Czechoslovakia became State Party to the Antarctic Treaty already in 1962. Three years ago the Czech Republic was granted the consultative status, which is a higher institutional status that entitles it to vote in the Consultative Meetings and to jointly take part in decisions on the future of this continent together with other 28 States. The necessary conditions for obtaining the consultative status were the establishment of the Czech research polar station Johann Gregor Mendel and continuous substantial scientific research activities. The Czech scientists are thus conducting substantial scientific research in Antarctica, which enjoys international recognition. The Czech Republic will also host the Consultative Meeting in 2019.

The Consultative Meeting is a decision-making body of the State Parties to the Antarctic Treaty, which is held once a year in one of the Consultative States Parties. The Consultative Meeting adopts measures and recommendations on diverse topics regarding Antarctica, such as scientific cooperation, air security, protection of environment and historical objects, exercise of jurisdiction and regulation of tourism and nuclear safety.