Hungary is set to shut down its only nuclear power plant this week as water levels in the River Danube fall to a record low, an unprecedented move that comes as Europe faces an energy crisis worsened by extreme heat and drought.
The prime minister warned that the country is facing its most critical five days ahead, with the plant expected to go offline for the first time ever. The Danube, which provides cooling water for the plant, has drained to historic lows after successive heatwaves and prolonged drought across the continent.
The shutdown highlights the strain on Europe's energy infrastructure as record temperatures and dry conditions disrupt power generation and worsen the energy crisis.