Hungary & US Energy Talks: What’s Actually Happening?

thevpnboss (79)in #energy • 2 months ago

The government of Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, has recently signalled a partial opening toward buying nuclear-fuel supplies from the United States — but the details and context matter.

✅ What Has Been Announced

On 22 October 2025, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that Hungary is “starting consultations” on buying nuclear fuel from the U.S. to diversify its supply.
👉 Reuters
He added that Hungary would continue buying Russian-supplied fuel while it expands its nuclear plant capacity.
Quote:

“Alongside the existing Russian supplier relations we are starting consultations on buying nuclear fuel from the United States as well, in order to be able to serve our increased nuclear capacity safely.”
— Péter Szijjártó, Foreign Minister of Hungary

🧐 Why This Is Happening

Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant currently operates four Russian-built VVER-440 reactors (~2 GW total).
The country is building two new 1.2 GW reactors with Rosatom (Russia), increasing future nuclear capacity.
By exploring U.S. nuclear fuel as an additional supplier, the government aims to boost energy security and diversify away from near-total Russian dependence.
However, Hungary remains heavily reliant on Russian oil and gas, tied to existing pipeline infrastructure.
👉 Firstpost – Why Orbán defies Trump’s demand on Russian oil

⚠️ What This Is Not (or What Remains Uncertain)

These are consultations, not yet a signed contract.
Szijjártó gave no details about volumes, pricing, or timelines.
Hungary will continue buying Russian fuel for the foreseeable future.
Oil and gas imports from Russia remain dominant, despite Western pressure.
👉 The Guardian – Hungary refuses to stop buying Russian oil
Infrastructure and cost issues could limit diversification speed.

🔍 Strategic Significance

For the U.S., the move offers potential leverage in Central Europe and reduces Russian dominance.
For Hungary, it’s a hedging strategy — keeping Russian relations intact while signaling openness to Western supply.
Within NATO/EU, this could slightly ease tensions over Hungary’s close energy ties to Moscow.
👉 Bloomberg – Trump, Orbán Talk Energy as US Bears Down on Russian Oil Buyers

📋 Bottom Line

Yes — Hungary is opening talks with the U.S. about buying nuclear fuel.
But no — it’s not abandoning Russia. The discussions are at an early stage and reflect an effort to diversify, not to replace existing suppliers.

🗞 Sources

#politics #hungary #magyarorszag

2 months ago in #energy by thevpnboss (79)

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