The European Court of Justice has backed Austria's appeal against Hungary's state aid for the construction of the Paks II nuclear power plant and said the European Commission "should have ascertained" whether the direct award of a contract "complies with EU public procurement rules". MVM Paks II was intended to become, free of charge, the owner and operator of the two new reactors. The European Commission said it noted the decision and "will carefully study the judgment and reflect on next steps". "This court decision does not limit or slow down the progress of the investment in any way. Austria, which shares a border with Hungary, has no nuclear power plants.