Third Chain Bridge Forum

The third Chain Bridge Forum was held on 3 April 2025 in Budapest. The general objective of the Forum is the strengthening of relations between Hungary and the United Kingdom, and discussion of relevant economic, energy, social and foreign policy issues of common interest with the participation of experts. Following the tradition of previous years, this year’s event also paid special attention to the nuclear energy: one of the invited guests of the thematic panel was Ms Eszter Rétfalvi, Director of Oversight of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA).

Among other topics, the panel discussion focused on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and their role in power generation, and the issue of nuclear fuel diversification.

The event was jointly organised by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, the Royal United Services Institute, the British Embassy in Budapest and the Embassy of Hungary in London.

On the margins of the Forum, Ms Eszter Rétfalvi, Director of Oversight had a meeting at the HAEA Headquarters with Mr Robert Exley, Head of the UK partner authority's SMR Generic Design Assessment Unit. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on developing of cooperation on the basis of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed in early 2024, and reviewed the SMR related regulatory activities and experiences.