The European Commission launched an infringement procedure against Hungary for, what the EC claims, is the countryʼs non-compliance with public procurement rules regarding the contract awarded Russia’s Rosatom without a tender for the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant. Minister of the Prime Minister's Office János Lázár said that Hungary has the right to strike trade agreements with non-EU states and that the country is ready to take the case to the European Court of Justice.
“The Commission considers that the direct award of the Paks II nuclear power plant project does not comply with EU legislation on public procurement...[that] consolidates the basic principles of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union of transparency, non-discrimination, and equal treatment,” the EC added.
As the first stage of the infringement procedure, the commission asked Hungary for information on the issue in a “letter of formal notice”. The EC also said that it already negotiated with Hungarian authorities and has thoroughly investigated the process of Hungary awarding Rosatom with the project, however, it still has “concerns regarding the compatibility of the project with EU public procurement rules”.
Hungary is sticking to the project
