During his recent visit to Budapest, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the 'golden age' of U.S.-Hungarian relations while expressing strong support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary's upcoming April elections. This visit included the signing of a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, which Rubio described as vital for U.S. national interests. However, his remarks have raised concerns among European leaders about the U.S. commitment to transatlantic unity, particularly given the tense backdrop of the Munich Security Conference. Rubio's endorsement of Orbán, who is facing a tough electoral challenge, has been interpreted as a provocative move that could exacerbate divisions within Europe, especially as Hungary and Slovakia remain skeptical of the EU's support for Ukraine and are heavily reliant on Russian energy (The Guardian, February 17, 2026).