The Bar Council has relocated to new office space in Brussels as part of a push by the regulatory body to deepen its ties with a number of European counterparts.

The launch of the new office was announced yesterday (3 June) and presided over by Bar Council chairman Timothy Dutton QC. The Bar Council will now share premises with bodies including the German Federal Bar, the Austrian Bar and the law societies of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Bar Council first launched its Brussels operation in 1999, with the outpost working closely alongside the body's European Union (EU) committee.

Dutton commented: "I am delighted to announce the move to our new premises, which are only a stone's throw away from the European Parliament and the European Commission. The presence of the Bar Council in Brussels is a vital part of our international strategy, allowing us to contribute our expertise both to those who shape policy at the heart of the European decision-making process, and to those who need the high-quality skills of the profession in the heart of Europe."

He added: "The new offices offer much-improved facilities and proximity to the institutions of the EU, which will allow the Bar Council to engage more effectively with officials, MEPs and legal professionals across Europe. The Bar Council's international work is a vital part of its remit and we look forward to continuing to expand our efforts in this field."