We are an association of independent specialist defence lawyers across Europe.
How can we help you?
Improving Justice
ECBA drives legal change in Europe, ensuring fair and rights-based criminal justice policies. We work closely with EU institutions, policymakers, and legal professionals to craft legislation that truly serves the needs of defence lawyers and upholds fundamental rights.
Members’ Network
A strong defence is built on collaboration. ECBA connects Europe’s leading criminal defence lawyers, fostering knowledge-sharing and cross-border cooperation to enhance client representation.
Who are you and how can we help you?
Members
Join a community of elite criminal defence lawyers. Gain exclusive legal insights, case strategies, and professional growth opportunities.
Young & Future lawyers
Launch your career in European criminal law. Connect with mentors, gain insights, and take part in exclusive training sessions.
Policy Making Bodies
Partner with ECBA to shape European criminal law. We provide expert legal insights, policy recommendations, and strategic guidance.
NGOs
Defending rights together. ECBA partners with NGOs to advocate for fair trials, access to justice, and the rule of law.
Academics
Bridging theory and practice. ECBA connects scholars with leading practitioners to advance European criminal law.
Collective Members
Strengthening the legal profession. ECBA equips lawyers and bar associations with tools, training, and cross-border legal support.
Courts
The ECBA assists courts and judicial bodies by providing expert insights from European criminal defence practitioners with cross-border practice.
Explore our Working Groups
Business Crime
- Sanctions
- Financial Crime & AML
- Corruption & Bribery
- ESG
- EPPO
Cybercrime, Tech & AI
- E-evidence
- Video-Conferencing
- E-Justice, AI & Lawtech
International Co-operation
- Extradition
- EAW
- INTERPOL
- MLA
Human Rights
- Defending the Defence
- Death Penalty Opposition
- Fair Trial Standards
- Safeguarding Independent Legal Institutions
- Human Rights Recognition
- Protest Defence Rights
Upcoming Conferences and Webinars
Next upcoming WG webinar soon to be announced
Stay tuned for upcoming sessions!
EFCL Annual Conference 2026, 12 June 2026 in London, United Kingdom – REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW
Join the next EFCL Conference which will be a joint conference with the FLA in London!
ECBA Autumn Conference 2026, 2 and 3 October in Tirana, Albania
Join the next ECBA Autumn Conference in Tirana, Albania!
About Us
The European Criminal Bar Association (ECBA) is the preeminent organisation for lawyers practising in the field of criminal law in Europe.
We support, we educate, we connect lawyers. We take a stand for the rights of lawyers and their clients on a national basis and across borders. We are being heard by governments and all institutions of the European Union. We assist in making legislation better nationally and internationally and most of all we fight for the rule of law.
Latest Posts
Join us Friday 22 May, 2026 for the upcoming Sanctions WG webinar
Elena Fedorova and Anzhela Torosyan will discuss the Advocate General’s Opinion in the DNO Yémen AS case before the CJEU, issued on 19 March 2026 (C-842/24), and its practical consequences for arbitration proceedings.
Join us Friday 15 May, 2026 for the upcoming Extradition Challenges webinar
A Brussels court ordered Belgium to negotiate the return of a wrongly extradited person to the US — a landmark case discussed with Belgian defence lawyer Christophe Marchand.
The ECBA Cautions Against “Rebalancing” Fundamental Rights at Upcoming CoE Session
Ahead of the May 2026 Chişinău Ministerial Session, the ECBA warns that proposed migration-driven “rebalancing” of ECHR rights risks weakening the rule of law. Read our observations.
Grand Chamber Finds Violation of Article 7 in Yasak v. Türkiye: The ECBA Welcomes a Judgment It Helped Shape
The ECBA welcomes the Grand Chamber’s judgment in Yasak v. Türkiye, affirming that Article 7 prohibits retroactive punishment and requires individualized proof of criminal intent.
ECBA Spring Conference 2026, 24 and 25 April in Barcelona, Spain
The conference brought together European criminal defence lawyers for expert discussions on procedural safeguards, fundamental rights and cross-border defence practice.
Writing a new Statement on the Directive on Combatting Corruption
Preparing an ECBA follow-up position on the final EU Anti-Corruption Directive, assessing reforms and remaining defence-rights concerns in Europe’s evolving enforcement framework.
Strategic litigation and court interventions
The HRC files third-party interventions and amicus briefs in landmark cases before European and domestic courts, ensuring the criminal defence bar shapes the law that governs it.
Drafting and Publishing Statements
The HRC publishes expert statements on judicial independence, lawyer-client privilege, and fair trial rights – driving policy reform and solidarity across Europe and beyond.
Day of the Endangered Lawyer
Every January 24th, ECBA’s HRC stands with persecuted lawyers worldwide coordinating advocacy, public outreach, and legal interventions to defend those who defend others.
Mutual Legal Assistance WG Webinars
The purpose of the MLA working group webinars is to increase knowledge and awareness amongst defence practitioners about the various MLA instruments as well as procedural and other ECHR safeguards in that context.
Engaging with INTERPOL on Policy aspects
The Interpol WG seeks to engage with Interpol on policy, addressing governing shortcomings. We drive dialogue on transparency, fairness, and human rights safeguards, promoting continued improvement in its practices.
EPPO Webinar
The webinar hosts defence lawyers and academics or magistrates that discuss practical issues and experiences regarding EPPO cases from different countries. Their scope is to describe relevant defense issues and to advise the members of the ECBA on how to handle them.