The Hungarian government has announced progress on expanding the Paks nuclear power plant, describing a formal signal from European authorities as a green light for the project. Officials say the European Commission has reviewed and approved amendments to the agreements that govern financing and construction of additional reactor units at Paks. Budapest frames this as confirmation within EU guidelines on energy projects, cross-border funding, and critical energy infrastructure. The statements, attributed to national leadership, indicate that upgrades to Hungary’s energy capacity can move forward under the updated terms and oversight recognized by the EC and the EU at large.
With EC approval secured, observers expect the project to advance under revised financial and construction parameters. The changes are presented as technical adjustments rather than shifts in scope or responsibility. They reflect the realities of a long-term build, where timelines, compliance requirements, and financing instruments must adapt to evolving circumstances while preserving the project’s core objectives. The sequence of approvals marks a transition from planning to execution, laying out a clear path for the next phase of construction, procurement, and oversight activities related to the new Paks units.
Budapest’s leadership has described the timeline as aiming for early 2030s operation of the new units. This target aligns with the technical realities of large-scale nuclear projects and Hungary’s strategy to bolster energy security, reliability, and reduced dependence on external supplies. Officials stress that the project remains on track, contingent on meeting milestones, maintaining supplier relationships, and observing regulatory steps within the approved framework. A transparent timetable is intended to reassure citizens and international partners about the project’s pace and progression.
Regarding contractor arrangements, the government has signaled that the principal contractor, Rosatom, will not be replaced in the near term within the scope of Paks-2. The emphasis is on technical adjustments tied to the program’s duration rather than changes in accountability or major renegotiations. This distinction supports risk management, governance, and continuity of engineering standards across construction phases. By keeping the main contractor stable, officials argue, the project preserves design integrity, safety procedures, and seamless integration with existing networks and systems.
Earlier public statements reflected a firm stance on sanctions related to Russian nuclear energy. The government has indicated that partial sanctions affecting nuclear-related arrangements would not be accepted, framing the issue within a broader debate about energy sovereignty, critical infrastructure, and Hungary’s long-term energy mix. The discourse highlights the balancing act between engaging with international partners on essential energy initiatives and upholding national policy priorities. The overall message emphasizes a continued commitment to the Paks expansion while navigating the geopolitical and regulatory landscape surrounding Russia’s role in the program.