Corfu Bar Association and Milan Bar Association Forge Historic Partnership
Corfu, Greece – In a significant move to enhance international legal cooperation, the Corfu Bar Association and the Milan Bar Association formally signed a Twinning Protocol and Memorandum of Cooperation yesterday, June 10, 2026. The ceremony took place in Milan, at the “Aula del Consiglio” hall within the Milan Judicial Palace.
The twinning protocol was officially signed by the presidents of the two esteemed institutions, Mr. Antonino La Lumia of Milan and Mr. Giannis Kontos of Corfu. This agreement marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two legal bodies, promising broad collaboration across scientific, legal, educational, and training fields, as well as knowledge exchange and mutual support.
Delegations and Dignitaries Present
The Corfu Bar Association (CBA) was represented by its President, Giannis Kontos, and a delegation from its Board of Directors, including:
- Theodoros Alysandratos – Vice President
- Spyros Papadopoulos – General Secretary
- Evdokia Katechi – Treasurer
- Spyros Faitas – Member
The ceremony was also graced by the presence of several distinguished guests:
- Dr. Nikolaos Sakkaris, Consul of Greece in Milan
- Dr. Sofia Zafeiropoulou, President of the Greek Community of Milan
- Archimandrite Fr. Ioannis Batsis, representative of the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Italy, Mr. Polykarpos
A Foundation for Broad Cooperation
The Milan Bar Association, established in 1874, is one of Italy’s largest legal associations, boasting approximately 20,000 members. Its twinning with the Corfu Bar Association, the oldest Bar Association in Greece (founded in 1863), establishes a wide framework for cooperation. This includes scientific, legal, educational, and training initiatives, as well as the exchange of knowledge and mutual support.
A key aspect of the agreement is the commitment to an exchange program (STAGE) for young lawyers from Corfu and Milan. This initiative will allow them to gain practical experience by working in law offices in both cities, fostering a new generation of internationally experienced legal professionals.
Ceremony Highlights and Speeches
The twinning ceremony commenced with addresses from both Presidents, Mr. La Lumia and Mr. Kontos, followed by the official signing of the protocols. The event concluded with an exchange of gifts and commemorative items between the two Associations, symbolizing their newfound partnership.
In his address, Mr. Kontos expressed profound emotion and honor, highlighting the significance of this moment not just as a mere signing of a protocol, but as a commitment to unite forces, exchange knowledge, and build bridges of cooperation that transcend geographical boundaries. He emphasized the Corfu Bar Association’s rich history and long-standing tradition in serving justice and society, noting its establishment even before the unification of the Ionian Islands with Greece.
Mr. Kontos also acknowledged Milan as a symbol of culture, art, and economy, and its Bar Association as a model of institutional maturity and scientific excellence. He stressed that this twinning contributes to deepening relations not only between Milan and Corfu but also between Greece and Italy, two nations sharing common roots, history, and values.
Origins of the Partnership and Future Prospects
The collaboration between the two associations originated from a chance encounter in October 2025, during a visit by the Corfu Bar Association to its sister association in Naples. President Kontos met President La Lumia, and they discovered a shared vision for expanding their institutions’ international reach.
Both associations prioritize international collaborations, believing that dialogue, exchange of views, and mutual learning are crucial for scientific progress and effectively addressing common professional challenges. Many of these challenges, as Mr. Kontos noted, are international in nature.
Mr. Kontos, having studied law in Italy from 1997-2001 at the University of Bari, expressed his personal admiration for Italy, acknowledging the significant influence the country had on his professional and personal development. He also extended his gratitude to President La Lumia and the Milan Bar Association for their warm hospitality and trust, as well as to the representatives of the Greek State and the Greek Community for their presence.
The Corfu Bar Association is confident that this twinning will prove fruitful, creative, and lasting, believing that the union of two historical institutions signifies the coming together of people, ideas, and values. Mr. Kontos concluded by expressing hope for a reciprocal visit to Corfu, to further implement joint scientific initiatives.
The expenses for the Corfu delegation were covered individually by the participants and not by the Corfu Bar Association.
