projects
Rule of Law
The Rule of Law
The rule of law is one of the founding values of the EU enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on EU. The CCBE monitors actively the defence of the rule of law, the protection of the fundamental and human rights and freedoms, including the right of access to justice and protection of the client, and the protection of the democratic values inextricably associated with such rights.
- Language versions available for download
CCBE Contribution to the Rule of Law Report 2025
The CCBE welcomes the recognition in the 2025 Rule of Law Report of the vital role lawyers and Bar associations play in upholding the rule of law.
In its contribution to the upcoming 2026 Rule of Law Report, the CCBE describes its key actions and policy work carried out in the past period, alongside insights gathered from national Bars and Law Societies across EU Member States and few candidate countries on relevant developments within their justice systems.
The contribution highlights both positive developments and a number of trends raising concerns, particularly in relation to:
- confidentiality of lawyer–client communications
- threats or harassment targeting lawyers
- legal provisions and policies affecting the independence of lawyers and Bars
- cooperation between national Bars and the executive branch
- implementation of case law
- access to justice and digitalisation of justice systems
- other relevant developments impacting justice systems at national level
CCBE Rule of Law Network of contact points
A network of CCBE contact points on rule of law related issues was created in 2023. This network is responsible for monitoring and reporting to the CCBE the relevant national rule of law related issues during the year, as well as facilitating and strengthening the contribution from national Bars and Law Societies to the draft CCBE input to the Rule of Law Report of the European Commission.
