EC opens in-depth investigation into Romanian state aid for nuclear reactor refurbishment

The European Commission (EC) announced that it opened an in-depth investigation into Romania’s planned state aid for the refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant. The move follows preliminary concerns over whether the proposed support package complies with EU state aid rules.

Romania notified the Commission in January 2026 of its plan to extend the reactor’s lifespan by 30 years, beyond its expected end of operation in 2027. The unit, which began operating in 1996, currently provides around 10% of the country’s electricity and plays a key role in ensuring low-carbon energy supply.