The CCBE called for the urgent ratification of the Convention on the protection of the profession of advocate

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) has called on all states to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of the profession of advocate as soon as possible, as the integrity of justice and trust in the rule of law depend on it.

The CCBE unanimously adopted the relevant statement on October 2 during a meeting of the Committee.

«Advocates are fundamental to the rule of law and the protection of citizens' rights. They play a crucial role in upholding justice, ensuring access to justice, and protecting the rights of everyone. However, their independence and safety are increasingly under threat, both in Europe and beyond», - the statement said.

The CCBE, which represents advocate and law societies in 46 countries and, through them, more than 1 million European advocates, called on the European Union and all member states of the Council of Europe to urgently sign and ratify the historic Convention.

The document notes that the Convention is a landmark, binding legal instrument that establishes a robust and effective framework for protecting the independence, autonomy, and professional rights of advocates. It protects advocates from unlawful actions and undue interference, guarantees the confidentiality of communication between advocates and their clients, and ensures fair access to the profession and disciplinary procedures.

«Protecting advocates means protecting the rule of law, strengthening justice, and preserving the fundamental rights of citizens», - the CCBE emphasizes. When advocates can perform their duties without persecution, retaliation, or undue interference, they can effectively protect citizens' rights, ensure fair trials, and uphold justice.

The CCBE also referred to the European Commission's annual report No. COM(2025) 900 on the state of the rule of law in European Union countries in 2025, which specifically emphasized the vital importance of protecting the independence of advocacy as one of the foundations of democratic governance and the justice system. In this context, the Convention is mentioned as an important step towards ensuring that advocates can perform their fundamental role in a democratic society.

In view of the above, the swift signing and ratification of the Convention by EU countries and all Council of Europe member states is an important and necessary step towards strengthening the independence of the advocate profession. This Convention will play a key role in protecting and supporting the foundations of the rule of law, ensuring that justice systems remain fair, transparent, and capable of meeting challenges. Its implementation is essential for the protection of advocates, who are vital defenders of democratic values and fundamental rights, and for the promotion of the rule of law, first in Europe and then worldwide, through the accession of non-member states of the Council of Europe.

It should be recalled that the Council of Europe, at its 1522nd meeting held on March 11 and 12, 2025, adopted the Convention on the Protection of the Advocate's Profession. The solemn signing of the international document took place in Luxembourg on May 13-14 on the occasion of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the participating countries. Ukraine, which was directly involved in the preparation of the draft Convention (the Vice President of the UNBA, BCU Valentin Gvozdiy was elected vice-president of the Committee of experts that prepared the document), has not yet signed it. In August, the relevant parliamentary Committee discussed the situation and called on the Ministry of Justice to speed up the process. Ultimately, the main legal authority sent the translated text of the Convention to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs «for review and approval».