In a significant move to bolster ties in energy and security, Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington to sign key agreements. The meeting, which was initially delayed due to scheduling conflicts, centered on enhancing regional energy infrastructure and strengthening law enforcement cooperation between the two nations.
The energy agreement focuses on collaboration within the Trump Peace Pipelines Framework, a US-backed initiative aimed at boosting American liquefied natural gas exports and developing energy infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. This initiative marks a continuation of Hungary’s energy policies from the previous government under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had also signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with the US in February 2026.
Discussions also touched on the potential for American oil purchases, extending the operational life of Hungary’s Paks I nuclear power plant, and exploring investments in small modular reactors. Hungary’s current government, led by the TISZA party, has upheld parts of its predecessor’s nuclear cooperation strategy, submitting the 2026 nuclear agreement to Parliament to seek legal ratification.
A second agreement was inked to enhance cooperation in law enforcement, focusing on intelligence sharing and combating crimes linked to extremist organizations. This includes efforts against far-left extremist groups, such as those associated with Antifa Ost. The issue is particularly sensitive in Hungary following attacks in Budapest in 2023 involving individuals connected to far-left groups, a case that has gained further traction due to the European Parliament’s decision regarding Italian MEP Ilaria Salis, who is implicated in related proceedings.
The Washington meeting had generated interest due to its rescheduling, as Rubio was accompanying President Trump on a campaign tour before the US congressional elections. Despite the delay, the discussions underscored a mutual commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, reflecting continuity in policy and shared interests between Hungary and the United States.