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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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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