USA and Slovakia Sign Agreement to Advance Civil Nuclear Power Cooperation

Bratislava, 17 January (TASR) - U.S. Secretary of Energy Christopher A. Wright and Slovak Premier Robert Fico signed an inter-governmental agreement to advance cooperation on Slovakia’s civil nuclear power programme in Washington on Friday (16 January), TASR has reported based on a statement published by the US Department of Energy. This landmark agreement includes the development of a new, state-owned 1,200 MWh nuclear unit at the Jaslovske Bohunice Nuclear Power Plant, deepening the U.S.-Slovak strategic partnership and strengthening European energy security. These efforts lay the foundation for sustained U.S. engagement in Slovakia’s nuclear energy programme and support future civil nuclear projects across the region, reads the statement. "I see this moment as a significant milestone in our bilateral relations, but also as a clear signal that Slovakia and the United States are united by a common strategic thinking about the future of energy – about its safety, sustainability, and technological maturity," stated Fico after signing the agreement. "Today's civil nuclear agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening European energy security and sovereignty for decades to come," said Wright. According to him, it also supports Slovakia’s efforts to diversify its energy supply, strengthen long-term energy security, and integrate advanced American nuclear technology into Central Europe’s energy infrastructure. Under the inter-governmental agreement, the United States and Slovakia will cooperate across a broad range of civil nuclear activities, including reactor technology, supply chains, safety and security best practices, workforce development, and long-term project planning. The planned nuclear unit represents a multibillion-dollar energy infrastructure investment and one of the largest in Slovakia’s history. ko