The aim of this paper is to assess the most recent developments in the arising threats to the rule of law, in particular from the viewpoint of their impact on the judicial cooperation in light of the principle of mutual trust in the European Union. The paper analyses the development of this principle, the position of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the issue, and its views on recent challenges to the rule of law as a fundamental value of the EU, along with positions of other judicial bodies. The assessment then seeks to establish the impact the arising threats to rule of law in the EU, including judicial independence, may exert on the future application of the principle of mutual trust amongst judicial authorities of the Member States, and outline the implications arising therefrom.

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The paper aims firstly to assess the future of anti-discrimination measures and policies, above all through the lens of ethnic data utilization. The question posed is not only whether massive collection and usage of such data is viable in relation to its result, but also whether such ethnic data collection is an obligation incumbent upon state authorities, in international and European human rights protection systems in particular. On the other hand, this article aims to compare existence of such obligation with the existing standards on right to privacy and implications for this right stemming from such use of Big Data. The negative impact resulting from such obligation in this regard could weigh heavily on protection of personal data, currently one of the main concerns throughout Europe and the EU.

Summary The paper aims firstly to assess the deficiencies in access to drinking water that are present in Slovakia. Recently, the country was condemned for various violations in ensuring access to drinking water for all, whether by third parties, but also national institutions and international organizations. Drawing upon the identified failures and violations, the actions undertaken to remedy the situation are analysed, especially in order to establish whether Slovakia dispenses with its obligations under the human right to water and addresses the identified problems satisfactorily. Finally, the process of public procurement in providing drinking water is considered, having regard to its role in promptness and efficiency of addressing the unsatisfactory situation which makes Slovakia open to severe criticism from international human rights bodies.

Las violaciones de los derechos humanos perpetradas por empresas son una realidad que ha sido un tema de derecho internacional y órganos de los derechos humanos por un período considerable. A lo largo de los años, se contemplaron diversas propuestas e instrumentos de carácter diverso para la regulación de la conducta empresarial. Todos son objeto de un intenso escrutinio y se han convertido en elementos polémicos entre los Estados involucrados en las negociaciones. El único documento adoptado por consenso en las Naciones Unidas, los Principios Rectores sobre Empresas y Derechos Humanos, contiene reglas no vinculantes. Sin embargo, los intentos de producir un tratado internacional vinculante nunca cesaron y actualmente se debaten con una participación considerable de la Unión Europea (UE). El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el progreso en el marco de desarrollo de las relaciones de las actividades comerciales con los derechos humanos, considerar la participación de la UE y determinar si la UE puede seguir avanzando en el estándar de protección, especialmente si tiene competencia suficiente para concluir el posible acuerdo de empresas y derechos humanos y qué enfoques son viables para que la UE implemente dicho acuerdo en su ordenamiento jurídico.