Komparativní analýza vývoje energetické politiky České republiky, Maďarska, Polska a Slovenska s důrazem na roli jaderné energetiky v kontextu geopolitických výzev na přelomu druhé a třetí dekády 21. století

A comparative analysis of the development of energy policy in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, with an emphasis on the role of nuclear energy in the context of geopolitical challenges at the turn of the second and third decade of the 21st century, provides a comprehensive view of the status of nuclear energy and its level of development, including its strengths and weaknesses within the countries studied. Differences are observed between the countries studied in terms of the share of nuclear energy in the energy mix the history of its use, or its hedging against energy security risks. Despite all these differences, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia all attribute a strong role to nuclear energy in their energy policies and consider it as one of the most promising energy sources in the transition to zero-emission energy sector. The covid-19 pandemic proved nuclear energy to be a safe and stable source, where nuclear power plants, thanks to strong and well-established safety, could operate without problems even under difficult conditions and deliver a stable supply of electricity. The war in Ukraine has brought challenges in the form of energy security and self-sufficiency issues, where Russia as a major player in the global nuclear technology field can use this position as a form of power diplomacy. The countries under review are thus trying to reduce the risk of energy security threats and take steps to reduce their dependence on Russia. The most prominent initiative, for example, is the APIS project, which aims to diversify the suppliers of nuclear fuel for Russian VVER reactors. Despite geopolitical challenges at the turn of the first and second decade of the 21st century and different levels of development, nuclear energy has confirmed its indispensable role and position in the energy policies of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.