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!
ECBA Autumn Conference 2026, 2 and 3 October in Tirana, Albania
Join the next ECBA Autumn Conference in Tirana, Albania!
EFCL Annual Conference 2027, 11 June 2027 in Frankfurt, Germany
The next EFCL Conference is scheduled for 11 June 2027 in Frankfurt, Germany. Details will be published closer to the date.
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
ECBA Co-Signs International Statement against Lawyers’ Arbitrary Detentions in Turkey
Solidarity across borders: The ECBA joins international coalition calling for the release of Turkish lawyers detained in sweeping police raids.
Join us Friday 3 July, 2026 for the upcoming Extradition Challenges webinar
Heiko Ahlbrecht introduces Dr. Miguel João Costa on the CJEU’s 20 Mar 2025 judgment (C‑763/22) and its impact on conflicting extradition requests.
EFCL Annual Conference 2027, 11 June 2027 in Frankfurt, Germany
The next EFCL Conference is scheduled for 11 June 2027 in Frankfurt, Germany. Details will be published closer to the date.
ECBA issues Statement on the Death Penalty Legislation in Israel
ECBA condemns Israel’s new laws expanding capital punishment by hanging, targeting Palestinians and undermining fair trial guarantees.
Global Coalition Condemns Attacks on Tunisian Legal System: 39 Groups Urge Protection of Bar
Over thirty-nine international organisations have united to condemn Tunisia’s systemic, state-led assault on judicial independence and the rights of defense advocates.
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.
EFCL Annual Conference 2026, 12 June 2026 in London, United Kingdom
Join the next EFCL Conference which will be a joint conference with the FLA in London!
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.