International Conference
21 years
of the European Union
16 October 2025 – Sady Pětatřicátníků 14, Pilsen

European judicial cooperation as a basis for legal unity and trust between EU countries:

• Judicial cooperation between the Member States of the European Union is key to ensuring the effectiveness of the legal system and citizens' confidence in European legal frameworks. This cooperation is essential for protecting the rights of individuals and ensuring justice across borders, particularly in civil and criminal matters.

The importance and challenges of civil justice cooperation:

• Civil cooperation covers a wide range of legal issues such as family matters, inheritance, commercial disputes, and consumer protection. Ensuring legal certainty and effective enforcement of decisions in other EU countries is a key challenge.
• Legislation such as the Brussels I and II Regulations and the European order for payment Directive are examples of instruments that make it easier and faster to resolve cross-border disputes.

Criminal justice cooperation: strengthening legal protection in the EU against cross-border crime:

• In the criminal area, judicial cooperation presents challenges in the fight against organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime and other cross-border crimes. Mutual recognition of convictions and coordination between national authorities is essential for effective judicial cooperation.
• Instruments such as the European Arrest Warrant or the European Judicial Network are essential for the effective exchange of information and for ensuring justice in all Member States.

Regulatory harmonisation vs. national sovereignty:

• While there is a strong trend towards harmonisation of laws within the EU, each Member State still exercises its own legal sovereignty. So how to strike a balance between harmonisation and respect for national legal traditions and cultures? How to ensure effective cooperation while respecting different legal systems?

The role of technology in modern judicial cooperation:

• With the rise of digitalisation and new technologies, the effectiveness of judicial cooperation depends more than ever on the ability to rapidly exchange information among the Member States. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with e-filing, digital evidence and the use of modern communication infrastructure?

The importance of human rights and a fair trial:

• Judicial cooperation must carefully balance the protection of human rights against the need for effective law enforcement. How can we ensure that all procedures - in both civil and criminal cases - are carried out in accordance with European and international standards for the protection of individual rights?

The future of judicial cooperation in the EU:

• What are the current directions and trends in judicial cooperation? What new measures or legislative initiatives are planned to promote the efficiency and unity of the EU legal system? And how will these changes affect relations between Member States and the safeguarding of citizens' rights?

Practical experience and cooperation between judicial authorities of  the EU Member States:

• What is the experience of day-to-day cooperation between national judicial authorities and what specific cases point to strengths or areas for improvement in the area of mutual recognition of judgments and proceedings? What instruments and mechanisms enable the European judicial area to function effectively?

The global security landscape: New reality after the Russian aggression:

• Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2014 and its escalation in 2022 have dramatically changed the global security landscape. This event has not only prompted a reassessment of relations between states, but has also revealed a new reality of modern conflicts in which conventional military actions are combined with unconventional methods such as cyber-attacks, disinformation and economic sanctions.

Hybrid warfare as a new security challenge:

• Hybrid warfare is characterised by the use of a combination of military, non-military, political and economic tools. This war is not fought by traditional means, but includes, for example, disinformation, cyber-attacks, economic manipulation and the use of local actors as 'indirect combatants'. How are these new forms of conflict changing the definition of war and security threats in the 21st century?

Russian geopolitics and its goals in the context of hybrid warfare:

• The Russian Federation uses hybrid tactics to achieve its geopolitical goals. The aim is not only military expansion, but also to undermine the stability of states, weaken democratic institutions and break up international alliances such as NATO and the European Union. How do Russian propaganda and cyber-attacks affect domestic politics and public opinion in the targeted countries?

Disinformation and cyber warfare as key components of hybrid warfare:

• Disinformation becomes a tool for influencing public opinion and destabilising politics in other countries. Cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, which can paralyse entire states or organisations, are also part of Russia's aggressive strategy. What are the risks associated with cyber-attacks and what are the options of defence against them?

Economic sanctions as an instrument of international and European response:

• The economic sanctions imposed on Russia by Western countries are one of the main tools to punish aggression and weaken the Russian regime. How effective are sanctions in achieving political change and what impact do they have on the global economy, including energy markets and international relations?

Russian aggression and its impact on the international security architecture:

• How does Russia's aggressive policy affect relations between NATO, the European Union and Russia? What are the implications for the global security architecture and how can Western countries counter the growing threat of hybrid conflicts? What strategies should states adopt to strengthen their resilience to these new threats?

The future of security: adapting defence strategies to new threats:

• How should states and the European Union adapt their defence and security strategies in response to the new threats of hybrid warfare? What technological, diplomatic and military tools are necessary to respond effectively to changes in the security environment?

Migration as a global phenomenon:

• Migration is one of the biggest global issues of our time, affecting not only individuals but also entire nations. In 2025, we are increasingly focusing on security issues, economic factors, climate change and geopolitical conflicts that lead to mass movements of people. What are the main causes of migration in today's world and how are migrant-receiving countries preparing for them?

Migrants' rights and the protection of human rights:

• Human rights are the basis for both the protection of migrants and the regulation of asylum and migration policies. How can we ensure that migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, are protected from discrimination, abuse and violations of fundamental rights such as the right to life, liberty and security? What are the rights of these persons under international law and how are they applied in practice?

Legal frameworks for asylum protection:

• International legal frameworks such as the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol provide crucial protection for those fleeing persecution. What are the main challenges in implementing this legislation in the context of the current migration crisis? How do EU countries approach the reception of refugees and how do these processes differ between countries?

National versus European responsibility in the field of asylum and migration:

• What is the division of responsibilities between national governments and the international community in protecting migrants' rights and providing asylum? How does the EU coordinate asylum and migration policies between Member States and what works well and what needs to be improved in terms of solidarity between states and the provision of protection for those in need?

How to strike a balance between the protection of rights and national security:

• Migration issues are often linked to concerns about national security and integration. How can we strike a balance between the need to ensure national security and the rights of migrants? How to avoid prejudices and xenophobia that can threaten the acceptance of migrants and their successful integration into society?

Climate migration: a new type of refugees and a challenge for the protection of rights:

• Climate change is leading to new migration flows, with people moving because of natural disasters, droughts, floods or deteriorating living conditions. How should international and EU law respond to this type of migration ? What mechanisms can be put in place to protect climate migrants?

Integration of migrants and asylum seekers: opportunities and challenges for receiving States:

• How can the EU countries ensure successful integration of migrants and asylum seekers into their societies, including access to education, employment and healthcare? What are the best practices that can improve integration and promote mutual understanding between migrants and local residents to avoid tensions and discrimination?

Protection of vulnerable groups: Women, children, ethnic minorities, Roma, and LGBTQ+:

• Women, children, members of national minorities, especially Roma, members of the LGBTQ+ community, face specific risks such as sexual violence, exploitation, trafficking and discrimination. What are the ways to ensure special protection for these vulnerable groups in the asylum procedure and what tools can be used to protect their rights and safety?

The role of NGOs and international institutions:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations such as the UNHCR and the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) play a key role in promoting human rights. How can these organisations work with governments and other actors to better protect and assist migrants? What are the main challenges they face in current migration and asylum policy?

Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for change in the 21st century:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key factor of transformation in all sectors, from law to healthcare and education to industry and agriculture. What are its greatest benefits and what does it mean for people‘s everyday life, organisations and the global economy? How can companies address changes that AI brings?

Ethics of AI: Where are the boundaries between utility and abuse?

• AI raises fundamental questions of ethics and accountability, especially when it comes to decision-making in autonomous systems such as autonomous vehicles or AI in the justice system. How can we ensure that decisions made by AI are in accordance with ethical standards and basic human rights? How do we address the risk of discrimination or bias in algorithms?

Regulation and legislation for AI: Who should set the rules and how?

• Given the rapid development of AI and its widespread application in various fields, urgent regulatory issues are emerging. How should national governments, the EU and international organisations approach the regulation of AI to ensure protection from potential risks, but also to encourage innovation? What should be the role of the EU in defining rules for the global use of AI?

Privacy in the AI era: challenges and solutions for personal data:

• With the development of AI, the amount of personal data being collected and analysed is increasing, raising concerns about privacy and data security. How can personal data be protected within AI applications? What legal frameworks exist to ensure privacy protection in this digital era, and how should these regulations be adapted to the new challenges associated with AI?

AI at work: Impact on the labour market and new occupations:

• Automation and AI have the potential to transform labour markets at the EU and global level. What are the challenges and opportunities for workers facing the automation of certain professions and what new professional roles is AI creating? What steps should EU governments take to support the training and retraining of workers in this rapidly changing economy?

AI in security: cyber threats and AI for cybersecurity:

• As the availability and use of AI increases, so do the potential cybersecurity threats. What are the main risks associated with using AI for cyber attacks? How can AI help in detecting and defending against cyber attacks, and what are the risks if AI itself is misused for cyber warfare?

AI and its impact on the global economy: who will benefit from its development?

• The development of AI has the potential to transform global economic forces, with some countries benefiting more than others from this technological advance. What are the geopolitical and economic implications of AI development for EU countries ? What is the role of the public and private sectors in promoting equitable access to these technologies?

Transparency and trust in AI systems: how to explain AI decisions?

• Many AI systems, especially those based on machine learning, are referred to as "black boxes" whose decisions are difficult to explain. What are the risks of this lack of transparency and how can public trust in AI systems be ensured, especially in critical areas such as healthcare, justice or banking?

AI and sustainability: how can AI contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals?

• AI offers tools to tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution and sustainable development. What are some specific examples of using AI to improve sustainability in industry, energy or agriculture? How can we maximise the potential of AI to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) without neglecting its negative impacts?

The future of AI: What are the possibilities for its development in the coming decades?

• What is the potential of AI for the future - what directions will this rapidly evolving field take? What will artificial super intelligence bring and what will be its impact on human civilization? How should states, academia and technology companies work together to ensure that AI is developed responsibly and in accordance with ethical principles?

Cross-border cooperation between the Czech Republic and Germany/Bavaria: History and significance:

• Cross-border cooperation between the Czech Republic and Germany, specifically between Pilsen and Bavaria, has a long tradition that dates back to the period after the fall of the Iron Curtain. This cooperation is of key importance for the economy, culture and legal frameworks of both regions. What are the main areas of cooperation and what specific challenges and opportunities does it bring in the area of legal regulation, particularly in the field of consumer law?

Legal frameworks of consumer law in the Czech Republic and Germany:

• Consumer law in the Czech Republic and Germany/Bavaria has developed in different legal systems, while Germany has a strong tradition of consumer protection within its legal system, which is also linked to European legislation. What are the main differences and similarities in the regulation of consumer rights in these two countries and how do these differences manifest themselves in cross-border trade?

The importance of cross-border cooperation in consumer law:

• The Czech Republic and Germany are part of the European Union, which facilitates cross-border trade and cooperation in consumer law. Regions such as Pilsen and Bavaria have specific economic, cultural and legal contexts that affect the protection of consumer rights.
• The aim is to improve consumer awareness, ensure fair dispute resolution and strengthen legal protection across borders.

Harmonisation of European consumer law:

• Consumer law in the EU is harmonised and offers common standards to protect consumer rights. Key instruments are the Consumer Protection Directives, including Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights which covers online and distance selling.
• Different national implementations of directives can lead to inconsistencies in legislation and practice, which complicate consumer protection in cross-border transactions.

Consumer rights in cross-border shopping:

• Online shopping: due to digitalisation and the growing trend of e-commerce, more and more consumers in Pilsen and Bavaria are involved in online shopping where they encounter the legal regimes of both countries.
• Consumers also have the right to return goods and make claims when shopping in other Member States, which requires coordinating legislation and providing information on consumer rights.

Legal framework for resolving disputes between consumers and businesses:

• The European Directives on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) are tools to simplify and speed up the resolution of consumer disputes without the need for court proceedings. These mechanisms are very important for consumers in cross-border situations.
• The European Commission's online dispute resolution platform offers consumers tools to resolve disputes with traders in other Member States.

The role of regulators and supervisory authorities:

• Ensuring effective cooperation between the Czech and German regulatory authorities (e.g. Czech Trade Inspection Authority, Bundeszentrale für Verbraucherschutz) is crucial for consumer protection in cross-border transactions.
• Administrative and language barriers must be overcome when enforcing consumer rights against businesses operating in other Member States.

Specifics of consumer protection in Pilsen and Bavaria:

• Consumers in the Pilsen region often have specific preferences and needs that differ from consumers in neighbouring Bavaria. Adapting the protection of consumer rights to these specifics is crucial for effective cooperation.
• Support initiatives and projects aimed at raising awareness of consumer rights on both sides of the border (e.g. information campaigns, training for businesses).

The importance of education and awareness for consumers and entrepreneurs:

• Educaton of entrepreneurs on proper consumer information and compliance with laws and regulations in both states is key.
• Increasing consumer awareness of their rights in cross-border shopping, complaints and the enforcement of rights.

The future of cross-border cooperation in consumer law:

• The rapid development of e-commerce, digitalisation and the increasing mobility of consumers bring new challenges in the protection of consumer rights. On the other hand, there are opportunities to simplify administrative processes and provide better access to legal tools for dispute resolution.
• The EU is expected to continue to harmonise and simplify consumer legislation to improve consumer protection and facilitate cross-border trade.

JUDr. Pavla Buriánová, Ph.D - moderator

Mgr. Dominik Hoda - moderator

doc. JUDr. Monika Forejtová, Ph.D. - moderator

Mgr. Tomáš Křivka, Ph.D. - moderator

Mgr. et Mgr. Milan Severa - moderator