Four French MEPs from the European People's Party have challenged the European Commission over its recent investigations into nuclear power projects in France and Poland, suggesting the executive may be applying stricter scrutiny to nuclear energy than to variable renewable electricity projects. The written question, submitted on 23 April 2026, targets the Commission's decision to open an investigation on 31 March 2026 into French state funding for six new European Pressurised Reactors, shortly after a similar probe into Poland's first nuclear power plant.
The MEPs ask what aspects of the French investment triggered the investigation and whether comparable probes have been conducted into variable renewable projects. They also press the Commission to justify its order to reduce Poland's contract for difference from 60 to 40 years, and question the requirement that the Polish plant be funded according to production capacity rather than actual output. The lawmakers argue this may violate the subsidiarity principle and member states' freedom to choose their energy mix, and ask who would finance capacity if the plant underperforms.
The question reflects a cleavage between nuclear advocates and the Commission's perceived preference for renewables, with the MEPs implying unequal treatment. The Commission is expected to reply within six weeks; its answer will signal whether it views nuclear as a strategic technology subject to normal state aid rules or as a special case requiring additional conditions. The outcome could affect investment certainty for nuclear projects across the EU and influence the bloc's energy transition trajectory.
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