EBRD extremely concerned by developments at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant Bank has managed €2.5 billion in international funds to transform the site since 1995 The war must not be allowed to ruin recent achievements The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extremely concerned by recent developments at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) in Ukraine. The EBRD, which has been managing over €2.5 billion in international funds to transform Chernobyl since 1995, believes that recent events are putting in jeopardy the achievements of decades of successful international collaboration to secure the site. The Bank’s position on ChNPP is fully aligned with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is based on the following safety and security considerations: Uninterrupted power supply must be maintained for the Chernobyl facilities. Any loss of power is potentially a serious threat to their nuclear safety. Since monitoring and control systems on site do not work, operators will not be aware of possible risks. They must stay in operation. The Chernobyl facilities have been operated by the same depleted shift of employees for more than two weeks. Normal shift rotation as well as supplies to operating staff must be ensured. Any military action on site is extremely dangerous for the old spent fuel storage facility housing around 20000 RBMK fuel assemblies. Inspections by the Ukrainian regulator and the IAEA must be allowed. Beyond Chernobyl, there are 15 VVER-type units across Ukraine. They have a relatively weak containment and will not withstand a direct hit, which may result in irreversible consequences. Transforming Chernobyl was a long-term challenge. Through the EBRD-managed funds the international community, together with Ukraine, has managed to transform Chernobyl into an environmentally safe and secure site. It has created the foundations to develop and implement a national nuclear safety strategy for the coming decades. The ongoing war must not be allowed to ruin these achievements.
More than 680 houses in Suceava country and 170 houses in Neamţ county were impacted in the flash floods that hit northeastern Romania at the end of last week. Forty-one houses were completely destroyed, Raed Arafat, the head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), announced on Friday, August 1. Three people were killed in […]
Romanian justice minister Radu Marinescu said on Thursday, July 31, that harsher penalties are being considered for violence against women and domestic violence, including the criminalization of femicide. The minister said that Romania currently has legislation that is fairly adequate, in line with European standards, for combating violence, including domestic violence. He also said that […]
Via Transilvanica, the long-distance trail that crosses the country, will apply to be the first accredited long-distance route in Romania after the government issued the methodological norms regulating the hiking trails of national interest. Tășuleasa Social, the non-profit that developed the trail, called the recently issued norms "a huge step that transforms a bold idea into...
Former prime minister and Social Democratic leader Marcel Ciolacu stated that he does not rule out a candidacy for the presidency of the Buzău County Council, after rumors to that end. PSD Buzău president Romeo Lungu had previously told journalists that discussions are underway for the former prime minister to run for the Buzău County […]
The Balneo-Physiotherapy Clinic in the Călimănești resort town, southern Romania, will undergo rehabilitation with a EUR 10 million financing from the European Union, according to representatives of the Vâlcea County Council. The project implementation period will be 24 months from the completion of the tender for the execution of the works, which include, in addition […]
Bringo, the first personal shopper-based rapid grocery delivery service in Romania, handling over 4,000 daily orders in more than 35 cities, launches a loyalty program that turns shopping into a continuous reward experience. "Beyond functional benefits like discounts, free delivery, or double refunds for SGR packaging collected right at your doorstep, Bringo YOU offers a […]
