The European Commission today decided to launch an infringement procedure against Hungary concerning the implementation of the Paks II nuclear power plant project. The Commission outlined concerns regarding the compatibility of the project with EU public procurement rules. Commenting on the decision, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harmsand Hungarian Greens/EFA MEP Javor Benedek said:
“Today’s decision is a welcome move, which should provide space for a rethink in Hungary on these wrongheaded plans to expand the Paks nuclear power plant.
“There were clear questions about the dubious process followed by the Hungarian authorities in awarding the contract to Russian nuclear power conglomerate Rosatom to build two new reactors at Paks. The Commission has today confirmed that the procedure and lack of a tendering process was not compliant with EU rules on public procurement.
“There are clear alternatives available to Hungary to provide for its energy needs from sustainable energy sources. Given the risk and cost involved with nuclear power, and the ongoing nuclear waste problems that were underlined in Paks last year, this suspension should be used by the Hungarian government to scrap the plans and focus on a sustainable energy future.”