CORFU. The Corfu Bar Association and the Milan Bar Association officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a sister city agreement yesterday, June 10, 2026, marking a significant step towards international legal cooperation. The ceremony took place in Milan, in the “Aula del Consiglio” of the Milan Courthouse.
Historic Partnership Forged in Milan
The twinning protocol was signed by the presidents of the two institutions, Mr. Antonino La Lumia and Mr. Giannis Kontos. The Corfu Bar Association (CBA) was represented by its President, Giannis Kontos, and a delegation of its Board of Directors, including Theodoros Alysandratos (Vice President), Spyros Papadopoulos (General Secretary), Evdokia Katechi (Treasurer), and Spyros Faitas (Member).
Attendees at the ceremony included the Consul of Greece in Milan, Dr. Nikolaos Sakkaris, the President of the Greek Community of Milan, Dr. Sofia Zafeiropoulou, and Archimandrite Fr. Ioannis Batsis, representing the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Italy, Mr. Polykarpos.
The Milan Bar Association, founded in 1874, is one of Italy’s largest, boasting 20,000 members. This partnership with the Corfu Bar Association establishes a broad field of cooperation across all levels, encompassing scientific, legal, educational, and training exchanges, as well as knowledge sharing and mutual support.
Exchange Programs for Young Lawyers
A key aspect of the agreement is the exchange of visits for young lawyers from Corfu and Milan, providing them with the opportunity to gain work experience (STAGE) in law firms in both cities. This initiative aims to foster professional development and cross-cultural understanding among the next generation of legal professionals.
The twinning ceremony commenced with addresses from Presidents La Lumia and Kontos, followed by the signing of the protocols, and concluded with an exchange of gifts and souvenirs between the two Associations.
Corfu Bar Association: A Legacy of Justice
The Corfu Bar Association, the oldest Bar Association in Greece, founded in 1863 before the unification of the Ionian Islands with Greece, expressed immense pride in this new endeavor. President Kontos emphasized the historical significance of the CBA, stating, “This institution was born and strengthened through the struggles of our people and fellow lawyers for freedom, justice, and the rule of law.”
President Kontos also highlighted the shared vision that led to this partnership, which began with a chance encounter in October 2025 during a visit to the Naples Bar Association. Both presidents discovered a mutual desire to expand their institutions globally and strengthen international relations.
In his address, President Kontos remarked, “For us, this moment is not just the signing of a simple protocol. It is the sealing of a common will to unite our forces, to exchange knowledge and experience, and to build bridges of cooperation that transcend geographical boundaries.”
He further stressed the importance of dialogue, exchange of views, and mutual learning in achieving scientific progress and effectively addressing common professional challenges, many of which are international in nature.
Strengthening Ties Between Greece and Italy
This twinning not only deepens the relationship between Milan and Corfu but also strengthens the broader ties between Greece and Italy. These two nations share common roots, a rich history, ancient traditions, and values, both having played a foundational role in European civilization.
President Kontos concluded his address by expressing gratitude to President La Lumia and the entire Board of Directors of the Milan Bar Association for their warm hospitality and trust. He also thanked the representatives of the Greek State and the Greek Community for honoring the ceremony with their presence.
The Corfu Bar Association’s delegation members covered their own expenses for the trip, demonstrating their personal commitment to this significant international collaboration.
This partnership is expected to be fruitful, creative, and lasting, uniting not just professions but also people, ideas, and values. The next step in this collaboration is anticipated to be a visit by the Milan Bar Association to Corfu to jointly undertake scientific initiatives.
In a Europe where citizens are increasingly concerned about the future, such collaborations between institutional bodies of different European countries are seen as the only way to achieve general societal progress.
Source: https://enimerosi.com/social/107883/aderfopoiisi–tou-dikigorikou-sullogou-kerkuras-me-to-dikigoriko-sullogo-tou-milanou
