[en] Slovakia is dependent on external primary energy resources, importing more than 80% of its needs, particularly oil, gas and nuclear fuel from Russia. Slovakia currently operates 5 nuclear units in two sites and their share on total power production is about 50%. There are in operation two VVER 440/230 (first generation) units and two VVER 440/213 (second generation) units at Jaslovske Bohunice and one VVER 440/213 unit at Mochovce. At Mochovce site commissioning of second VVER 440/213 unit is expected at the end of 1999. The legal structure for the regulation of nuclear safety consists of new acts adopted since independence of the Slovak Republic and of other regulations adopted prior to the creation of the Slovak Republic. The legal system can be categorized as follows: The Constitution is the highest basic law and is enacted by the Parliament. Acts are basic laws specifying principles in various areas and are promulgated by the Parliament. As one of the basic laws, the Atomic Energy Act governs the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Slovak Republic. Regulations are rules issued by central governmental authorities (e. g. ministries) to pose requirements for the implementation of acts and they are approved by government. Regulatory guides contain specific requirements and recommended approaches to facilitate the fulfilment of relevant requirements and are published by the regulatory bodies. International conventions and agreements that were ratified by the Parliament and by the President are included just behind the constitution and have power as a law. (authors)