(Adds comments by EC in third paragraph)
MOSCOW, Nov 17 (PRIME) -- The European Commission (EC) has finished a probe into potential violations during construction of the Paks nuclear plant in Hungary and has approved the project with Russia’s assistance, Bloomberg reported Thursday citing Janos Lazar, representative of the prime minister’s office.
Construction of the nuclear plant can start in 2017–2018, he said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for EC told PRIME that the commission had completed an investigation into Paks’ compliance with E.U. laws in the sphere of state purchases, but is continuing an investigation in the sphere of state aid.
Russia and Hungary signed a contract for construction of two VVER-1200 nuclear power units in 2014, but in September 2015, the EC said the project contradicts its regulations. In January 2016, media reported that the EC is investigating the project’s state funding, public access to data on the project and state procurement regulations.
In September, the EC said it will cease the investigation as Budapest provided all necessary explanations regarding the project.
In October, the project received an environmental license.
End
|
|
