The countries of Central Europe are seriously experiencing record high temperatures, but also the consequences they can have for their economy.
Romania thus introduced energy emergency situation on the territory of the whole country. The reason for this is the drastic drop in electricity production and endangering the operation of the Černavoda nuclear power plant due to the record low water level of the Danube.
Hungary has been hit by a serious energy crisis due to the record low water level and high temperature of the Danube, which has brought the Paks nuclear power plant - which produces almost half of the country's electricity - to the verge of shutting down completely. Prime Minister Peter the Hungarian announced that the worst crisis has been avoided for now because the river level is rising slightly, but the situation is still critical.
Hungarian Parliament in the dark
Those visiting Budapest this summer may notice something unusual after sunset – the Hungarian Parliament is not lit up as usual. The lights were temporarily turned off as part of the city's energy-saving drive during Hungary's ongoing heat wave.
Energy-saving measures were announced at the end of July 2026, after the Hungarian government warned that the country was facing extremely high demand for electricity. Budapest has started turning off the decorative lighting of public buildings until the energy situation improves.
To reduce pressure on the power grid, Budapest temporarily switched off the decorative lighting of more than 300 public buildings, including some of the city's most famous landmarks such as parts of the Buda Castle district and the Citadel. These measures only affect architectural lighting — street lighting, traffic lights and basic public services continue to operate as normal.
Minimum capacity
After the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) in Slovenia announced that it would gradually reduce energy production due to the critically low water level and high temperatures of the Sava River, and the possible shutdown of the reactor if necessary, the Government of Slovenia announced that during the night it declared a low level of risk for energy supply and ordered the nuclear power plant to operate at minimum capacity.
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