Official: Brussels has opened an investigation into France over 73 billion euros in aid to EDF.

What was announced last week has now received an official epilogue: The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into the French state aid plan for the construction of six new EPR2 reactors. Brussels is examining whether the aid package worth 73 billion euros will distort market competition and shift too much risk onto taxpayers

The European Commission (EC) officially begins to investigate the Élysée Palace's plan to cover about 60% of the costs of building a new fleet with subsidized loans. In addition to favorable interest rates, the state plans to guarantee EDF "stable revenues" through 40-year contracts, and to establish a risk-sharing mechanism in case of natural disasters or changes in national legislation.

EPR2: ten gigawatts for energy sovereignty

A program announced by Emmanuel Macron foresees three pairs of reactors of the new generation (EPR2) at the existing locations: Penly, Gravelines and Bugey. The total capacity of nearly 10,000 megawatts is projected to be online between 2038 and 2044.

While Paris describes this investigation as a "standard procedure" and expects a swift outcome, Brussels is cautious. The main question for the antitrust regulator is whether this aid is "necessary and proportionate".

We will monitor this situation very closely.