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A shared history, geographical and cultural proximity and similar systems of the protection of constitutionality are just some of the many phenomena that provide an exceptionally solid foundation for cooperative relations between the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic and the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic. Both courts are also heirs to the same body, the Constitutional Court of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. It was established in 1991 and worked until the dissolution of the federation in 1992. Despite its short existence, it decided more than a thousand cases.

The intensity of the mutual ties between the two courts is reflected, among other things, in the annual meetings of the plena. While last year's gathering took place in Brno, this year's talks were held at the seat of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic in Košice. The meeting was divided into two sessions. The first took place on Thursday, 13 November, in the afternoon, and the second on Friday, 14 November, in the morning. The general topic of the meeting was the recent case law. Specifically, the discussions focused on criminal law issues in constitutional court decisions (forfeiture of property, lifetime bans), the so-called climate case, the review of pension reform, the review of issues related to political competition (elections), etc.

Constitutional courts have no counterpart on the national level that would have an equivalent position or competence. However, such institutions exist abroad. In the international arena, constitutional protection bodies can share experiences, knowledge and perspectives, thereby contributing to improving the quality of decision-making and deepening the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights. The Košice meeting once again confirmed the importance of international cooperation.

Pavel Dvořák
Head of External Relations and Protocol Department