The ECBA continues to reinforce the essential role of the defence community in the development of European judicial cooperation.

On 12 September 2025 ECBA Chair Vânia Costa Ramos participated in an important event in Brussels, hosted by the Délégation des Barreaux de France (DBF), to discuss the future and function of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).

Our Chair was a key speaker on a panel alongside Cécile Soriano, French delegated European Prosecutor (and a previous speaker at the ECBA Spring Conference in 2022), and Laurent Pettiti, President of the DBF.

Ms. Costa Ramos shared her expert insights on the role of the defence lawyer at the national level when interacting with the EPPO.

The ensuing discussion was rich and timely, focusing on current challenges in European judicial cooperation and emphasizing the essential role of the defence in safeguarding fundamental rights within the EPPO framework.

This participation underscores the importance of the ECBA's work within this Working Group.

Click here for the Powerpoint presentation.