54th European Presidents’ Conference Convened in Vienna

The 54th European Presidents’ Conference took place in Vienna from 12 to 14 February, bringing together leaders of European bar associations to discuss pressing challenges facing the legal profession and the rule of law across Europe.

This year’s central theme was “Freedom versus Security: The Rule of Law under the Strain of Modern Crime”.

AEA-EAL was represented by five distinguished members:

• Maria Ślązak, Immediate Past President
• Konrad Meingast, Past President
• Monique Stengel, Member of the Board of Directors, also participating in her capacity as Immediate Past President of the European Bars Federation
• Irakli Kandashvili, participating in his capacity as President of the Georgian Bar Association
• Anne Jonlet, participating in her capacity as Head of the Brussels Office of the Luxembourg Bar (former member of the AEA-EAL Board of Directros)

Mr. Konrad Meingast presented a comprehensive report on AEA-EAL’s activities in 2025. In his statement, it was recalled that AEA-EAL was founded 40 years ago, in October, and has participated in the European Presidents’ Conference for 39 consecutive years. The Association reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to close cooperation with fellow lawyers across Europe in defending fundamental and civil rights, as well as in promoting and protecting the professional rights of lawyers.

All reports submitted at the Conference are available under: COUNTRY REPORTS