A referendum on building a new nuclear power plant was held in Bulgaria on 27 January 2013.

[1] Whilst it was not explicitly mentioned in the question, it was widely acknowledged that the referendum was about restarting construction at the Belene Nuclear Power Plant.

[2][3] Although the proposal was approved in all 31 electoral divisions, turnout did not pass the required 60% threshold, resulting in the referendum becoming non-binding.

The Bulgarian government was also forced to close four nuclear reactors as a condition of joining the European Union in 2007.

"[7] Supporters of the plant argued that it would mean the country would not have to buy electricity from Romania and Turkey, whilst opponents have claimed that it would increase the country's energy dependence on Russia,[1] as the Russian firm Atomstroyexport had been contracted to build the plant.