Brussels, 3.9.2025

SWD(2025) 256 final

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE EVALUATION

Accompanying the document

Proposal for a Council Regulation

establishing the nuclear decommissioning assistance programme of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania for the period 2028-2034, and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/101


















{COM(2025) 476 final} - {SWD(2025) 255 final}


Executive summary

The European Union financial assistance programme to Lithuania to decommission the two RBMK-1500 reactors of the Ignalina nuclear power plant (‘the Ignalina programme’), has been implemented in accordance with Lithuania's Accession Treaty.

Total financial assistance from the European Union to Lithuania for the decommissioning of the concerned reactors as well as for mitigation measures in the energy sector until the end of 2027 will sum up to EUR 2.2 billion. The Ignalina programme has been implemented by indirect management since its inception through entrusted entities, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as by the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) of Lithuania. The implementation via the national agency was established upon request by Lithuania with a view to increasing ownership. Continuing the implementation of the programme through the established entrusted entities would ensure stability in the safe decommissioning process.

The decommissioning activities have so far steadily progressed. Nuclear safety remains of prime importance and the boundary conditions have not changed. The decommissioning plan is currently being revised with specific focus on the schedule, as a result of the conceptual design for the dismantling of reactor cores, which represents the most critical project.

The continuation of the EU support ensures that the immediate dismantling strategy in Lithuania is firmly pursued and the availability of financing in a timely manner would prevent delays or even possible discontinuation of the process. Therefore, it is important that the programme be prioritised for further EU support in the next MFF (2028-2034).

Furthermore, the discontinuation of the Ignalina programme could seriously harm the reputation of the EU in Lithuania, as Lithuania was relying on Union support for the decommissioning as well as for measures mitigating the important effects to its economy.

The Commission would continue entrusting the implementation of the programme's budget to the pillar-assessed entrusted entities (indirect management). A Committee with monitoring and reporting functions will continue to be in place, co-chaired by a Commission representative and the Programme Coordinator, ensuring engagement and ownership of the Member State.