Representatives from the European Parliament visited the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (IAE) to review the progress of its decommissioning, as Lithuania is preparing for a significant budget allocation to this project. The visit included key figures such as Virginijus Sinkevičius, who is responsible for IAE issues in the EP, along with other parliament members and advisors, indicating the importance of this endeavor at both national and EU levels.

The decommissioning is a part of a broader EU initiative, and the current proposal for funding through the EU Council lays out a budget allocation of 678 million euros for the period from 2028 to 2034. The visits by MEPs were primarily aimed at ensuring that they can witness firsthand the progress and complexities involved in dismantling reactor cores—a crucial aspect of what is considered one of Europe's most complex nuclear energy projects.

As the IAE project moves into a new phase, marked by technically challenging tasks, it underscores the commitment to safety and adherence to high operational standards. The presence of local officials, including Lithuania's energy deputy minister and the mayor of Visaginas, highlights the project's local significance and its impact on the community surrounding the facility, as well as the broader implications for energy policy across Europe.