Last year, Czech SOLVIT Centre received some ninety complaints from both Czech and foreign entrepreneurs and citizens. The fact that different authorities misinterpret European legislation complicates or even hinders people to make use of the principal of freedom of the EU internal market.
The purpose of the informal SOLVIT network, which has been in operation for the last five years in the CR, is to help clients solve problems when tackling disputes with authorities from other EU states. The system in the CR is run by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Alternative to judicial proceedings
According to the Ministry’s public relations officer, Tomáš Bartovský, the greatest advantage of the network is its fast and effective communication with the authorities in question and the fact that advice is offered free of charge. The network can be contacted by telephone, e-mail, fax and in writing. A complaint can be filed electronically or personally. Detailed information can be found on the Ministry of Industry and Trade website.
„SOLVIT offers an alternative to lengthy and costly judicial proceedings. The maximum time limit to solve a problem is ten months. A great advantage is the fact that entrepreneurs and citizens are offered advice free of charge,” said the director of the Department of EU Internal Market and Services of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Jan Hebnar.
According to Mr. Barovský, a solution to a dispute is the outcome of co-operation between the complainant’s country’s SOLVIT centre and the SOLVIT centre of the country where the problem arose. It is a SOLVIT representative who communicates with the administrative organ which does not accept the rules of the European legislation. The SOLVIT network is operated by the European Commission and the centres are part of state administration. Thanks to this fact the centres have the knowledge of both European and Internal legislation and local situation and particularities.