IAEA Signs MOU with Ukraine for Chernobyl NSC Repair and Safety Enhancement

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine to support the reconstruction and nuclear safety enhancement of the Chernobyl site, with particular emphasis on the damaged New Safe Confinement. Grossi stated that the IAEA 'has been here helping repair and mitigate the effects of that accident' and emphasized the 'new challenge to repair the roof of the New Safe Confinement, which has been affected during the war.' The MOU formalizes IAEA's role in coordinating international technical and financial assistance for the NSC repair project, with full restoration of confinement function now targeted for 2030. French construction companies Bouygues and Vinci are expected to lead the restoration effort.