Media reported on locking Brussels Hungarian-Russian nuclear deal – RBC

A general view of the machine room of one of the blocks of Paks

Photo: REUTERS 2015

The Russian-Hungarian deal to build two nuclear power plant in Paks locked European Union, the newspaper The Financial Times, citing its sources. After that Hungary must either sign a new contract for the supply of fuel, or appeal the decision of the European Commission.

Earlier, European Atomic Energy Community refused to agree Hungary import nuclear fuel from Russia. Hungarian authorities appealed the decision, however, as the newspaper notes, the 28 commissioners of countries – members of the EU at a meeting held last week, supported the position of Euratom. Details of the talks were kept secret.

Previously, the newspaper wrote that the EU can veto the deal – two commissions figured out how Russian-Hungarian message complies with the principles of a united Europe. As reported then the newspaper’s sources in Brussels, put into question both technical and financial side of the contract.

European officials troubled by the fact that “Rosatom” was awarded the contract without competition. In addition, Hungary is not approved for the signing of the European agency dealing with atomic energy. In this case, the agreement with Russia caused controversy and in Hungary, where the opposition claimed that the contract is not only too expensive, but also increases the dependence of Budapest from Moscow.

However, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has taken a tough stance – he denied the allegations. According to the Prime Minister, the United States would like to take part in the construction of new nuclear power plants and the Hungarian “painful” perceived that the transaction went not to them. “They want to drag us into a conflict that we would not be good. Relations between the US and Russia take the form of the Cold War, and we do not want to take part in it “- then said Orban.

3 March 2015 the Hungarian Parliament approved a law under which 30 years will be kept secret key provisions contract with “Rosatom” for the completion of the country’s only nuclear power plant.

The contract for the construction of two new blocks of the nuclear power plant “Paks” in Hungary were signed “Rosatom” at the beginning of December. This is the only operating nuclear power plant in Hungary, which provides more than 42% of electricity generated in the country. Moscow to pay for the contract agreed to give Hungary a loan of up to € 10 billion, which will begin to repay Budapest after entering the blocks into operation.