A file picture dated September 3, 2008 showing workers during the construction of the first 1,000 MW unit of the second nuclear plant of Belene, Bulgaria. Photo by EPA/BGNES
The Russian company Atomstroiexport is preparing to file a lawsuit against the Bulgarian cabinet, the Czech media E15.cz reports.
The cause of the legal action is the freezing of the project to build a second Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Bulgaria's Danube town of Belene.
According to unofficial information, cited by the Czech publication, the Russians have contacted the US law offices Sidley Austin LLP to represent them in the case. The Sidley Austin LLP lawyers specialize in similar cases and has won several lawsuits between investors and States, the publication points out.
Bulgaria's Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party declared recently the NPP will be frozen until the government finds a new investor and funds to complete the project. The investor is to replace the German energy company RWE, which withdrew last fall.
The plant was originally to be built by Russian company Atomstroiexport for EUR 4 B. The firm had signed a contract with the previous, Socialist-led government.
In April, Borisov turned down a EUR 2 B loan offer made by Moscow for a stake in the plant, and said the cabinet will seek a full investor to finish the plant.
Neighboring Serbia had also expressed interest in a stake in the project, the PM announced after a recent visit to Belgrade.