Hungary and the United Kingdom are set to deepen their cooperation in nuclear energy, launching a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). The announcement came after a meeting in London between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and his British counterpart David Lammy.
Szijjártó highlighted that both countries rely heavily on nuclear power and have mutually supported each other’s nuclear developments over the years. The agreement aims to fast-track SMR deployment, making it a viable energy solution in the near future.
The Promise of Small Modular Reactors
SMR technology is on the verge of a major breakthrough, according to Szijjártó. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, SMRs are:
- Compact – they can fit within an area the size of a football field.
- Efficient – capable of powering a large municipality or factory independently.
- Faster to Build – can be constructed in one to three years.
- Environmentally Friendly – offering a sustainable and stable energy source.
The Hungarian minister emphasized that Hungary, as a landlocked country with limited energy resources, sees nuclear energy as the best solution for long-term energy security. He also noted that British engineering giant Rolls-Royce is one of the global leaders in SMR technology, making the UK a key partner in this endeavor.
Stronger Bilateral Cooperation
Beyond nuclear energy, Hungary and the UK are also strengthening ties in defense, economic relations, and security:
- Illegal Migration: Both nations share a firm stance against illegal migration, with an emphasis on combating human smuggling networks.
- Counterterrorism Efforts: Hungary and the UK are cooperating to tackle rising terrorist threats, particularly in Africa, which they view as critical for European security.
- Economic Growth: Trade between Hungary and the UK has reached record highs, with British investments creating tens of thousands of jobs in Hungary.
Szijjártó reiterated Hungary’s desire for closer EU-UK relations, arguing that Brexit had disrupted the balance between federalists and sovereignists in Brussels. However, he emphasized that diplomatic differences would not hinder cooperation in key industries.
The strategic partnership marks an important milestone in Hungary-UK relations, positioning both nations at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technology while reinforcing economic and security collaboration.
