WASHINGTON (Chatnewstv.com) — The United States and Hungary are strengthening their strategic partnership through new agreements on nuclear energy, defense, and economic cooperation, the White House announced Friday following a meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The leaders affirmed that the relationship, built on mutual respect and shared strategic goals, continues to “reach new heights of cooperation and achievement” as both nations prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.
Major Nuclear and Energy Agreements
The centerpiece of the announced cooperation is a new U.S.-Hungary Energy Partnership focused on civil nuclear power and natural gas diversification.
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Energy to facilitate cooperation, including on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and spent fuel storage. The U.S. and Hungary are collaborating to make Budapest a hub for the emerging Central European SMR market, with Hungary signaling its intent to support the construction of up to 10 SMRs with a potential value of up to $20 billion.
“The United States and Hungary are collaborating to make Budapest a hub of the emerging Central European SMR market, deploying market-leading U.S. nuclear innovation to jumpstart a new transatlantic industry,” a White House fact sheet stated.
Prime Minister Orbán also announced a nuclear fuel deal with U.S.-based Westinghouse to supply American nuclear fuel for Hungary’s Paks I nuclear plant. This contract is valued at approximately $114 million.
In addition, Hungary committed to purchasing U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to further diversify its energy sources, with contracts expected to be valued at approximately $600 million.
Defense and Security Cooperation
The partnership also deepened on the security front, with new commitments on military procurement and information sharing.
The Government of Hungary announced its intent to purchase $700 million worth of defense articles via foreign military sales. Furthermore, the two nations are launching negotiations for the renewal of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), which signals closer bilateral defense ties.
In civil space cooperation, Hungary demonstrated its ambitions by signing the Artemis Accords on October 22, joining a network of nations committed to the peaceful and transparent use of space.
Travel, Education, and AI Research
To facilitate travel and tourism, the White House announced the full restoration of Hungary’s Visa Waiver Program participation. Additionally, American Airlines announced the resumption of direct seasonal flights between Philadelphia and Budapest starting in May 2026.
The nations also focused on “Empowering the Next Generation” through academic initiatives:
Fulbright Expansion: The binational Fulbright Commission will expand the John von Neumann Distinguished Award in STEM to include new opportunities for exchange to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
AI Ethics: The Hungarian government will provide $1 million to establish a joint research consortium between The Catholic University of America and Pázmány Péter Catholic University to study the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
