This development has been reported by the BRAK in its News from Brussels (Issue 7/2025). In its commentary, BRAK underscored the significance of the European Commission’s efforts to shape a unified and strategic approach to artificial intelligence (AI) across the continent. It noted that the AI Continent Action Plan represents a pivotal step towards establishing…
European union human rights: a search of a law firm requires a written search warrant
This landmark decision has since been reported by the BRAK, the Federal Bar Association of Germany. In its commentary, BRAK highlighted the importance of this judgment for legal practitioners across Europe, underscoring the principle that any intrusion into a lawyer’s professional environment must be strictly regulated and accompanied by appropriate judicial oversight. BRAK noted that…
A milestone for justice: The council of Europe’s new convention on lawyers
On March 12, 2025, the Council of Europe adopted the first-ever international treaty aimed at protecting lawyers, titled the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer. This landmark convention responds to rising reports of attacks, harassment, threats, and interference against lawyers, which hinder their ability to practice freely and uphold the rule of law. Lawyers play…
A manifesto for the judicial and legal system in Europe
On 9 June, all 27 members of the European Union held elections for the European Parliament. The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) issued its own manifesto prior to the elections which called on the Parliament to play its part in demanding adequate resources for the judicial system and a well-resourced legal…
The role of legal professionals in the European and international legal and regulatory framework against money laundering
Valvi, E. A. (2023). The role of legal professionals in the European and international legal and regulatory framework against money laundering. Journal of Money Laundering Control, 26(7), 28-52. Abstract Purpose – The aim of the present study is to shed light on the role of legal practitioners, namely, lawyers and notaries, in the fight against money laundering:…
The role of legal professionals in the European and international legal and regulatory framework against money laundering
Valvi, E. A. (2022). The role of legal professionals in the European and international legal and regulatory framework against money laundering. Journal of Money Laundering Control, 26(7), 28-52. The aim of the present study is to shed light on the role of legal practitioners, namely, lawyers and notaries, in the fight against money laundering: Are they considered…
Are lawyer-lobbyists answerable to “a higher authority”? Bar association rules as lobbying regulation in the EU and the USA
This legal comparative article analyzes the regulatory framework of lobbying services provided by law firms in the European Union and the USA. The comparison of regulation between the jurisdictions focuses on three aspects: the definition of lobbying, the legal advice exception, and alignment with bar association rules. While the EU and the USA are largely…
The EU Anti-money Laundering Authority will be coming into force in 2023
A comprehensively updated EU anti-money laundering policy is set to establish the EU Anti-money Laundering Authority (AMLA) as part of its plan to tighten controls on money laundering and the funding of terrorism. The EU Anti-money Laundering Authority (is one of four legislative proposals about AML) will have a direct impact on the legal profession…
AI Regulation in Europe
Abstract With the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the European Commission is addressing one of the central issues of our time. However, a number of core legal questions are still unresolved. Against this background, the article in a first step lays regulatory foundations by examining the possible scope of a future AI regulation, and by…
UK Government issues guidance note for a no-deal Brexit result
A scenario in which the UK leaves the EU without agreement (a ‘no deal’ scenario) remains unlikely given the mutual interests of the UK and the EU in securing a negotiated outcome. Negotiations are progressing well and both we and the EU continue to work hard to seek a positive deal. However, it’s our duty…