Bulgarian politicians made a big mistake connecting Bulgaria's EU accession to the fate of Kozloduy nuclear power plant units, President Georgi Purvanov said.

Purvanov took part in a round table discussion on the future of the nuclear power plant. Bulgaria had to stop the functioning of two of its units on December 31 2006 as a part of the EU entry-related commitments it accepted.

The Cabinet failed negotiating the same EU entry conditions that other EU members enjoyed, said Purvanov as quoted by Focus news agency.

Closing the energy chapter of Bulgaria's EU accession treaty was premature, said Purvanov. An expert committee had to prove that the reactors functioned properly and there was no technical reason for their closure, said he.

Participants of the forum received a letter from the World Council of Nuclear Workers (WONUC) saying that the country should negotiate the re-opening of all Kozloduy NPP units.

The internationals situation has changed since the time Bulgaria agreed to shut down the units, the letter said as quoted by Bulgarian National Radio.

Problems with natural gas supply through Ukraine and Belarus showed the serious problems Europe could face concerning its energy balance, the letter said. Nuclear energy production is needed. Bulgaria should be allowed to provide electricity for the needs of Southeast European countries, it said.