The European Parliament,

A. noting with concern the conclusions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after inspecting the Bulgarian nuclear power plants at Kozloduy, that the installation was in very bad shape and that there was a great risk of an accident in the near future,

B. noting as well that the IAEA recommended that the plants be shut down,

C. deeply concerned that the Bulgarian Government refused to do so because of its need for power,

D. drawing attention to the desperate conditions in Bulgaria, when thousands were without heating for the entire winter and many people died subsequently,

E. aware of the terrible effects that the closure of the Kozloduy plant would have on the people of Bulgaria next winter,

F. drawing attention as well to the devastating consequences of the Chernobyl disaster both in human as well as environmental terms throughout the whole of Europe,

1. Demands that the Commission and Council exert pressure on the Bulgarian Government to close the plants;

2. Recommends that the Commission and Council provide financial assistance under the trade and cooperation agreement to help furnish an alternative source of energy in the event of the Kozloduy plants being shut down;

3. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Government of Bulgaria, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.