Rubio’s Budapest Visit: Limited Details & US Support for Orbán

Rubio Endorses Orbán Ahead of Hungarian Elections, Signals Strong US-Hungary Ties

Budapest, Hungary – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly backed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s bid for a fifth consecutive term during a visit to Budapest on Monday, February 16, 2026. The endorsement came as the two leaders signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, signaling a strengthening of relations between the two countries under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Rubio praised the “very, very close personal relationship and working relationship” between Orbán and Trump, stating it had been “beneficial to our two countries.” He emphasized that this connection was a key factor in the current “golden age” of U.S.-Hungary relations. According to Rubio, Trump is committed to Orbán’s success.

The agreement signed by Rubio and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó focuses on cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, including the potential purchase of small modular reactors (SMRs) and U.S.-supplied nuclear fuel and storage technology. While details of the agreement were limited during the public announcement, it builds upon a previous understanding reached during Orbán’s visit to Washington in November 2025, where Westinghouse was slated to supply fuel to the Paks nuclear power plant.

The visit followed Rubio’s stops in Munich and Slovakia, part of a broader European tour. The timing of the endorsement is significant, coming just weeks before Hungary’s April 12th elections, where Orbán faces what is considered his most serious challenge in 16 years.

Beyond the nuclear agreement, discussions reportedly touched upon potential U.S. Approval of Mol’s acquisition of a majority stake in Serbia’s NIS oil company from Gazpromneft and Gazprom. Orbán indicated an agreement had been reached regarding the conditions for the purchase, though Rubio offered no further comment. The deal, valued at approximately one billion euros, has been previously discussed during meetings between Orbán and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Moscow.

Another topic potentially discussed, but not publicly addressed, involved Russian oil shipments to Hungary via the Adriatic Sea and the Janaf pipeline in Croatia. A recent attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which previously supplied Hungary with Russian oil, has prompted consideration of alternative routes, despite EU sanctions. The Hungarian government has been less vocal in condemning the attack than it was regarding a similar incident on Russian territory.

Rubio’s visit and public support for Orbán align with a broader trend of the Trump administration prioritizing bilateral relationships with European nations that share its skepticism towards the European Union. Hungary, along with Slovakia, represents a friendly territory for Rubio as he seeks to strengthen energy agreements with Central European countries. The U.S. Is reportedly prepared to offer financial protections to Hungary as it navigates these energy deals.

Orbán expressed hope for a future visit from Trump, noting that Rubio’s visit “wasn’t on the calendar two weeks ago.” He also referenced the newly formed Trump-led “Peace Council,” of which Hungary is a founding member, and indicated he would be traveling to Washington to participate in its inaugural meeting.

The Ukrainian conflict also featured in discussions, with Orbán criticizing what he described as interference in Hungary’s election by Ukrainian officials. He framed the election as a choice between supporting Hungary’s stance against Ukraine’s EU membership and financial contributions to Ukraine, and aligning with a pro-Ukraine position.