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Dutch set to win EU nod for $2.2 bln state help for new nuclear reactor

The Dutch government is set to secure EU approval for 2 billion euros ($ 2.2 billion) of state help to build a nuclear reactor to produce medical isotopes for cancer treatment, individuals with direct understanding of the matter stated on Thursday.

The European Commission approval is conditional on a promise from the Dutch government that the medical isotopes would not be sold below expense, the people said, following a problem from U.S. maker of radioactive medical isotopes SHINE Technologies.

The EU choice might come as early as Friday, one of the individuals stated.

The EU executive, which acts as the bloc's competition enforcer, decreased to comment on its discussions with the Dutch authorities or the result or timing of the talks.

The Commission is in close and constructive discussions with the Dutch authorities as regards public support to the PALLAS task with a view to making sure the compatibility with the EU Treaties, while avoiding unnecessary distortions of competition in the production and supply of medical radioisotopes, a. Commission spokesperson said.

The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport decreased. remark.

The Netherlands, a leading manufacturer of medical isotopes,. proposed a brand-new atomic power plant for medical isotopes following. issues that scarcities would emerge after 2030.

Government-subsidised business need to not be permitted to. block ingenious private-market solutions from serving patients. due to prices listed below cost due to illegal aids, SHINE. Technologies stated in an e-mail.

The U.S. business complained to the Commission last year,. saying that the Dutch state had no legal basis to give state. help for the new reactor.

(source: Reuters)