US Secretary of State Rubio Meets with Hungarian PM Orbán in Budapest

Discussions focus on civilian nuclear energy as US-Hungary relations continue

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to the Hungarian capital of Budapest on Monday to meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government. The meetings focused on discussions around civilian nuclear energy as the US and Hungary continue to engage on various diplomatic and economic matters.

Why it matters

The meeting between Rubio and Orbán comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with the US and its European allies seeking to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources. Hungary, a NATO member, has maintained a more neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, creating some tensions with its Western partners.

The details

During the talks, Rubio and Orbán discussed potential cooperation on civilian nuclear energy projects, an area where Hungary has expressed interest in working more closely with the United States. The two sides also reviewed the broader state of US-Hungary relations, which have been complex in recent years due to concerns over democratic backsliding and rule of law issues in Hungary.

  • Rubio traveled to Budapest on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Marco Rubio

The current US Secretary of State, appointed in 2025.

Viktor Orbán

The Prime Minister of Hungary, who has led the country since 2010.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The United States is committed to working with our NATO allies, including Hungary, on areas of mutual interest and concern.”

— Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State (State Department Press Release)

“Hungary values its partnership with the United States and we look forward to continued constructive dialogue on energy security and other key issues.”

— Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary (Hungarian Government Website)

What’s next

The US and Hungary are expected to continue discussions on potential civilian nuclear energy cooperation in the coming months.

The takeaway

The meeting between Rubio and Orbán underscores the complex and evolving nature of US-Hungary relations, as the two countries seek to find areas of common ground despite ongoing differences over democratic norms and the rule of law.