US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his trip to Central Europe, during which he visited Slovakia and Hungary. This visit, coming directly after the Munich Security Conference, sparked numerous comments due to the omission of Poland and an overt demonstration of support for the governments of Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico. In Budapest, a key nuclear energy agreement was signed, and Rubio declared a desire to build a new era in relations with allies who share Donald Trump's vision.

Energy Alliance with Hungary

Signing a nuclear cooperation agreement and developing SMR technology with the involvement of American companies aims to make Hungary independent from Russian technological influence.

New US Strategy in Europe

Choosing Budapest and Bratislava over Warsaw and Brussels signals a shift in focus towards relations with right-wing leaders.

Negotiations on Ukraine

Rubio confirmed preparations for Russia-Ukraine talks in Geneva, emphasizing the US role as the only effective mediator.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a series of meetings with the leaders of Hungary and Slovakia, which commentators interpret as a clear signal of Washington's new hierarchy of alliances in Europe. During the visit to Budapest, Rubio and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó signed a strategic agreement on cooperation in civil nuclear energy. This agreement envisions assistance from the American company Holtec International in spent fuel storage and establishing Hungary as a regional center for the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). US-Hungarian relations significantly cooled during the Joe Biden administration, which criticized the state of rule of law and media freedom along the Danube. Donald Trump's return to the White House drastically changed this dynamic, positioning Budapest as the US's main ideological partner in the European Union. In Bratislava, Rubio met with Prime Minister Robert Fico, declaring that the US does not expect Europe to be a vassal. The American politician emphasized that strong NATO members strengthen the entire alliance, but his presence in these specific capitals while bypassing Warsaw and Brussels raised concerns among some European elites. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Washington's rhetoric, rejecting claims about Europe's civilizational decline. Rubio's visit confirmed that the Trump administration intends to build relations with Euro-realist governments that question the current shape of European integration. „Usually, when you try to prevent wars, the international community praises you. This is one of the few wars where some condemn you for trying to help stop it.” — Marco Rubio 13 mld — euro is the estimated value of contracts in the nuclear sector While liberal media in the West perceive Rubio's trip as an attempt to split the European community from within, the press in Bratislava and Budapest heralds a „golden era” of relations with America. Rubio also referred to the conflict in Ukraine, indicating that the United States aims for negotiations in Geneva, but does not want to impose a ready-made agreement on the parties. The entire visit solidified Hungary's position as the US's main intermediary in contacts with conservative forces on the continent. Emphasizes attempts by the US to destabilize the European Union by supporting authoritarian leaders and isolating pro-European Poland. | Highlights the regaining of agency by Central European countries and economic successes resulting from pragmatic cooperation with the Trump administration.

Mentioned People

  • Marco Rubio — US Secretary of State who undertook a diplomatic trip to Central Europe.
  • Viktor Orbán — Prime Minister of Hungary, host of Rubio's visit in Budapest.
  • Robert Fico — Prime Minister of Slovakia, who met with Rubio in Bratislava.
  • Péter Szijjártó — Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, signatory of the nuclear agreement.
  • Kaja Kallas — EU foreign policy chief, critical of the US Secretary of State's statements.