IAEA checks in Bratislava how Slovakia has implemented its 2022 nuclear safety recommendations

The Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic (ÚJD SR) announced that an IRRS (Integrated Regulatory Review Service) follow-up mission began at its premises on 3 November. IRRS is an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) service that reviews regulatory oversight in nuclear safety and radiation protection. The mission runs until 9 November 2026.

What is being reviewed. According to ÚJD SR, the review looks at how the findings of the initial mission of September 2022 were addressed — recommendations and suggestions included in an action plan approved by Government Resolution No. 221/2024 of 17 April 2024. It covers oversight of nuclear safety, radiation protection, the safety of radioactive waste management and transport safety.

Who takes part. Besides ÚJD SR, the mission involves the Public Health Authority, the ministries of health, of the interior, of labour and social affairs, and of transport, as well as the Nitra Labour Inspectorate. The international team consists of five experts from the regulatory bodies of Australia, Finland, Pakistan, Portugal and Romania and three IAEA staff members, according to ÚJD SR and the SITA agency.

Context. The 2022 mission lasted twelve days and ended on 16 September, with a team of 14 experts and four IAEA staff. According to the IAEA, the team found that Slovakia had strengthened its regulatory oversight since the 2012 and 2015 missions, but recommended to the government, among other things, developing a national nuclear emergency plan, more independence and resources for the radiation protection departments, and better coordination between regulatory authorities.

What comes next. The mission will produce a final report assessing the progress of the Slovak institutions, which may include new recommendations and suggestions to improve oversight.

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