsible governance, rejecting efforts that could lead to institutional crisis and political chaos.