Online Lecture by a Judge of the Czech Constitutional Court
On April 2, 2026, the Constitutional Court of Ukraine hosted an online lecture by Zdenek Kühn, a judge of the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic, focusing on constitutional review. Judge Kühn detailed the historical development of constitutional review, with particular emphasis on the European model pioneered by Hans Kelsen. He also examined two models of constitutional complaint and discussed contemporary challenges nations face in this field. This exchange is part of Ukraine's broader engagement with European legal standards as it advances its judicial reforms.
The event was attended by judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, including Alla Oliinyk, Oleh Pervomaiskyi, and Halyna Yurovska, as well as representatives from the National School of Judges of Ukraine, practicing lawyers, judges, prosecutors, advocates, scholars, lecturers, postgraduate students, law faculty students, and pupils of the Junior Academy of Sciences. Judge Kühn's presentation served as a significant contribution to understanding modern approaches to constitutional review both in Ukraine and internationally.
The European Model of Constitutional Review
Zdenek Kühn highlighted that the European model of constitutional review developed by Hans Kelsen was first implemented in Austria and Czechoslovakia between 1919 and 1920. He noted that a specialized body for constitutional review was already functioning in Czechoslovakia during the 1920s. The 'constitutional court' model of constitutional complaint, which has gained popularity, has been in operation in Slovakia since 2000 and in Hungary since 2011.
Furthermore, the lecture referenced countries that have implemented various models of constitutional review. Specifically, countries with the 'constitutional tribunal' model include:
- Bulgaria
- Italy
- Latvia
- Poland
- Romania
- France
Meanwhile, countries adhering to the 'constitutional court' model are:
- Spain
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Hungary
This event provided a vital platform for sharing knowledge and experience between the legal communities of Ukraine and the Czech Republic, contributing to a higher level of professional awareness regarding constitutional review in Ukraine.
Judge Zdenek Kühn's lecture underscored the importance of international exchange of experience in the field of constitutional review, which is particularly relevant for Ukraine in the context of its ongoing legal reform.
Understanding different models of constitutional review can aid in refining the judicial system and ensuring the rule of law in the country.
As Ukraine continues to refine its judicial framework, understanding the implications of recent decisions is crucial. The Ukrainian Constitutional Court's recent ruling to abolish appeal fees for administrative decisions marks a significant shift in legal accessibility, complementing the insights shared by Judge Kühn on constitutional review models. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to align Ukraine's legal system with European standards, fostering a more equitable judicial environment.