Further work was needed to address the re-opening of reactors three and four of Kozloduy nuclear power plant (NPP), Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev.

Together with Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin and Finance Minister Plamen Oresharski Stanishev is taking part in the Council of Europe’s first summit for the year.

Stanishev said that the reactor re-opening issue will not be brought up during the summit. Bulgaria had to stop the functioning of the two units to meet EU accession requirements related to nuclear safety.

“It is pointless to bring up the issue in a manner that will result only in negative reactions,” said Stanishev. Bulgaria initially needed expert evaluations, showing the reactors were safe, as well as statements in favour of re-opening from countries in the Balkan region, he said.

Only after all documents were gathered Bulgaria could present the case to EU authorities, said Stanishev as quoted by Focus news agency.

Bulgaria had interest in working for common European standards for nuclear safety, Stanishev said. At the moment the country suffers from the lack of such unified criteria, he said.

Energy issues and common energy policies within the EU feature among the main topics of discussion during the Council of Europe summit.