The Czech Republic has formally applied to the European Commission for approval of state aid to cover the construction of two new reactor units at the Dukovany nuclear power station, industry and trade minister Lukas Vlcek said.

Vlcek said in a statement that the notification, submitted after “weeks of intensive negotiations” with Brussels, extends an earlier approval that covered only one new unit at the site.

The statement said the decision was essential for the successful continuation of the project and that Prague expects the commission’s final approval by the end of 2026.