Law on nuclear energy safety to allow Energoatom to attract EUR 200 mln loan - Shmyhal

“With the adoption of the Law, Ukraine has fulfilled its international obligations to comply with the principle of independence of the state regulatory body for nuclear and radiation safety," he said.

“Ensuring the independence of Ukraine's nuclear regulator is one of the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Energy Partnership between Ukraine and the EU, as well as one of the conditions of the Guarantee Agreement between Ukraine as a guarantor and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) as a creditor to disburse a loan to NNEGC ‘Energoatom’ for the implementation of the Comprehensive Program for Improving the Safety of Nuclear Power Plants,” said the prime minister.

According to the Government portal, restoring the independent status of the regulator will in fact restore Ukraine's ability to comply with international regimes and safety standards (IAEA) and the European law in terms of state regulation of nuclear and radiation safety.

Thus, Ukraine regains the status of a state responsible for nuclear safety, while NNEGC Energoatom is given the opportunity to continue using the EURATOM loan for EUR 200 million.

It notes that Energoatom is implementing a Comprehensive Program to improve the safety of nuclear power plants. The program was developed by Energoatom taking into account the recommendations of the joint project of the European Commission, IAEA and Ukraine on improving safety and was approved by a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The program was developed by Energoatom taking into account the recommendations of the joint project of the European Commission, IAEA and Ukraine on improving safety and was approved by a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

As reported, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Safety of Nuclear Energy Use" (No.2372) on May 19. A total of 288 MPs voted in favor of the document.

The implementation of the law will ensure the realization of state regulation in the sphere of nuclear energy, taking into account international requirements for such activities to ensure its safety, preserve Ukraine's image in the world as a country that fulfills its international obligations and countries capable of safe use of nuclear energy.