This text focuses on the decision of the European Commission on the admissibility of state support for the expansion of Hinkley Point C, a British nuclear power plant. The European Commission not only influenced the development of energy sector in the UK with its decision, but also sent a strong signal that it is possible to use state aid for new nuclear power plants in the EU. The example of the Czech Republic shows the way this signal may be perceived by governments and energy stakeholders and how it can influence the national debates about the construction of new nuclear power plants, even before the detailed information about the whole case of state aid for Hinkley Point C has been published. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.