The speech delivered at the conference on restoring security and safety at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant reflects both remembrance and urgency. It begins with a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who risked and often lost their lives to contain the catastrophe and protect wider communities. Their actions are highlighted as a lasting symbol of resilience and human selflessness in the face of extreme danger.
The speaker underscores the long-standing involvement of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Chornobyl’s recovery, particularly its leadership in completing the New Safe Confinement in 2019. This achievement, built over nearly two decades of international cooperation, is presented as a landmark in global nuclear safety efforts. It enabled Ukraine to manage the site’s hazardous legacy more securely and with greater confidence in the future.
The address then shifts to concern over recent developments, particularly a Russian drone attack on the New Safe Confinement. This incident is described as having severely damaged the structure and undermined its core safety functions, including containment and the planned dismantling of the old reactor remains. The attack is portrayed as a serious setback to years of international collaboration and technical progress.
In response, the EBRD, together with Ukrainian authorities and the International Atomic Energy Agency, is working to restore the facility’s functionality. A detailed damage assessment has been initiated with support from the French Novarka Consortium, which originally built the structure. Early findings suggest significant corrosion risks that could threaten the long-term stability of the confinement.
The speech also highlights the financial and technical challenges ahead. While an initial €30 million has been allocated by donors such as the EU, France, and the UK for preparatory work, the estimated cost of full restoration by 2030 is at least €500 million. The speaker stresses that additional funding will be essential in 2026 to move from emergency response to full-scale reconstruction.
In conclusion, the address reinforces Chornobyl as a symbol of international solidarity and shared responsibility in nuclear safety. It expresses confidence that, through continued cooperation and commitment, the global community can restore the New Safe Confinement, secure the site, and ensure long-term protection for future generations.
