European Communities law in the Czech Republic: Step One

The Czech Republic became new member of the European Union in May 2004. It is obliged to apply al­most all EG law since the date oj accession. However, we can observe now (mid 2005) only the first penetra­tions of this law in Gzech legal reality. Delayed introdu­ction of EG law has been caused mainly by the nature of this unique law. EG law is usually covert. Not on­ly directives but also basic freedoms have been trans­posed into Gzech law. Its correct application usually ensures compliance with EG standards. Comprehen­sive EG legal framework (expressed in regulations) is limited to administration of agriculture and customs. Czech courts have encountered only several cases invol­ving EG law. Ordinary Czech lawyers know only a few about EG law and they do not need to improve their knowledge about it for their everyday practice. EG law remains only additive to Czech law.