“Golden Era”? Rubio signals deep U.S. energy and political support for Bratislava and Budapest

In a significant diplomatic push, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Eurosceptic Slovakia and Hungary on 15–16 February, deepening energy ties, highlighted by nuclear agreements, and offering unequivocal political endorsement to his conservative counterparts.

These visits, following his participation in the Munich Security Conference, aimed to solidify ties with two conservative governments that have maintained warm relations with President Donald Trump. Both nations, led by nationalist figures Robert Fico in Slovakia and Viktor Orbán in Hungary, have frequently clashed with the broader European Union over issues such as energy policy, migration, judicial independence, and support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Munich mirage: Rubio’s charm offensive ends with honours for EU sceptics

Concrete advances in Slovakia: energy, defence, and strategic alignment

In Slovakia, Rubio’s meetings with President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico marked the first U.S. secretary of state visit in seven years to the country bordering Ukraine.

The discussions built on recent momentum, including Fico’s prior visit to Washington and a January intergovernmental agreement on nuclear cooperation. Rubio and his Slovak counterparts explored ways to diversify energy sources away from heavy reliance on Russian imports, a point of friction with Brussels. A key focus was advancing plans for a new nuclear power plant involving U.S.-based Westinghouse.

Fico expressed optimism that a specific deal could be finalized within the coming year, potentially leading to a multinational consortium and construction by 2040 for a reactor capable of generating around 1,200 megawatts. This initiative, supported by U.S. funding for front-end engineering and design studies under programs like the Foundational infrastructure for responsible use of small modular reactor technology, promised to enhance Slovakia’s energy independence and industrial capacity.

Defence cooperation also featured prominently. Slovakia, which had previously ordered 14 F-16 fighter jets from the United States, expressed interest in acquiring four more to reach a total of 18. This expansion would allow Slovakia to independently handle its air-policing responsibilities, reducing dependence on neighboring allies like the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. Rubio welcomed these steps, noting the importance of military sales and modernization within NATO. While both Slovakia and Hungary have met the alliance’s 2% GDP defence spending threshold, discussions acknowledged the need for further increases to align with broader expectations.

The warmer tone emphasized partnership over subordination, with Rubio assuring that the United States sought allies rather than vassals. These exchanges reinforced a shared outlook on regional security, even as Slovakia has opposed certain EU initiatives on military aid to Ukraine.

Strengthening bonds in Hungary: nuclear energy deals and political endorsement

The trip culminated in Budapest, where Rubio met Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. The centerpiece was the signing of a U.S.-Hungary Civil Nuclear Intergovernmental Agreement, establishing a framework for decades of collaboration in civilian nuclear energy.

This pact positioned Hungary as a potential regional hub for small modular reactors (SMRs), with encouragement for adopting U.S. technology. It also included provisions for U.S.-supplied nuclear fuel and spent fuel storage solutions through companies like Holtec International. Officials highlighted how these arrangements could generate substantial economic benefits, including billions in business opportunities for American firms, while bolstering energy security and supporting emerging technologies such as AI infrastructure.

Rubio’s public statements went beyond technical agreements, offering explicit support for Orbán ahead of Hungary’s April elections. Describing U.S.-Hungary relations as entering a “golden age,” he praised the personal connection between Trump and Orbán as transformative, declaring that the president’s success was tied to Orbán’s. Rubio affirmed Trump’s deep commitment to Hungary’s prosperity, hinting at potential assistance if financial challenges arose, and defended Hungary’s right to pursue its national interests, including continued Russian energy purchases under a U.S.-granted exemption.

Orbán reciprocated by touting recent economic agreements, visa-free travel progress, and Hungary’s role in potential peace initiatives. He positioned Budapest as a venue for future talks involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, while claiming external interference in his campaign.

These developments appear to illustrate the Trump administration’s strategy of leveraging personal diplomacy and concrete incentives to cultivate allies in Central Europe. Despite criticisms from other European quarters regarding democratic standards and Russia policy, the visit produced tangible outcomes in energy diversification and defence ties.

Croatia’s refusal to transport Russian oil: a blow to Hungary and Slovakia amid energy tensions

Could the true intent behind Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visits to Slovakia and Hungary have been to undermine the European Union, to please Russia, or perhaps to achieve both objectives simultaneously?

Sources: U.S. State Department press releases, New York Times, Reuters

Caption: A handout photo provided by the Hungarian PM’s General Department of Communication shows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban receiving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his office in Budapest, Hungary, 16 February 2026.