Susko: Talks with Tejc Reaffirm Closeness of Czech-Slovak Ties

Bratislava, 26 February (TASR) - Thursday's talks with Czech Justice Minister Jeronym Tejc confirmed the closeness of ties between Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Slovak Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer-SD) declared at a joint press conference on Thursday. According to Susko, the ministers discussed the recodification of the Civil Code, reform of criminal law, the use of alternative sentences, digitization of the judiciary, restorative justice and cooperation in this field. The ministers agreed on the need to strengthen coordination of their positions ahead of the March meeting of the Slovak and Czech governments, at which a joint memorandum on deepening cooperation is expected to be adopted. A separate issue discussed was relations with the European Union. Susko stressed that both countries are able to coordinate their approaches in this area as well, whether in relation to EU legislation or to individual proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights or the Court of Justice of the EU. "I believe it is very important within the European Union to find a common coordinated approach with the Czech Republic as well as with other partners, to build on the former Visegrad Four (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia), where we can cooperate with these partners in this area and put our interests first, and defend them in relation to the European Union or the European Commission where we believe our interests have real priority," Susko said. He added that Thursday's meeting with Tejc confirmed not only the high level of Slovak-Czech relations but also the readiness of both sides to contribute actively to the future of the EU. Tejc said the meeting with Susko was his first foreign trip since taking office as Czech justice minister. According to him, both sides agreed they are seeking to normalise relations between Slovakia and the Czech Republic so that they reach the highest possible level. The ministers also reviewed progress in the digitization of the judiciary in both countries. Tejc welcomed the exchange of information in this area and the opportunity to verify how digitization in the judiciary can function. He added that the Czech side also wants to examine how Slovakia carried out its court map reform, noting that the issue has stirred emotions within the judiciary. Tejc declared that the Czech Republic can share its experience with the recodification of the Civil Code, having adopted a new Civil Code more than ten years ago. The ministers also discussed electronic monitoring. Although the system was introduced in the Czech Republic some time ago, its functionality has not been sufficient, Tejc said. He added that Slovakia could serve as a model for the Czech Republic in this respect, as according to his calculations the system is used more frequently in Slovakia than in the Czech Republic. mf