Hungary’s flagship nuclear expansion project at Paks has entered a faster phase of implementation, with construction activities advancing ahead of schedule. According to Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, the acceleration comes after the completion of all required permitting procedures and the absence of European or US sanctions affecting the investment.
Minister Szijjarto stated that the project has moved beyond preparatory uncertainty and into an execution phase earlier than anticipated. Tasks originally planned for next year are already underway, paving the way for the pouring of the first concrete at the beginning of February. Once completed, the Paks nuclear expansion will officially qualify as a nuclear installation under construction in accordance with international standards.
The Minister also criticized proposals to restrict Russian energy imports, arguing that such measures conflict with Europe’s security and economic interests. He warned that banning Russian natural gas and crude oil on ideological grounds could expose the continent to serious supply risks and sharp price increases.
Hungary maintains that energy security must be treated as a technical and physical issue rather than an ideological one. In response to EU-level decisions on this matter, Hungary plans to pursue legal action jointly with Slovakia. Once the relevant EU decision is formally published, Hungary intends to submit a challenge to the European Court of Justice. According to the Minister, the legal documentation is already prepared, but procedural rules require waiting for the official publication before filing the case.
