State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into French state financing of Areva restructuring

On the 19 July 2016, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation to assess that the state aid given to the Areva group does not unduly distort competition in the Single Market.

The group, controlled by the French state, is active throughout the nuclear sector and had been experiencing financial difficulties for over five years. In April 2016 France had notified the European Commission of a restructuring plan to restore the group's competitiveness and improve its financial position.