ECOLOGY

New publication "Small Modular Reactors for the Czech Market: An update - 2024" analyses the current state of the field of small and medium-sized modular reactors (SMRs) and builds upon the unique study "Prospects for Small Modular Reactors in the Czech Republic", published in 2023. The author is Emeritus Professor Stephen Thomas from University of Greenwich, London. Edvard Sequens, the energy expert from Czech organization Calla, authored a chapter on the situation in the Czech Republic as the Czech largest energy company ČEZ established a strategic partnership with the British company Rolls-Royce in 2024 and companies such as Sokolovská uhelná and Orlen have expressed interest in SMRs, too.

Following last year’s September elections in Slovakia, we are witnessing a textbook example of the breakdown of democratic principles. For the fourth time, the position of Prime Minister has been filled by Robert Fico, whose party SMER (Direction) has formed a coalition with Hlas (Voice), a party that broke away from SMER, and the nationalist Slovenská národná strana (Slovak National Party). We cannot base our expectations of the current Government on Fico’s previous terms in office, though. While in the past Fico was leaning toward the EU and wanted to be part of its core, during the COVID-19 pandemic his stance turned quite anti-European and hateful.

In the Czech Republic, the environment remains sidelined as a policy issue in comparison to many other EU Member States. While there have been some positive developments thanks to EU measures and financial support, numerous challenges remain unresolved.