The CCPE Working Group met in Strasbourg on 20-21 February 2025 to discuss the draft structure of the CCPE Opinion No. 20 (2025) on diversity and inclusivity within prosecution services.

The members of the Working Group discussed and finalised the draft structure of the Opinion prepared on the basis of previous Opinions of the CCPE, Recommendations of the Committee of Ministers and relevant instruments of the Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI) of the Council of Europe, as well as of other institutions within and outside of the Council of Europe.

Participants agreed that it would be important to examine relevant principles and practices in this field, taking into account different legal systems, models and methodologies existing across Europe. In the context of importance of diversity and inclusivity for putting into practical effect of the principle of non-discrimination, the Opinion will clarify the specific aspects in line with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In particular, as regards the human resources aspect of prosecution services, the Opinion will encourage an open, diverse and inclusive approach, avoiding the potential exclusion of minorities and groups within society. The Opinion will also highlight the various concepts and aspects related to diversity and inclusivity, while illustrating their practical benefits for the activities of prosecution services, and provide relevant recommendations.