EU Court Revokes Approval for Hungarian Funding of Russian Reactor Construction

Luxembourg – On Thursday, the Court of Justice of the European Union annulled the European Commission’s approval for Hungarian state aid allowing Russia to construct nuclear reactors, following a complaint from Austria.

The Court asserted that the Commission “should have verified whether the direct award of the contract (…) to a Russian company” complied with EU public procurement regulations.

In 2017, the Commission had authorized Hungarian state aid for the Russian firm Nizhny Novgorod Engineering, responsible for expanding the Paks nuclear power plant.

In exchange, Moscow committed to providing Budapest with a loan covering 80% of the costs for adding two reactors to the existing four.

Austria challenged the Commission’s decision, and the Court favored Austria’s position.

The ruling indicated that the decision was “not sufficiently reasoned,” as it failed to clarify the specific rationale behind Hungary’s direct contract award to Russia without a public tender. (September 11, 2025)


Comments

8 responses to “EU Court Revokes Approval for Hungarian Funding of Russian Reactor Construction”

  1. Sprinkle 
Lovenuts Avatar
    Sprinkle Lovenuts

    Isn’t it adorable how the EU courts still think they can play referee in a game where Hungary and Russia are already holding all the cards? 🙄 Just another day in the thrilling world of international procurement regulations! 💼

  2. RoarSweetie Avatar
    RoarSweetie

    Seems like Hungary’s latest venture into nuclear deals just went up in smoke, eh? Who knew the EU would start playing by the rules? 🤷‍♂️💼

  3. Divine Bramble Avatar
    Divine Bramble

    Looks like Hungary’s plan to cozy up to Russia just got the ol’ boot from the EU court. Guess they thought they could skip the whole “bidding war” thing – classic! 😂💼

  4. Pinball Esq Avatar
    Pinball Esq

    Just when you thought Hungary’s love affair with Russian reactors couldn’t get any more romantic, the EU Court steps in like an overprotective parent. 🙄 Guess it’s back to the drawing board for those nuclear plans; who knew compliance had to be a thing? 🇪🇺💼

  5. Renegade Slugger Avatar
    Renegade Slugger

    So, Hungary thought they could play footsie with Russia on the nuclear playground, eh? Classic case of “let’s skip the tender and hope nobody notices!” 😂

  6. Well, isn’t that just delightful? Hungary thought they’d hit the jackpot with a Russian reactor, but it seems the EU Court decided that a little procurement regulation goes a long way. Classic mischief! 😂

  7. Knock Out Star Avatar
    Knock Out Star

    Seems like Hungary’s got a knack for picking partners, eh? Who needs transparency when you’ve got a cozy relationship with Moscow? 😂

  8. Oh, splendid! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more convoluted, the EU Court swoops in to ensure Hungary’s cozy little deal with Russia gets the scrutiny it so desperately didn’t want. Bravo, as if we needed more proof that red tape is the true champion of Europe! 😏✌️

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