Secretary Rubio Concludes Central Europe Tour Focused on Energy and Security

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently concluded a two-nation tour in Central Europe, visiting Slovakia and Hungary for discussions focused on energy cooperation, including civilian nuclear deals, and regional security.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently concluded a two-nation tour in Central Europe, visiting Slovakia and Hungary for discussions focused on energy cooperation, including civilian nuclear deals, and regional security. His itinerary included meetings with Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest, following his participation in the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

Secretary Rubio's Central Europe Tour Overview

Secretary Rubio began his Central European tour in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Sunday, where he engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Robert Fico. He then traveled to Budapest, Hungary, for meetings with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Monday. A significant aspect of the tour involved efforts to strengthen energy agreements across Central Europe.

Discussions in Slovakia

In Slovakia, the U.S. aims to enhance cooperation on nuclear energy, promote energy diversification, and support the modernization of the Slovak army. Prime Minister Fico previously met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in January to discuss a potential nuclear deal. Slovakia plans to purchase nuclear reactors from the U.S., a project estimated to cost between €13 billion and €15 billion, with Westinghouse identified as a potential technology provider.

Prime Minister Fico's government has expressed positions on issues such as migration and the conflict in Ukraine that align with former President Trump's political stances. Slovakia has also criticized the European Union's military and financial aid to Ukraine, advocating for peace negotiations.

Meetings in Hungary and Civilian Nuclear Agreement

In Hungary, Secretary Rubio met Prime Minister Orbán. Discussions were anticipated to cover global conflict resolution and the U.S.-Hungary energy partnership, with a key agenda item being the planned signing of a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement.

Details of the civilian nuclear deal were anticipated ahead of Monday's signing. During a November visit to the White House, Prime Minister Orbán had agreed to U.S.-Hungary cooperation in the civil nuclear industry. This cooperation includes the potential purchase of compact nuclear reactors, known as small modular reactors (SMRs), and agreements related to spent fuel storage. Hungary indicated its readiness to support the construction of up to 10 SMRs, potentially valued at up to $20 billion. Prime Minister Orbán also stated that Hungary would pursue a nuclear fuel agreement with U.S.-based Westinghouse to supply fuel for Hungary’s Russian-built Paks I nuclear plant.

Energy and Foreign Policy Context

Both Slovakia and Hungary continue to import oil and natural gas from Russia and have opposed the European Union's REPowerEU plan, which aims to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Hungary received an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy following a meeting between Prime Minister Orbán and former President Trump in November. In December, Hungary signed a deal with Chevron to import 2 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S. Hungary was also the first European nation to join former President Trump's Board of Peace initiative.

Prime Minister Orbán's government has implemented measures regarding LGBTQ+ rights, including banning the Budapest Pride celebration and restricting same-sex adoption, same-sex marriage, and gender changes on official documents for transgender individuals. The Hungarian government also constructed a fence on the country’s southern border in 2015 as part of its immigration policies.

Political Landscape and U.S. Relations

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly supported Prime Minister Orbán's bid for reelection in an upcoming April 12 vote. Trump endorsed Orbán on Truth Social, describing him as a "truly strong and powerful Leader" and a "true friend, fighter, and WINNER." Orbán's Fidesz party faces challenges in the upcoming elections, with polls indicating he is trailing the opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar.

Orbán's government has extended an invitation for former President Trump to visit Hungary during the campaign, though this has not been confirmed by the U.S. administration. Budapest has hosted multiple Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) events, with one rescheduled for March, ahead of Hungary's elections. Some within the conservative political sphere view Hungary's policies as an example of conservative nationalism.