Leading Czech nuclear expert Dana Drábová passes away at 64

After a serious illness, Dana Drábová, the long-serving chairwoman of the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB), passed away on Monday at the age of 64. She was the longest-serving senior civil servant in the highest position in the Czech Republic. She led the office overseeing the use of nuclear energy in the country for more than a quarter of a century.

Drábová was also active in local politics and public life and was engaged in supporting Ukraine. Politicians, nuclear energy experts, and environmentalists alike praised not only her knowledge and long years of service to the state but also her perspective, directness, and ability to engage in fair discussions even with opponents. Drábová was first appointed head of the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) in October 1999 by the then Social Democratic government of Miloš Zeman. Most recently, her mandate was extended two years ago by the current cabinet of Petr Fiala (ODS). The office, among other responsibilities, authorizes the operation of nuclear power plants and other facilities, besides the nuclear blocks in Dukovany and Temelín, it also oversees the safe handling of radiation for about 8,000 other permit holders.

“Dana Drábová did truly exceptional work for the safety of the Czech Republic,” President Petr Pavel responded to her passing. He valued her expertise and admired her directness and charisma. In the past, Drábová received honors from his two predecessors in the presidency. In 2011, President Václav Klaus awarded her the President’s Silver Plaque, and three years later, his successor Miloš Zeman presented her with the Medal of Merit.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) described Drábová as an extraordinary woman dedicated to serving the state and its security. Andrej Babiš, leader of the ANO movement, respected Drábová as a great expert. Industry and Trade Minister Lukáš Vlček (STAN) called her an exceptional figure in Czech science and public life. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (independent) considered Drábová an outstanding woman who tirelessly worked her entire life for the Czech Republic, its energy security and diplomacy.