Lithuania earmarks €91.58m to prep for possible accident at Belarus nuclear plant

<p> MINSK, Oct 27 - PrimePress. Lithuania will allocate €91.58 million for implementing measures in 2022-2026 to prepare for a possible accident at the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP, Astravyets, Grodno Oblast). The accident response plan has been prepared by the government office together with the Ministry of the Interior and the Lithuanian Fire and Rescue Department. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The relevant plan has been prepared by the government office together with the Ministry of the Interior and the Lithuanian Fire and Rescue Department. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The total financing needs for 2022–2026 are estimated at €91.58 million, including €72.98 million for the first priority needs, according to the Interior Ministry. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The state budget will provide €17.75 million next year, it said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “The Astravyets nuclear power plant poses a permanent threat, and it is therefore essential to ensure the preparedness of the state, municipalities and society for a possible nuclear or radiological accident. These funds are an investment in state security,” Deputy Interior Minister Vitalij Dmitrijev said in a press release. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Preparations will centre on the districts of Vilnius and Švenčionys, which are within a 30-kilometre radius of the plant, according to the ministry. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The Lithuanian government says Belarus’ nuclear power plant in Astravyets fails to meet international safety and environmental standards, an allegation that Minsk denies. End </p>

2021-10-28

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