The Ukrainian nuclear power plant safety upgrade project and the EBRD's contribution to extending outdated Soviet reactors

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Euroatom plan to support the nuclear power plant safety upgrade project in Ukraine. The EU presents the project as a timely initiative to improve nuclear safety in the region. A closer inspection however shows that it in fact can increase nuclear risks, in that the project includes a significant number of measures necessary to extend the lifetime of the reactors.

This paper has been updated on May 12, 2012. Find the updated version here.