Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the US administration lifted the restrictions concerning the Paks nuclear power plant expansion project. The sanctions were imposed during President Joe Biden's term and, according to the minister, hindered the continuation of construction. Szijjártó emphasized that the current Donald Trump administration views Hungary as an ally and decided to lift the measures.
Szijjártó thanked Trump and the Republican administration for the decision, stating that Hungary still faces a "battle in Brussels" for the right to purchase cheap oil and gas from Russia.
Slovakia blocked the 18th EU sanctions package, which included restrictions on the supply of Russian oil and gas. According to Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, these measures threatened the region's energy security and could lead to an increase in utility rates. Hungary opposes the European Commission's plans to abandon the import of Russian nuclear fuel.
The Paks II project is being implemented with the participation of the Russian state corporation Rosatom and involves the construction of two new power units. Major components for the plant are being manufactured in Russia and France. Hungarian authorities believe that the launch of the new units will ensure the country's long-term energy security and maintain low tariffs for the population.