Bulgaria Pioneers Europe’s First Operating AP1000 Reactor

by News Editor

April 30, 2025

In a move that positions it at the forefront of nuclear energy advancements, Bulgaria is set to become Europe’s first nation to operate an AP1000 reactor. This announcement was made by Energy Minister Zecho Stankov during a Westinghouse symposium in Sofia.

Key Developments

Approval for the site and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are in place, with efforts now focused on funding and European Commission coordination.
Minister Stankov recently engaged with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to explore investment opportunities in Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear power plant.
Stankov emphasized the crucial role of local companies in the development of new nuclear blocks, akin to initiatives like the Seventh and Eighth blocks at Kozloduy.
Multiple memorandums were signed, promising significant involvement of Bulgarian firms in what is anticipated to be a monumental project for this and the next decade.
New reactor blocks are expected to entice Bulgarian experts with global experience back to the country.

Labor Impact

Stankov underlined that approximately 10,000 jobs will be created at the project’s peak.

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A Groundbreaking Partnership

In November, Kozloduy New Capacities entered into a landmark agreement with U.S. consortium Westinghouse and South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction to construct the Seventh and Eighth blocks using cutting-edge Generation III+ technology, known for its fully passive safety systems and low carbon footprint per MWe. The first unit is anticipated to commence commercial operation by 2035.

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Paphos Wins Two Awards For Long-Term Tourism Strategy

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 23, 2026

The Paphos regional tourism board, Etap Paphos, said on Tuesday that its “Paphos – Unleash Your Senses” campaign has secured two industry awards, underscoring the region’s long-term effort to strengthen its position as an international tourism destination.

Recognition For Strategy, Not Just Promotion

The campaign won gold at the Cyprus Tourism Awards 2025 in the Strategy & Innovation – Timeless Presence category and bronze at the Marketing Achievements Awards 2025 in Integrated Marketing.

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Etap Paphos said the honours reflect more than a successful promotional initiative. They also validate a broader collaborative model developed over the past seven years to support the region’s tourism growth.

A Public-private Model Built Over Seven Years

The strategy was designed around a shared long-term vision, bringing together public institutions and private-sector partners under a single destination marketing framework.

According to the board, it was the first organised effort in Cyprus to successfully align public authorities and private businesses behind one unified tourism strategy. That model, it said, has since become a reference point for how coordinated action can improve a destination’s competitiveness in international markets.

Partnership At The Core Of The Campaign

The success of the campaign was credited to the contributions of a broad network of partners and stakeholders, including the Paphos Regional Board of Tourism, the Cyprus Hotel Association’s Paphos district branch, Hermes Airports, Eurobank, participating hotels and other supporting organisations.

Special recognition was also given to AZTECH, the agency responsible for the campaign’s strategic planning and execution. The board said the agency’s expertise has been central to expanding and reinforcing Paphos’s international presence.

Why The Awards Matter

“These distinctions carry deep significance as they celebrate more than just a successful advertising campaign,” the tourism board said. It added that the awards highlight the value of sustained cooperation and shared objectives over short-term promotional activity.

The recognition comes as Paphos continues working to position itself as a year-round, modern, sustainable and smart tourism destination.

“Elevating the profile of Paphos as a year-round highly modern, sustainable and smart travel destination remains an ongoing effort that relies entirely on the continued commitment and contribution of all partners,” the board said.

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