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Criminal Defence Lawyers in Europe

ECBA Letter to Commissioner Frattini

The ECBA has written in strong terms to Commissioner Frattini, expressing once again our concern that the Framework Decision on Procedural Rights has not been adopted and asking for an explanation of the reasons for the delay in implementing the measures scheduled in the Hague Programme.

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ECBA Letter to Alberto Costa

The ECBA has written to Alberto Costa, the Justice Minister of Portugal (which currently holds the Presidency of the EU) urging that progress should be made on the adoption of the Framework Decision on the European Supervision Order in Pre-Trail Procedures between Member States.

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ECBA Membership Registration

Since its foundation in 1997 the ECBA (European Criminal Bar Association) has become the pre-eminent independent organisation of specialist defence lawyers in all Council of Europe countries.

The ECBA aims to promote the fundamental rights of persons under investigation, suspects, accused and convicted persons.

The ECBA consists of specialist defence lawyers in the member countries of the Council of Europe. Membership is open to all lawyers, whether practicing or in academic life, who support those aims.

The association holds conferences twice a year, in spring and autumn, during which members and non-members meet and discuss the latest developments in European criminal law. The ECBA also acts as a platform for lawyers to meet with lawyers from all member states and to exchange information and knowledge. Its website aims to give access to relevant information, laws, treaties and preparatory documents. At the members-section of the website lawyers can simply ask questions, look for lawyers they need in member-state countries, take part in committees preparing documents for several European projects, etc.

Although being wholly independent the ECBA has close links with the CCBE, and the ICB.

Supra-national bodies, such as the European Union, are increasingly influencing the future of criminal justice in Europe. Therefore, we believe, there is a strong need for an organisation of practising defence lawyers able to advocate rights and minimum standards for all suspected, accused and convicted persons.
I hope that this website provides the information you are looking for. If you require any additional information, don't hesitate to contact the secretariat.

Holger Matt
Chairman of the ECBA

ECBA activities include:

Making observations and representations on proposed legislation, particularly EU legislation.
Acting as a consultant to European institutions including making contribution to expert meetings and discussions.
Providing a platform to debate and highlight short-comings in either European or domestic legislation, compared to best practice and universal fundamental rights standards.
Assisting members in accessing readily all sources of European law including innumerable international treaties and covenants.
To establish a network of contacts to provide mutual assistance.
To organise conferences twice a year to present and discuss current issues relevant to European criminal law.
Through its website to provide a forum for exchange of information on matters of practical importance.
To liaise effectively with other international and domestic lawyers groups including CCBE and ICB.
To accompany our work with a diverse and interesting social programme.

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With financial support from the AGIS Programme, European Commission - Directorate-General Justice, Freedom And Security