The CCBE Plenary Session was held in Paris on 27 November 2025.
Opening & 65th anniversary reflections
Celebrating the 65th anniversary of the CCBE, Michael McGrath, European Commission Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, opened the meeting with insightful remarks reflecting on past CCBE milestones, contributions over the years, and highlighting the crucial role of the CCBE and lawyers to uphold, protect and promote justice, the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights across our union.
Welcoming remarks
The CCBE was welcomed in Paris by:
- Julie Couturier, President of CNB Conseil National des Barreaux
- Louis Degos, President-elect of Barreau de Paris / Ordre des avocats de Paris
- Christophe Bayle, First Vice-President of the Conférence des Bâtonniers
Insights on the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyers
The CCBE heard valuable contributions from distinguished guests:
- Teong Liang Yap, President of the LAWASIA
- Steven Richman, Chair of the Bar Issues Commission, International Bar Association
- Fernando Hernández Gómez, President of the Union International des Avocats – UIA and François Moyse, President of the UIA Committee on the Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer
The following documents were adopted:
• CCBE Guide for Lawyers on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum
• CCBE response to the public consultation on the revision of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Regulation
Election of the 2026 CCBE Presidency
From January 2026, the new CCBE Presidency will be:
• Roman Zavrsek (Slovenia) – CCBE President
• Alex Tallon (Belgium) – First Vice-President
• Imbi Jürgen (Estonia) – Second Vice-President
• Noemí Alarcón Velasco (Spain) – Third Vice-President
CCBE Human Rights Award 2025
Thierry Wickers, CCBE President, and Barbara Porta, CCBE Chair of the Human Rights Committee, presented the CCBE Human Rights Award 2025 to Sonia Dahmani, Tunisian lawyer, in recognition of her courage and commitment to defending human rights, freedom of expression, and the independence of the legal profession in Tunisia.
The award ceremony opened with a speech by Honourable Commissioner Salma Sassi, African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, African Union.
In a very emotional moment, Ramla Dahmani received the award on behalf of her sister, just released from prison, as she was addressing the CCBE assembly.
👉 Stay connected with us on our social networks for more updates!
