§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what negotiations he has had with the Government of Bulgaria over possible closure dates for the four nuclear power station units at its Kozloduy power plant; and if he will make a statement. [98741]
§ Mr. VazWe strongly support G7 and EU efforts to improve nuclear safety in Central and Eastern Europe. Within the EU, the Commission is leading the negotiations with the Bulgarian Government over closure dates for units 1–4 at Kozloduy nuclear power plant, as part of the wider EU enlargement process. Our Ambassador in Sofia has encouraged the Bulgarians to work with the Commission on a realistic timetable for closure of units 1–4, in line with Bulgaria's international commitments, including its Accession Partnership within the EU. We strongly support the Commission's efforts to secure an agreement with the Bulgarians on this issue.