Establishing the regulatory duties in connection with the safety of the peaceful application of nuclear energy, particularly with the safety of nuclear materials and facilities under normal and accidental conditions and with nuclear emergencies is a basic task of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority. In addition, the HAEA is required to harmonise and handle the related public information activities.

Acting independently and supervised by a minister who, in turn, is performing his/her task independently of his/her portfolio and who is appointed by the Prime Minister, the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority is primarily concerned with ensuring nuclear safety in accordance with the law.

In accordance with the Act on Atomic Energy, in order to ensure the scientific basis for governmental, regulatory, and emergency response measures concerning the safety of nuclear applications, the work of the HAEA is supported by a Scientific Council. This Council consists of 12 members who are nationally known professionals in the field of nuclear energy applications. The chairman and the members of this council are appointed by the supervising minister of the HAEA. Within its terms of reference and taking into consideration the latest scientific results, the Scientific Council is required to take a stand on the most important issues of principle, research and development issues related to nuclear safety, and radiation protection and emergency response issues.