This was announced in late February by János Süli, Minister for Paks II, after the talks with IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano.

The Hungarian delegation updated IAEA officials on two years’ preparations for Paks II project and the current situation on the site. During the talks, the two parties shared an opinion that the new reactor units were crucial for Hungary and agreed to continue and strengthen their professional cooperation, which had lasted decades.

The Minister reminded that the IAEA did not take part in making national decisions on energy issues but provided expert assistance in taking measures required to ensure reliable construction and safe operation of nuclear power generation facilities.

He also noted that site preparations for Paks II would begin later this year; construction of nuclear reactors would start in 2020. Commercial operation is expected to begin in 2026–2027.

Gyula Fichtinger, Director General of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority, said that the IAEA would send a commission to Hungary before the beginning of construction to examine the project design documents for their compliance with the strictest international requirements together with the Hungarian regulator. The visit of IAEA experts is scheduled for the next year.