Did you know that the US held Hungary on a tight leash for years, blocking the construction of the Paks 2 nuclear power plant? Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó reveals that the US has finally lifted part of the anti-Russian sanctions that were preventing this crucial energy project. It all started back in November 2020, when then-President Joe Biden’s administration imposed sanctions on Gazprombank, through which the nuclear plant’s financing was routed. But luckily for Hungary, since January 2021, Donald Trump, who sees Hungary as a friend, took office, and the sanctions were lifted!
Paks is Hungary’s only nuclear power plant and a key pillar of their energy independence. According to a 2014 contract, the Russian state company Rosatom is building two new reactors, each with a capacity of 1.2 gigawatts. The four existing reactors, commissioned between 1982 and 1987, produce about half of the country’s electricity. With the new reactors, Hungary plans to double the plant’s output and secure stable energy for the future.
The decision to lift the sanctions is not just a political move but a major blow to US policy towards Russia. While the sanctions were in place, Hungary was caught between its energy needs and geopolitical pressures. Now, with Trump’s administration, things are changing, and Hungary is getting the green light to develop its nuclear energy.
Just imagine — sanctions meant to “punish” Russia ended up stalling European energy development! Is this the start of a new era in US-Russia relations or just a brief pause? And what will Brussels and NATO say about this?
If you think this is just another political game, think again. This decision could have far-reaching consequences for Europe’s energy security and great power relations. So, what do you think? Has Hungary finally gotten a chance to breathe freely, or is this just the beginning of a new mess? Drop your thoughts below — let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
