The United States and Slovakia signed a landmark agreement on January 16, 2026, to advance cooperation on Slovakia’s civil nuclear energy program, a strategic initiative aimed at reducing the Central European country’s reliance on Russian-designed reactors and strengthening European energy security.

New U.S.-Designed Nuclear Unit Planned

Under the agreement, Slovakia will develop a state-owned 1,200-megawatt nuclear unit of U.S. design at the Jaslovske Bohunice Nuclear Power Plant, which will be larger than any existing reactors at the site. This move represents a significant expansion of Slovakia’s nuclear capacity and a major step toward modernizing its energy infrastructure.

Currently, Slovakia operates five nuclear reactors across two plants and has been in discussions with the United States since 2025 to construct a large-scale facility in partnership with nuclear developer Westinghouse.

Strategic Importance and Energy Security

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening European energy sovereignty and ensuring long-term energy security. He stated that the collaboration would promote decades of safe, sustainable, and technologically advanced nuclear energy in Slovakia.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico described the deal as a “clear signal” of strategic alignment between Slovakia and the United States on the future of energy, highlighting the focus on safety, sustainability, and technological advancement.

Corporate Partners

The new nuclear project will involve Westinghouse, which is owned by Canada-based Cameco Corporation and Brookfield Asset Management. These partnerships will leverage North American expertise in nuclear technology, while supporting Slovakia’s broader energy transition goals.

Implications for European Energy

The U.S.-Slovakia nuclear agreement is part of a broader European effort to reduce dependency on Russian energy imports and enhance energy independence. By investing in U.S.-designed reactors and modern nuclear technology, Slovakia is signaling a strategic shift toward diversified energy sources, helping to stabilize supply and promote sustainable growth.

The project is expected to bolster Slovakia’s electricity generation capacity, support high-tech industry development, and reinforce the country’s position in the regional energy market.