30/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) held its plenary session in Paris on 19 November, unanimously adopting a statement on the balance between security and justice in anti-terrorist legislation, voicing 'its concern in relation to the increasing tendency in Europe to adopt case-by-case anti-terrorist legislation which does not always safeguard human rights and the rule of law. While pointing out the necessity to prevent and fight against terrorism with the firmest determination, the CCBE stresses the duty of governments and the European institutions to preserve and promote fundamental rights, freedoms and liberties as well as the rule of law, which are the foundation of democratic societies.' In his speech at the plenary, the CCBE President, Bernard Vatier, addressed the recent planned draft EU legislation on data retention 'which does not provide for sufficient safeguards to protect personal data and privacy, raising serious problems of confidentiality.'