Hungary will not curtail cooperation with Russia on Paks-2 NPP

Alexey Belogoryev, Research and Development Director of the Institute for Energy and Finance, commented for the internet portal absatz.media on the risks to the Paks-2 NPP construction after the change of power in Hungary.

The expert clarified that at the current stage of construction, it would be extremely difficult to take and terminate contracts with the Russian side. Among other things, Hungary needs the operation of this nuclear power plant, since both the country itself and the European Union as a whole are aimed at reviving interest in the nuclear industry.

"The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated not so long ago that curtailing the construction of nuclear power plants was a strategic mistake by the EU. And that is why Hungary, in this case, has turned from such a relatively marginal supporter of nuclear energy into a country that is moving in the golden mean of EC policy, so it is unlikely that the new government will somehow limit the work of Paks-2. There may be some risks for Rosatom, but the company does not just offer its construction services, but provides general technological solutions. It's impossible to just take it and replace it, in which case everything needs to start over. Adjustments may be made, but the agreements will not be canceled," Belogoryev stressed.

Separately, the interlocutor suggested that in this case it is acceptable to consider a possible strengthening of state control by Hungary, but attempts to nationalize the NPP will not be undertaken by Budapest, given the current status of the project and the favorable terms of cooperation provided to the country.