The closure of units of Kozlodui nuclear power plant is expected to be one of the key issues in the report on Bulgaria's EU reform progress. The report will be presented during a session of the European Parliament next Wednesday. Some of the members of the EP have proposed the deletion of a recommendation by the EP rapporteur for Bulgaria, Geoffrey Van Orden, that there be a flexible approach to the closure of the units.
One of the proposed amendments to the report says that Bulgaria has made a commitment to close the two reactors by the end of 2006. It adds that the EP should consider financial aid for the energy gap that will be caused by closing the units, Sega newspaper reported.
Another proposal is that Bulgaria's accession to the EU be delayed. Further amendments, concerning reforms in various spheres, say that Bulgarian standards of living are still relatively low. Members of the EP criticised the Cabinet for its failure to increase wages and pensions.