Presentation and discussion of the Hungarian National Report at the 10th Review Meeting of the Convention on Nuclear Safety

10th Review Meeting of the Convention on Nuclear Safety

The tenth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety, established within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was held in Vienna from April 13–24, 2026, where the Hungarian National Report was presented and discussed on April 17. Hungary was represented at the Review Meeting by a delegation led by Ms. Andrea Beatrix Kádár, President of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA).

In addition to the HAEA, the delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Energy, MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant Ltd. and Paks II. Ltd.

The delegation addressed in their presentation the main safety enhancement measures implemented at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant since the last review meeting, such as the expansion of certain radiation portal monitors for the detection of gamma-emitting isotopes, as well as the establishment of a backup cooling circuits for the spent fuel pools, the progress of the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant construction, changes in the regulatory framework concerning the further lifetime extension of the operating nuclear power plant, the new oversight concept, and related to small modular reactors.

The topics discussed included the adequate provision of human resources necessary for the construction of the new nuclear power plant, as well as the results of international peer review missions recently conducted in Hungary. The Hungarian National Report also addressed future expected challenges, such as the licensing of small modular reactors.

At the Review Meeting, the rapporteur’s report concluded that Hungary has successfully fulfilled its obligations arising from the Convention on Nuclear Safety. Three challenges were identified for Hungary: preparing for the further lifetime extension of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, including reviewing the relevant regulatory guidance and safety requirements; ensuring adequate workforce and competencies for current and future developments in Hungary's nuclear sector; and preparing a detailed legal and regulatory framework necessary for the deployment of small modular reactors. The following were recognized as good performance: legislative changes related to the new oversight concept, the 2024 safety culture year initiative of the HAEA, and the HAEA’s special legal status and strengthened independence as a separate regulatory body.

The Hungarian National Report can be accessed by clicking here.