Principles of Environmental Protection

This thesis explores selected principles of environmental protection. First, a general introduction to the topic of legal principles is given. It is followed by a description of the approach taken in international environmental law and the environmental law of the European Union. Subsequently, this paper focuses on a theoretical analysis of these selected principles: (i) principle of sustainable development, (ii) preventative principle, (iii) precautionary principle, (iv) polluter pays principle, (v) principle of the highest value, (vi) principle of a high level of protection and finally, (vii) principle of access to information and of public participation. The main attention is paid to the situation in the Czech Republic. The aim was to provide an analysis of the principles of environmental protection in statutory provisions, and of their application by the Czech courts (the Supreme Administrative Court in particular). However, also a brief comparative description of the Austrian approach to the discussed topic is given. Finally, the research results are discussed and conclusions concerning the effectiveness of the environmental principles application are drawn. In order to improve the current situation, several recommendations de lege ferenda are listed. The principles of environmental protection..