The joint Council of Europe/European Union Project “Support to the Georgian Bar Association” was officially launched on 2 June 2015.

The event highlighted the main focus areas of the Project:

• Improving the national legislation;
• Strengthening the capacity of GBA management and improve their management techniques;
• Strengthening the Ethics Committee and improve their operational regulations;
• Supporting the continuous legal education;
• Modernising the entrance examination.

Keynote speakers emphasized the role of lawyers in the justice system and the need for their further professional growth. The attendees also had the opportunity to familarise themselves with Council of Europe expert’s recommendations specifically addressing the GBA. Presentations were followed by a discussion and a number of proposals made by the beneficiaries that were welcomed by the Project team. 

The meeting was followed by the First Steering Committee meeting of the project. The Steering Committee was composed by representatives of governmental and non-governmental sector, European Union (as donor organisation) and members of GBA Ethic Commission and Executive Board. The Committee discussed and approved the Project work plan and agreed to hold the next meeting in the week of 16-23 November.