Rosatom’s General Manager Alexey Likhachev indicated that more foreign companies would join the Paks-2 nuclear power plant project in Hungary. This update was reported by RIA News, reflecting a push to broaden international participation despite ongoing sanctions. Likhachev emphasized that the number of foreign partners will grow and that the company values its ability to form global alliances. He stressed that Rosatom intends to execute the Hungarian project as efficiently as possible, framing it as an international collaboration first and foremost.
After a site visit to Paks and discussions with Rosatom leadership, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Peter Szijjártó announced that Rosatom and Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had signed a program for the Paks-2 project. The agreement outlines plans for construction and is aimed at delivering the plant in the early 2030s. The parties highlighted a coordinated approach to project management, with an emphasis on transparency, safety, and economic cooperation between Hungary and international partners.
Rosatom has previously indicated that concrete work on Paks-2 would begin by the end of 2024. While the timeline reflects progress, the project continues to navigate geopolitical and economic factors that influence international collaboration and financing. In this context, officials noted the importance of steady communication with stakeholders and a clear, shared commitment to safe, reliable energy in the region.
A separate note from the public briefings touched on broader energy security considerations and the role of nuclear power in meeting growing demand. While opinions on nuclear energy vary, the emphasis remained on maintaining robust safety standards, rigorous oversight, and consistent progress toward a modernized energy infrastructure that can support both Hungary and neighboring markets.
Strategic context for Paks-2
The Paks-2 initiative sits within a larger framework of regional energy strategy, where international collaboration can accelerate project timelines and technological exchange. Officials from Hungary have underscored the value of diverse international participation, aiming to attract engineering, construction, and maintenance expertise from multiple countries. This approach is intended to enhance project resilience and diversify supply chains, even amid sanctions that affect financing and cross-border cooperation.
Observers note that the project’s success depends on clear governance, risk management, and transparent contractor selection. With the early 2030s target for commissioning, the program seeks to integrate modern reactor technology, strict regulatory compliance, and a phased construction plan that prioritizes safety and reliability. The government and Rosatom have both stressed the importance of a steady, predictable path forward to reassure investors, contractors, and the Hungarian public.
In addition to the technical and economic aspects, the Paks-2 project carries geopolitical significance. It reflects Hungary’s strategy to balance energy needs with international partnerships, while navigating sanctions and evolving European energy policies. The ongoing dialogue between Budapest and Moscow-backed Rosatom, along with other international participants, is framed around shared goals of energy security, job creation, and long-term regional stability. These elements shape the narrative around Paks-2 for policymakers, industry analysts, and local communities alike.
Overall, the project is being positioned as a multinational effort that aligns with Hungary’s energy objectives and Rosatom’s broader international portfolio. Progress reports, site updates, and formal agreements continue to shape expectations for construction milestones, safety assurances, and the ultimate role of foreign expertise in delivering a modern nuclear facility that serves as a cornerstone of regional energy supply.