European officials examining Hungary’s nuclear dealMarch 30, 2015 - 14:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - European officials are examining whether the Paks project meets EU rules on state aid and the supply of nuclear material from Russia. The EU sets limits on state subsidies, and has rules designed to prevent EU countries becoming over-dependent on Russia for nuclear fuel, Reuters reported. The Euratom Supply Agency (ESA) has sought changes to the Paks supply deal asking that non-Russian organizations be allowed to ship fuel to the plant, the Hungarian government said earlier this month. The government said talks with the EU about fuel supply were not blocking the project. On March 24, Janos Lazar, chief of staff to the prime minister, said all hurdles to a fuel supply deal had been removed. A Commission spokeswoman has also confirmed that the EU was looking into the fuel supply deal, but was not blocking the Paks construction. The EU has not yet commented on the state aid aspects of the project. "There are very strict rules governing state aid and the single market, and I think this project as we know it now goes against them," said Andras Perger, an energy analyst at independent think tank Energia Klub in Budapest. Attila Aszodi, the Hungarian commissioner in charge of the Paks project, said the project did not contravene state aid rules because the rate of return is high enough that, theoretically, private investors would get involved if they had the chance. Since Hungary and Russia agreed the original deal to develop the Paks plant, the two countries have signed three further agreements setting out details of the project. Despite the EU Commission's concerns and Moscow's financial difficulties, Hungarian officials say the deals are not in jeopardy. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |