Romanian MEP Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE) has warned that the European Commission's in-depth state aid investigation into the refurbishment of Reactor 1 at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant risks triggering an energy security crisis, as the reactor provides 10% of Romania's generation capacity. In a priority parliamentary question submitted on 30 April 2026, Bogdan argued that the 12-month investigation timeline could delay the 2027 refurbishment, forcing Romania to become a net energy importer and increasing reliance on fossil fuels.
The question, filed under Rule 144, targets the Commission's dual approach of promoting renewables while scrutinising nuclear investments. Bogdan contends that blocking or delaying the project would undermine Romania's energy independence, worsen its trade balance, and increase carbon emissions as less clean sources fill the gap. He also warned that investor uncertainty could raise financing costs, ultimately pushing up consumer bills.
Bogdan's concrete asks
Bogdan posed two specific questions to the Commission: first, whether it can guarantee that Romania will not lose 700 MW of permanent installed power, a shortfall he says would have to be compensated by dirtier sources; second, whether the aid scheme can be approved quickly under the strategic urgency clause, given the war in Ukraine and fragile supply chains.
Policy direction and ambition
The MEP's intervention signals a push for the Commission to treat nuclear refurbishment as a strategic priority on par with renewable energy deployment. By invoking the strategic urgency clause, Bogdan is pressing for a faster, less bureaucratic approval process that prioritises energy security over strict competition rules. The question reflects a broader tension between EU state aid discipline and member states' energy sovereignty, particularly in the context of geopolitical instability.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is required to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it views the Cernavodă project as eligible for accelerated treatment or whether it maintains that a full investigation is necessary to prevent market distortion. The outcome will signal the Commission's stance on nuclear energy's role in the EU's decarbonisation strategy and its willingness to accommodate member state security concerns.