Following a donor conference in Paris jointly organized by the Ukrainian government and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), international participants confirmed pledges totaling EUR 278 million for the restoration of the protective arch over the fourth power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. This was reported on Monday, November 9, by AFP, citing a statement by Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for European Affairs at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. According to him, confirmed pledges now stand at EUR 278 million from 15 participants, exceeding half of the total financing requirement for the repairs.
Results of the Paris Conference
The conference marked a key milestone in mobilizing funds to restore the facility, which was damaged by a Russian drone attack in February 2025. Haddad emphasized that international support allows Ukraine "not to bear the financial consequences of Russian aggression alone" at a time when the country desperately needs resources to protect its population, maintain critical infrastructure, and rebuild the nation. During the meeting, he added, further funding pledges may also have been received.
Cost of Restoration and Contributors
France, holding the G7 presidency in 2026, previously estimated the cost of restoring the protective structure at approximately EUR 500 million. The Paris authorities pledged EUR 40 million, including EUR 10 million for preliminary studies, while Germany previously announced a contribution of EUR 50 million. According to conference participants, prior to the event, G7 countries had already pledged around EUR 260 million, and the United States announced in late April its readiness to provide up to $100 million, urging G7 partners to do the same.
What Happened to the Arch
The protective arch, officially known as the New Safe Confinement (NSC), was slid over the fourth power unit of the Chornobyl NPP in 2016 and officially commissioned in 2019. It covers the concrete sarcophagus built after the 1986 accident. Following the Russian drone strike in February 2025, the structure sustained severe damage and required large-scale repairs without which it cannot provide adequate protection.
Significance for Nuclear Safety
EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso stated at the conference that restoring the arch is critical for nuclear safety. According to her, if the structure is not repaired, the risk of a serious accident with large-scale consequences will remain real. Organizers noted that this argument dictates the priority of the project on the agenda of international donors.
Timeline for Raising Remaining Funds
French Minister of Economy and Finance Roland Lescure expressed confidence that the remaining amount will be raised in the coming months. According to him, the necessary funds are scheduled to be mobilized by the spring of 2027, which should allow full restoration work on the protective confinement to begin and restore its design safety characteristics.
