Judge Novotný discusses fundamental rights and their protection at a seminar in Prague

Judge Michal Novotný participated in a seminar on “Conflicts of norms. Multilevel protection in the application of fundamental rights”, which was organised by the European Judicial Training Network together with the Association of European Administrative Judges.

The main focus of the seminar was to discuss fundamental rights and freedoms in Europe, as well as potential conflicts that may arise between national and European law in the application of these rights. An important issue was also the degree of supremacy of European law over the (constitutional) law of individual Member States.

A group photo of participants of the seminar in Prague. Photo © Judicial Academy of the Czech Republic.

The supremacy and direct applicability of European law has been assessed in particular in relation to fundamental rights and freedoms in the context of their protection at several levels. These levels include protection by national law, but also by the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms or the EU’s founding treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The participation of judges practicing not only in administrative law but also in criminal or civil law has ensured a diversity of views on these issues. The exchange of knowledge and good practice took place through expert lectures and practical case studies.

The joint seminar of the Association of European Administrative Courts and the European Judicial Training Network took place on 3 and 4 April 2025 in Prague (Czech Republic).