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CONFERENCE REPORT
The European Criminal Bar Association Autumn Conference was a resounding success, bringing together leading criminal defence lawyers and human rights advocates from across Europe and beyond. Hosted in the vibrant and historic city of Belgrade, the conference marked the long-awaited fulfilment of the ECBA’s commitment to holding an event in Serbia. Participants engaged in high-level legal discussions, practical breakout sessions, and vital networking, focusing on the most urgent issues confronting defence rights today, including the Rule of Law, procedural safeguards, cybercrime, sanctions, and international cooperation.
The gathering's events began with a warm welcome reception on Friday evening, where delegates connected with colleagues at the stunning Kalemegdan Terrace, overlooking the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers. ECBA Chair Vânia Costa Ramos officially welcomed participants, setting the stage for the crucial discussions ahead. Vladimir Hrle, ECBA Advisory Board member from Belgrade, underscored the local significance of the event. Both Vânia and Vladimir paid heartfelt tribute to the late Mr. Holger Matt, former ECBA Chair and an early champion of holding a conference in Belgrade.
The Saturday morning session featured a significant association development: the launch of the ECBA brand and visual identity. Dr. Oliver Kipper, Advisory Board member, unveiled the contemporary branding, featuring a bold typeface and the symbolic leaf motif—representing the fragility and the enduring strength of the rule of law and of the great network of members. Following this, Vice Chair Gwen Jansen - de Wolf presented the new ECBA website, described as a "living organism" structured around the two core pillars of Improving Justice and Connecting the Community.
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Presentations and background documents
Panel 2 - Procedural Safeguards
Background note
Chair: Alex Tinsley, defence lawyer, United Kingdom
Working Groups break-out sessions:
Cyber, Tech and AI
OSINT, Cyber Investigations and Defence Challenges
Chair: Judith de Boer, ECBA, defence lawyer, The Netherlands
Guest speakers: Ovidiu Valea and David Timofte, CyberOps Network, Romania
PHOTO IMPRESSION
