Tashkent, June 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: At a plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, lawmakers reviewed and approved the Law “On the Accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (Vienna, May 21, 1963)”, marking a significant step forward in aligning Uzbekistan’s legal framework with international nuclear safety standards.
Uzbekistan’s accession to the Convention will enable the adoption of key international provisions governing civil liability for damage caused by incidents at civilian nuclear facilities. These include clearly defined procedures, timeframes, and compensation principles aimed at ensuring adequate protection for citizens in the event of a nuclear accident.
The primary objective of the legislation is to establish operator liability for nuclear damage resulting from incidents at facilities under their control. It also sets minimum financial security requirements to ensure compensation for affected parties. This move is expected to enhance public trust in Uzbekistan’s national nuclear safety system and provide a legal basis for introducing insurance and compensation mechanisms in the nuclear sector.
Senators emphasized that accession to the Vienna Convention will significantly strengthen Uzbekistan’s participation in the international nuclear legal framework, while reinforcing guarantees of nuclear safety and the protection of the rights of those affected by nuclear incidents.
The law also paves the way for expanded cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is expected to accelerate the implementation of strategic nuclear energy projects in Uzbekistan. It reflects the country’s commitment to modern nuclear safety and liability standards and to deepening international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously approved the law, underscoring Uzbekistan’s strategic commitment to ensuring the safe and responsible development of its nuclear energy sector.
