“Two probes are under way by the European Commission. One focuses on the question of state support, the other on public procurement measures,” Attila Aszódi told the paper.

“A so-called standstill is in place during the time of the review of the matter of state support, according to EU rules. The 10 billion forint Russian credit line can only be called down when that probe winds up. We have to wait until the Commission takes its final decision on the matter, and we have to see its precise content,” he said.

Asked whether a delay in the investment would buy time for more potential Hungarian subcontractors to prepare to participate in the project, Aszódi noted that the general contractor for the project, Russia’s Rosatom, is in charge of choosing its partners for the upgrade.

“The companies’ preparation is a complex question. Implementing the investments and carrying out the necessary procurements is the task of the Russian general contractor. Our Russian colleagues are organising a preparation programme for possible suppliers,” he said.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.