Abstract
This chapter reflects the first experience with the new legal order in the Czech Republic. It firstly deals with the pre-accession phase and instances of the use of EU law in the Czech courts before the enlargement itself.
Secondly, the post-accession case law of the Czech Constitutional Court is examined in order to identify any emerging constitutional doctrine vis-à-vis European Union law. Thirdly, day-to-day judicial application of EU law is discussed, together with the practice of administrative authorities.
Fourthly, this chapter offers an overview of Czech references for preliminary ruling to the European Court of Justice and their domestic context. Finally, direct actions involving the Czech Republic as claimant (Article 230 EC) or as defendant (Article 226 EC) are examined against their domestic background and political context.