SELECTION OF LEGAL UPDATES
Changes to Election Rules: What Does the Amendment to the Election Administration Act Bring?
Prior to the upcoming October municipal council and Senate elections, Act No. 108/2026 Coll., amending Act No. 88/2024 Coll., on Election Administration, as amended, and certain other election laws, entered into force. The amendment also affects the Act on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, the Act on the Election of the President of the Republic, and the amending act related to the Election Administration Act.
The new legislation introduces several changes:
- Improved clarity of ballot papers;
- Facilitation of voting for persons with visual impairments through the use of QR codes;
- Postponement of the deployment of the Election Administration Information System so that it will not be used in the upcoming elections.
The purpose of the amendment is to preserve the transparency of elections and increase their accessibility for all individuals. The Information System of Medical Devices (ISZP) will newly use data from EUDAMED, enabling uniform identification of devices and simplifying procedures for distributors. The aim is to increase transparency, support market surveillance, and align Czech processes with the European regulatory framework.
New Customs Regime for Parcels from Non-EU Countries
As of 1 July, a new flat-rate customs duty of EUR 3 per item in consignments from countries outside the European Union came into effect. At the same time, the exemption allowing duty-free import of goods from third countries in consignments valued below EUR 150 was abolished.
If a shipment contains several different types of goods, the flat-rate duty will be charged separately for each item. For example, a shipment containing three different types of goods will be subject to a total duty of EUR 9. However, if the shipment contains multiple units of the same type of goods, the duty will only be charged once.
The new regime also applies to customers who ordered goods before 1 July. For customs purposes, the decisive factor is not the order date but the moment when the shipment enters the territory of the European Union.
The objective of the new customs system is to strengthen oversight of imported goods and contribute to the reduction of health and safety risks.
Conditional Discontinuation of Criminal Prosecution of a Legal Entity
With deferred effect from 1 July 2026, criminal proceedings against legal entities may make use of the instrument of conditional discontinuation of criminal prosecution. Its purpose is to enable more efficient resolution of criminal matters involving legal entities while encouraging companies to remedy unlawful situations and strengthen their internal control mechanisms.
The new legislation allows courts and public prosecutors to conditionally discontinue the criminal prosecution of a legal entity, provided that the statutory requirements are met. These include:
- The legal entity’s consent to this procedure;
- Taking necessary measures to compensate for the damage caused;
- Undertaking to eliminate or remedy the harmful consequences of the criminal offence;
- Payment of a monetary contribution designated for the support of victims of crime.
The probation period is set at between 6 months and 2 years. In the case of a qualified form of conditional discontinuation of criminal prosecution, the probation period ranges from 6 months to 5 years.
A key element of this new instrument is its emphasis on compliance. Criminal justice authorities may require a legal entity to prepare and implement effective preventive and remedial measures, the implementation of which may be independently monitored. The legal entity will select the supervising person, who will oversee compliance with the individual measures and submit reports on the performance of the supervision. The aim is not only to resolve a specific criminal matter but, above all, to reduce the risk of repeated unlawful conduct.
The new legislation therefore strengthens the preventive function of criminal law.
The EU Strengthens Air Passenger Rights
The European Union has adopted new legislation that strengthens air passenger rights while making the relevant rules clearer and easier to apply. The objective is to ensure a higher level of protection for passengers in cases of flight delays or cancellations, simplify the process of asserting their claims, and at the same time maintain balanced conditions for airlines and the competitiveness of the European aviation market.
One of the principal changes is the simplification and acceleration of procedures for claims for financial compensation and damages in connection with delayed or cancelled flights. The new rules also provide a more precise definition of extraordinary circumstances, making it clearer for both passengers and carriers when compensation is payable.
Another significant innovation is the requirement for airlines to ensure that children under the age of 14 are seated next to the person responsible for them. Previously, passengers, particularly those flying with low-cost carriers, often had to pay extra to select adjacent seats.
The new legislation further expands passengers’ rights with respect to information and communication from carriers, as well as the possibility of re-routing onto alternative transport services. The changes also include, for example:
- A prohibition on denying boarding on a return flight solely because the passenger did not use a previous segment of the same booking (the so-called “no-show” rule);
- Greater price transparency, requiring airlines to display the final ticket price before the booking process begins;
- Enhanced protection for persons with specific needs, particularly persons with disabilities, children, unaccompanied minors, and pregnant women.
The new rules are intended to provide greater legal certainty for both passengers and carriers, reduce disputes concerning the enforcement of claims, and ensure more uniform passenger protection throughout the European Union.
The new rules are expected to take effect in the second half of 2027.
If you have any questions or need consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at info@sirokyzrzavecky.cz
This document is for personal use only. Any use of this document for purposes other than those mentioned, including copying, distribution, or further dissemination, is prohibited without the consent of ŠIROKÝ ZRZAVECKÝ advokátní kancelář, s.r.o. („ŠZ“). The use of this document does not establish any legal relationship between the user and ŠZ, and in particular, the user does not acquire any rights against ŠZ arising from the use of this document. Offering this document for use by the general public does not constitute the provision of legal advice within the meaning of the Advocacy Act. ŠZ is not responsible for the use of this document without its direct assistance and final content review. The information provided herein is not exhaustive and therefore cannot be considered as specific legal advice.
