Hungary FM: Paks II Officially Enters Construction Phase, Both Legally and in Practice

The first concrete was poured for the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant.

According to the foreign minister, 

These three factors are essential to ensuring that the Paks II investment is completed on time and without delay. That matters because Paks II is the guarantee of Hungary’s long-term energy security, and it is the guarantee of maintaining utility cost reductions,

he summarized.

Szijjarto explained that the first concrete will serve as the stable foundation of the plant’s control building, and with this step completed, the project now officially qualifies as a reactor under construction under IAEA standards.

“In a few more years—after a few more years of construction and hard work—we will be able to connect Paks II to Hungary’s electricity grid,” he said. “That will be a massive step toward achieving Hungarian energy sovereignty.”

“We must accelerate the investment and complete it as soon as possible,” he said.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, called the day a great one for Hungary, Russia, nuclear cooperation, and sustainable energy. He emphasized that the Paks project will be a powerful symbol of Hungary’s prosperity and its emergence as a major European economic player.

Grossi noted that the project has had to move forward against strong headwinds, calling it a clear example of determination and political will.

“We can only celebrate the fact that you were able to overcome these difficulties together—whether political, demographic, financial, or otherwise—and move the project forward,” he said.