Paks II nuclear project state aid legally justified, says ECJ

Today, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has given its full backing to the European Commission’s decision to approve the state aid mechanism applied to the construction of the new nuclear power plant in Hungary, Paks II.  The case was brought by Austria.

In its ruling, the ECJ fully rejects Austria’s arguments that the aid allocated is incompatible with the internal market.  Furthermore, Austria’s claims that the decision distorts competition and creates unequal treatment by excluding producers of renewable energy, has also been rejected in full. Indeed, as the ECJ points out “Member States are free to determine the composition of their own energy mix”. 

More information can be found in the ECJ’s press release

About us: nucleareurope is the Brussels-based trade association for the nuclear energy industry in Europe. Our membership is currently composed of 15 national nuclear associations and 6 corporate members. As a result, we represent nearly 3,000 European companies working in the industry which support around 1,100,000 jobs.

For more information, please contact Jessica Johnson: jessica.johnson@nucleareurope.eu