The Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic maintains very close and cooperative relations with its Slovak and Austrian counterparts. This fact is due not only to the geographical situation, but also to a common cultural-historical legacy, which is manifested, among other things, in the similarity and closeness of the legal systems of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria. The three constitutional review bodies meet regularly on a bilateral basis. The opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives is also often presented within the framework of international justice organizations or at international conferences.

The host of yesterday's meeting, Mr. Pavel Rychetský, this time chose a trilateral meeting format, which enabled a discussion of issues that are topical for all three neighbouring countries and their constitutional judiciary. Together with the President of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ivan Fiačan, and the President of the Constitutional Court of Austria, Mr. Christoph Grabenwarter, they discussed international legal issues as well as issues related to national law (e.g. with regard to legal challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and legal measures, which were adopted in response to it).

Pavel Dvořák
Head of External Relations and Protocol Department