Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó has announced that the United States has officially lifted sanctions that had been obstructing Hungary’s plans to expand its Paks nuclear power plant. Originally imposed by the Biden administration, the restrictions have now been reversed, reverting to a Trump-era policy stance.
Minister Szijjártó emphasized that the expansion of the Paks nuclear facility is critical for ensuring Hungary’s long-term energy security and maintaining progress in reducing household utility costs. With sanctions no longer hindering the project, construction on-site is now set to accelerate. Essential components for the new reactors are already being produced in Russia and France.
Had the sanctions persisted, Hungary faced the risk of significant challenges in securing its future electricity supply. The Hungarian government remains actively engaged in discussions with the European Union to obtain broader allowances for importing Russian oil and gas, highlighting its ongoing effort to diversify energy sources while preserving low consumer costs.
In a parallel development, Hungary and the United States have begun exploring closer energy sector cooperation. In March, Minister Szijjártó held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused on potential nuclear partnerships. Hungary is also in discussions with Rolls-Royce regarding the possible deployment of small modular reactors.
Earlier this year, Hungary formally requested an exemption from the U.S. sanctions. While experts noted that the restrictions may not have completely halted the Paks project, they likely caused delays in securing critical equipment and technologies. With the sanctions now lifted, the path is clearer for Hungary to pursue its nuclear ambitions.
