U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Visits Hungary for Nuclear Agreement
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. They discussed a new civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, which has received backing from former President Donald Trump.
Trump has publicly supported Orbán as he prepares for a challenging election on April 12. This election will be crucial, as Orbán faces his strongest opposition in over a decade.
Rubio’s visit to Hungary came after a stop in Slovakia and his attendance at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. Both Slovakia and Hungary, where euroskeptic populism thrives, have shown friendly relations with Trump and the U.S.
Orbán’s relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin is well-known. Despite Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Orbán continues to engage with the Kremlin while aligning himself with Trump’s agenda. Many in conservative circles view Hungary as a success story in nationalism, although critics note concerns over its democratic institutions and economic challenges.
In recent comments on social media, Trump praised Orbán as a “strong and powerful leader” and emphasized his firm stance against immigration. This stance has manifested in policies like the border fence erected in 2015 during the refugee crisis.
The U.S. conservative community also finds common ground with Orbán’s opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. His government has imposed significant restrictions, including the banning of the Budapest Pride celebration and prohibitions on same-sex adoption and marriage. These actions resonate with some members of the American conservative movement.
Despite European efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy, Hungary remains committed to purchasing it. Notably, Orbán received an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy after meeting with Trump last November.
As elections approach, Orbán appears eager for Trump’s endorsement, hoping it will bolster his chances in the polls. Budapest has hosted several Conservative Political Action Conferences, with a crucial event planned just before the elections.
Details of the nuclear agreement were not widely known before the recent signing. During his visit, Orbán confirmed plans for cooperation in the nuclear sector, including the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). Hungary aims to support the construction of up to 10 SMRs, potentially worth $20 billion. Additionally, Orbán announced a partnership with Westinghouse to supply fuel for Hungary’s Paks I nuclear plant.
This cooperation not only strengthens U.S.-Hungarian ties but also reflects ongoing shifts in energy dynamics in Central Europe. As governments navigate these changes, the balance of interests—between energy security, national politics, and international relations—will continue to evolve.
For a deeper understanding of Hungary’s political climate and its impact on European relations, you can refer to The European Council on Foreign Relations.
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