Cooperation between the German Federal Bar and lawyers in Tunisia
In Tunisia, the German Federal Bar cooperates with the Ordre national des avocats de Tunisie (ONAT), the country’s national bar association. This cooperation was formalised and reaffirmed in 2025 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
Foto: ruskpp, shutterstock.com
Since 2018, the German Federal Bar (BRAK) has cooperated with the Tunisian Bar Association (ONAT) on a basis of mutual trust and respect. The aim of this partnership is to strengthen the structures of the legal profession’s self-governance in Tunisia, to consolidate the independence of lawyers and to further develop professional standards. Of particular importance here is the exchange of experience on issues relating to digital infrastructure and electronic communication, such as how a secure legal mailbox for lawyers, analogous to the special electronic mailbox (beA) in Germany, can be introduced or optimised in Tunisia.
Another key area of cooperation is continuing professional development: the German Federal Bar supports its Tunisian colleagues by providing materials, specialist knowledge and expertise, for example regarding professional standards, client representation and legal ethics. In addition, joint efforts are being made to improve transparency and access to justice, particularly for vulnerable groups within the population.
This cooperation also helps to promote regional and international exchange — for example, on issues relating to the rule of law, human rights and the role of the legal profession in democratic societies.