Preamble
The General Congress of the Fédération des Barreaux d’Europe (FBE),
Recalling the Resolution adopted in Bucharest on 11-13 June 2026 concerning the development of a Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Policy for the FBE; and recognising the commitment already made by the FBE to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in its Presidency, Commissions, Delegations, Representatives and all bodies operating under its auspices;
Recognising that equality between women and men is a fundamental value of the European Union and a fundamental right protected by Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union as well as Articles 21 and 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
Recalling that Directive (EU) 2022/2381 on improving the gender balance among directors establishes the principle that balanced representation in leadership and decision-making bodies strengthens governance, legitimacy, transparency, diversity of perspectives, innovation and institutional effectiveness;
Recognising that Directive (EU) 2024/1500 concerning Equality Bodies confirms that public and private organisations should actively promote gender equality, adopt positive measures where appropriate, mainstream gender considerations into governance structures, and encourage the dissemination of best practices;
Acknowledging that modern European equality policy increasingly recognises the importance of addressing structural barriers, under-representation, intersectional discrimination and unequal access to leadership positions;
Noting that, for example, Spain, through Organic Law 2/2024 on Balanced Representation and Equal Presence of Women and Men, has extended gender-balanced governance principles to Professional Bodies (Colegios Profesionales), General Councils and their governing boards, recognising the public importance of professional organisations and the need to ensure that at least 40% of positions are held by the under-represented sex;
Recognising that Bar Associations and Law Societies play a unique constitutional and democratic role in safeguarding the rule of law, access to justice, professional ethics and human rights, and therefore should lead by example in promoting equality and inclusive leadership;
Considering that the legal profession across Europe continues to experience disparities in representation at senior leadership level despite significant progress in the participation of women in legal education and legal practice;
Affirming that gender-balanced leadership strengthens legitimacy, enhances representativeness, promotes public confidence and improves the quality of institutional decision-making;
The FBE Resolves as follows:
1. Commitment to Balanced Representation
The FBE formally adopts the principle that balanced representation of women and men in its governing and representative bodies is an essential component of good governance, democratic legitimacy and institutional excellence.
The FBE shall seek to achieve and maintain balanced representation in:
- The Presidency;
- The General Assembly;
- All Commissions;
- Working Groups and Task Forces;
- FBE Delegations;
- Representatives appointed by the FBE to external organisations;
- Any future governance or advisory structures established by the FBE.
2. Principle of Minimum Representation
The FBE should ensure that no gender represents less than 40% of positions within its governance and decision-making structures, reflecting the European principle of balanced participation recognised in recent European legislation and national reforms applicable to professional organisations. In particular, the positions of President, First Vice President and Second Vice President should no be held by persons of the same gender.
Where this objective cannot immediately be achieved, the relevant body shall explain the reasons and difficulties to the next General Assembly and shall identify and implement reasonable measures to improve representation
3. Equality in Leadership Opportunities
Selection, nomination and election procedures for leadership positions within the FBE shall:
- be transparent;
- be based on merit, competence and professional experience;
- actively encourage applications and nominations from qualified women and under-represented groups;
- avoid direct or indirect discrimination;
- ensure equal opportunities to access leadership roles.
In accordance with European equality principles, positive measures may be adopted where necessary to address persistent under-representation while preserving merit-based selection.
4. Mainstreaming Gender Equality
Gender equality considerations shall be integrated into:
- strategic planning;
- governance reviews;
- leadership development programmes;
- conference panels and speaking opportunities;
- appointment procedures;
- policy development and advocacy activities.
The FBE shall ensure gender-balanced representation among speakers, moderators and panel members at all conferences and events organised under its auspices, in accordance with the policy set out at no 2 above.
5. Collection and Monitoring of Data
The FBE shall establish a system for monitoring gender representation within its structures and leadership positions.
An annual report shall be presented to the General Assembly including:
- gender composition of governing bodies;
- progress towards representation objectives;
- measures adopted to improve participation and leadership opportunities;
- recommendations for future actions
This monitoring process reflects emerging European standards encouraging evidence-based equality policies and accountability mechanisms.
6. Promotion of Equality Policies Across Europe
The FBE calls upon all Member Bars, Law Societies, National Councils and Professional Legal Organisations in Europe to:
- Adopt formal Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policies;
- Review their constitutions, statutes and internal procedures to remove barriers to participation and leadership;
- Promote balanced representation within governing bodies, committees and representative structures;
- Collect and publish data concerning gender representation in leadership and governance roles;
- Implement mentoring, sourcing and identifying delegates and persons of talent and leadership development programmes supporting women lawyers and lawyers from under-represented backgrounds;
- Exchange examples of best practice through the FBE and other European legal networks.
7. Equality as a Rule of Law Value
The FBE recognises that Gender Equality Diversity and Inclusion is not solely an employment or governance matter but a core Rule of Law value and a prerequisite for fully representative professional institutions.
European Bars and Law Societies are therefore encouraged to treat Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as institutional responsibilities linked to democratic governance, professional legitimacy and public trust.
8. Implementation
Promotion and Equalities Commission shall prepare
- a comprehensive FBE Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy;
- practical implementation guidelines;
- measurable objectives and indicators;
- recommendations for Member Bars and Law Societies.
The Promotion and Equalities Commission shall report annually to the General Assembly on the implementation progress and further recommendations.
Final Statement
The FBE reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all lawyers, irrespective of gender or background, have equal opportunities to participate, contribute and lead within the legal profession and within the institutions that represent it throughout Europe.
By adopting this Resolution, the FBE seeks to lead by example and to encourage every Bar Association and Law Societies in Europe to embrace Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as a fundamental element of modern professional governance, democratic legitimacy and the Rule of Law.