Workers are pouring concrete for a new reactor at Hungary's only nuclear power plant, marking the start of a controversial project after a decade of delays.
In 2014, Hungary signed a deal with Russia for a loan of ten billion euros – over 100 billion kronor – to build two new reactors. But the pandemic and Western sanctions against Russia intervened, delaying the project until the US granted a waiver from the sanctions last year.
Pro-Russian Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, sees nuclear power as the only way to meet growing electricity needs. Critics point to increased dependence on Russia, which already supplies the country with fossil fuels.
Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev calls the start of construction "a celebration" of Russian-Hungarian ties.
