EU: approval of a €172 M Dutch State aid to finance new nuclear power plants

€172M: this is the amount of Dutch state aid earmarked for the development of new nuclear power stations in the country, approved by the European Commission on 17/12/2025. The aid takes the form of a convertible loan of €127M and an equity contribution of €45M.

The sum is to be used to finance preparatory activities for the development of new nuclear capacity. It is allocated to Nucleaire Energie Organisatie Nederland (NEO NL), a public company dedicated to nuclear power, of which the Dutch Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth is the sole shareholder. Its role is to sign contracts with manufacturers and operate new power plants. NEO NL has a budget of €45M, with a further €20M allocated to the development of SMRs.

" The measure is necessary and appropriate to ensure that the preparatory phase for the construction of new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands runs smoothly. Furthermore, the Commission considers that the measure is proportionate, as it is limited to the strict minimum necessary and will have only a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States"…