Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, on behalf of the European Commission, defended the in-depth investigation into Romanian state aid for the refurbishment of Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant's Reactor 1, stating the probe is necessary to ensure compatibility with internal market rules. The answer, published on 12 June 2026, responds to a priority question from Romanian MEP Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE), who warned that the investigation could delay the 2027 refurbishment, risking a 700 MW capacity loss and increased reliance on imports amid the war in Ukraine.
Ribera explained that the investigation will balance the project's positive effects—security of supply, decarbonisation, and energy resilience—against potential negative impacts on competition and trade, including overcompensation and costs for consumers and taxpayers. She stressed that the Commission cannot prejudge the outcome but will expedite the assessment as much as possible, while respecting procedural requirements under Regulation (EU) 2015/1589. The Romanian authorities remain responsible for project design and implementation, including security of supply during refurbishment.
The answer offers no concrete timeline or guarantee of approval, instead emphasising the legal necessity of the probe. This leaves Romanian stakeholders—including the government, energy consumers, and investors—in uncertainty. The Commission's stance prioritises competition rules over strategic urgency, potentially delaying a project critical for energy independence. Institutional follow-up is expected as the investigation proceeds, with a decision likely in 12-18 months, though the Commission signals willingness to move quickly if evidence allows.
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