The European Commission to Help Armenia Strengthen Nuclear Security

YEREVAN — The Armenian government has approved today the signing of an agreement with the European Commission whereby the latter will provide Armenia with up to 1 million euros to strengthen the nuclear and radiation safety of the Armenian nuclear power plant.

Economy minister Vahram Avanesyan said the support will be shown to Armenian government agencies ensuring nuclear safety. The program aims to strengthen the technical support and radiation security.

This cooperation is dictated by the need to license new nuclear safety devices being installed in Armenia to control the operation of the reactor. Assistance will also be shown for the final closure of the plant.

According to experts, the plant can operate until 2016, however, the EU insists on shutting it down. On April 19, 2012 the government decided to extend the service life of the Armenian nuclear power plant up to 2026.

The program will be implemented within 96 months.