The Role of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) in Malta

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) plays a crucial role in European law. Established in 1960, it represents over a million lawyers through national bar associations and law societies across 45 European countries. The CCBE focuses on promoting fundamental principles of the legal profession, such as independence, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law. Its main objectives include advocating for human rights, supporting access to justice, and fostering a harmonised legal framework across Europe.

CCBE facilitates collaboration among European legal professionals and policymakers. It is a platform for discussions on legal standards, professional ethics, and cross-border legal cooperation. Through its committees and working groups, the CCBE addresses a wide range of legal issues to ensure that European lawyers uphold high standards of professional conduct and can effectively navigate legal challenges in a transnational context.

Key Representatives of the CCBE in Malta

Reuben Balzan serves as the Head of Delegation for the CCBE in Malta. The role of the Head of Delegation involves representing Malta's legal profession in Europe, participating in high-level discussions, and collaborating with other national delegations to influence European legal policy and uphold the interests of Maltese lawyers within the broader European framework.

Davinia Cutajar is the Information Officer responsible for managing communications, disseminating relevant information to members, and ensuring transparency and clarity in the CCBE's activities and initiatives.

The Committee Members include Stephen Attard, Romana Azzopardi, Diane Bugeja, and Malcolm Mallia. These individuals contribute to various committee functions, including developing policies, representing the interests of Maltese legal professionals, and working on issues affecting the legal landscape in Malta and across Europe.

Malta’s History with the CCBE

Malta joined the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) in 2004, coinciding with its accession to the European Union. The primary reason for joining the CCBE was to integrate Malta's legal profession into the broader European legal framework, ensuring that Maltese lawyers could benefit from harmonised legal standards and best practices across Europe. This membership aimed to enhance the professional development of Maltese legal practitioners, facilitate cross-border legal services and ensure that Maltese law, particularly family law, remained aligned with European directives and regulations.​

How CCBE Shaped Family Law Reforms in Malta

Membership in the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) has significantly shaped family law reforms in Malta by facilitating legal standards and promoting the adoption of best practices across Europe. CCBE’s advocacy for European directives and regulations ensures that Maltese family law aligns with broader European norms, particularly in areas such as child protection, maintenance, and cross-border family disputes. This alignment has led to the implementation of robust legal frameworks in Malta, such as the ratification of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which has strengthened the legal mechanisms for handling international child abduction cases.

Improvements in the Divorce Process

In addition to these reforms, the divorce process in Malta has also seen significant improvements due to the influence of the CCBE. By aligning with European standards and adopting best practices, Malta has modernised its divorce procedures, making them more efficient and less adversarial. These changes include the introduction of mediation services to encourage amicable settlements, the simplification of administrative requirements, and the reduction of mandatory separation periods. These reforms aim to minimise the emotional and financial strain on families undergoing divorce, ensuring a more humane and expedient resolution to marital dissolution. The CCBE’s role in advocating for these changes has been instrumental in creating a more supportive and equitable framework for divorce in Malta.

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