The EC’s Nov. 23 decision disregards an important matter from the point of state support, namely that in the Finnish nuclear power station project Hanhikivi 1, which is similar in its technical aspects to the Paks 2 project, private investors have been involved under a consortium, and they expect a sufficient rate of return.

Despite the fact that consortium also includes local governments and Russian state players, the EC has not put a question mark over whether the “Finnish sister project” is indeed carried out on market terms without state aid, the office said.

The EC has asked third-parties to make comments in connection with the possible presence of state aid when this has not been proven in any way, the PM’s office said. Contrary to the suggestions made by the EC, the Hungarian government has always responded to EC requests over the past two years and provided all information needed to make an assessment.

The Hungarian government is ready to undergo a formal inquiry and maintains the position that the investment project does not involve state aid, the office said.

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