THE VIENNA CONVENTION ON CIVIL LIABILITY FOR NUCLEAR DAMAGE REVISITED: CHALLENGES FOR UPDATING THE CZECH AND SLOVAK LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Both the Czech and Slovak Republic announced their plans to play an important role in the processof “nuclear renaissance” in Central Europe. However, this process cannot be limited to a mere multiplicationof nuclear facilities, but must be accompanied by strengthening of the legal and regulatory framework. Takingthe potential magnitude of a nuclear incident into regard, strengthening of the existing legal framework forthe nuclear third party liability must play an eminent role in this legislation. This paper deals with the currentliability frameworks in both countries, analysing the implementation of their commitments arising from theVienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage of 1963. Further, it points out major challengesfor the future development in this field, in particular taking the provisions of the Protocol to Amend the ViennaConvention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage of 1997 into regard.