Rosatom Moves Forward with Paks-2 Nuclear Project Despite EU Court Ruling

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has confirmed it is continuing work on the Paks-2 Nuclear Power Plant project in Hungary, despite a recent ruling by the European Union Court.

"Rosatom, together with its Hungarian partners, continues to carry out the Paks-2 Nuclear Power Plant project. The project is vital for Hungary’s economy, as the commissioning of the plant will provide the country with a stable source of affordable electricity," Rosatom said in a statement.

"For Rosatom, the top priority remains executing the project in full compliance with the highest international safety standards and strictly in line with contractual obligations," it noted.

On Thursday, the EU Court of Justice ruled that Hungary’s state subsidies for the expansion of its Paks nuclear power plant were incompatible with EU regulations, overturning the decision of the General Court and annulling the European Commission’s approval of Hungary’s state aid for the construction of two new nuclear reactors.

The court explained that before issuing its decision approving the aid, the European Commission was required not only to verify whether the initiative complied with the EU state aid regulation, but also to ensure that "he conclusion of the contract for the construction of two new reactors was in accordance with the EU public procurement regulation.