Belarus’ first nuclear power plant is once again in the spotlight of high European officials. Deputy Head of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans who is now on a visit to Vilnius, urged Belarus to conduct stress tests at nuclear power plant in Astravets. Frans Timmermans stressed that the tests should be carried out under the supervision of international experts.
“We must ensure that the construction of the nuclear power plant near the border with the European Union was performed under strict compliance with safety rules,” said the European official.
A week ago, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution calling to suspend the construction of the NPP in Astravets due to “numerous violations of international nuclear safety standards.” And the Lithuaniain Seimas called the NPP “national security threat”.
Construction of the first nuclear power plant in Belarus has been accompanied by exceptional occurrences. Among others, a year ago, was a fall of the reactor body from about 2-4 meters.
According to the Belarusian anti-nuclear campaign, in the course of construction at least 10 people were killed. The Ministry of Energy, however, has confirmed the death of three workers.
