Hungary Restricts Energy as Danube Levels Threaten Paks Plant

Hungary is confronting a severe energy crisis caused by record-low water levels in the Danube River, which threaten a total shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant. The facility generates approximately half of the country's electricity but began reducing output in late July due to insufficient cooling water.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced emergency measures restricting electricity and water consumption for large industrial users and urged the public to reduce energy use. He warned that the power grid and public services will face enormous strain during an upcoming period of extreme heat. To avoid widespread shortages, Hungary is coordinating electricity imports, with Slovakia offering assistance.

The crisis has triggered political instability. The opposition Fidesz party accused the government of negligence in failing to foresee the water level drop. Magyar responded by attributing the vulnerability to a decade of underinvestment by previous Fidesz governments. Meanwhile, the far-right blog Vadhajtások has encouraged citizens to defy government appeals by maximizing the use of air conditioning and freezers to intentionally strain the grid.