Hungary announced on Wednesday the launch of talks with the United States to purchase nuclear fuel, aiming to diversify its energy supply. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto made this statement in an interview with public broadcaster M1 from Washington, where he is on an official visit.
According to Szijjarto, this initiative is part of a strategy to ensure the country's long-term energy security, as Hungary plans to expand its Paks nuclear power plant, located south of Budapest. "We need more fuel to support our energy growth and ensure the continuity of our supplies," he explained.
Hungary, which relies heavily on nuclear power for its electricity production, is seeking to reduce the risks associated with the concentration of its imports, historically dominated by Russia. However, Peter Szijjarto clarified that Budapest would not sever its existing energy ties with Moscow. "We will also continue to purchase nuclear fuel from Russia," he added, emphasizing that diversification did not mean a break but rather a strengthening of national energy resilience.
This rapprochement with the United States comes amid tensions in Europe surrounding energy dependence and security of supply, particularly since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. For Washington, this potential agreement would represent a new step in transatlantic energy cooperation, while for Budapest, it would represent a delicate balance between its commitments within the European Union and its pragmatic relations with Russia.
The Paks nuclear power plant, which provides about half of the country's electricity, remains a strategic pillar for Hungary. Its expansion, largely financed by a Russian loan, is expected to increase the country's energy production capacity and meet rising domestic demand in the coming years.
