Peter Potásch, a judge at The Supreme Administrative Court of the Slovak Republic, discussed current legal challenges on a modern platform

From 2nd to 4th September 2026, Peter Potásch attended the 2026 annual conference of the European Law Institute (ELI) in Paris, the theme of which was ‘Europe and the Rule of Law: Cultural Engagement and Legal Resilience’.

Speakers at the ELI conference included, amongst others, Richard Ferrand, President of the French Constitutional Council (Conseil constitutionnel); Christophe Soulard, President of the French Court of Cassation (Cour de cassation); Donal O’Donnell, President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Ireland; and Mathias Guyomar, President of the European Court of Human Rights.

A significant proportion of the expert presentations and discussions centred on the principles of the rule of law and their application in modern society. Attention was also given to the protection of legal professionals in society, specifically in the context of the media and social media. Using practical case studies, conference participants also addressed the topic of biometric data and examined the specific circumstances in which biometrics could be of assistance in the context of public administration or judicial decision-making.

Attention was also given to whether, and if so to what extent, artificial intelligence has a legitimate role to play in the administration of justice. One of the presentations focused on the topic of works of art and cultural heritage in European Union law, with a particular emphasis, for example, on issues relating to the export and import of works of art and trade in them.

The Supreme Administrative Court officially became an institutional member of the European Law Institute in January 2026. This significant step enables Slovakia’s supreme court to play a direct role in shaping and harmonising the European legal environment. Thanks to this membership, judges of the Supreme Administrative Court have gained access to international projects, expert discussions and the drafting of model rules at a Europe-wide level. Joining the ELI confirms the pro-European orientation and high standing of the Slovak administrative justice system abroad.

European Law Institute Annual Conference: “Europe and the Rule odf Law: Cultural Engagement and Legal Resilience” Photo © ELI.