US eases sanctions on Hungary's Russia-backed nuclear project

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has lifted a portion of sanctions related to the construction of Hungary’s Paks II nuclear power plant.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó made the announcement, stating that the sanctions had originally been imposed by the previous administration of Joe Biden, which, in his words, regarded Hungary as an adversary, Caliber.Az reports, citing Hungarian media.

Szijjártó noted that the current U.S. administration now views Budapest as an ally. He emphasised that key components of the nuclear facility are manufactured in Russia and France, and the removal of restrictions will help accelerate the project’s implementation.

The Paks II project, a strategic energy initiative for Hungary, involves cooperation with Russia’s Rosatom and has faced international scrutiny due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over energy dependence.

By Khagan Isayev