Brussels, 01/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - In its response to the Commission's report on competition in professional services in Europe (see EUROPE 9033), the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), repeated its criticisms of the previous progress report. In a press release, CCBE President Bernard Vatier commented: “The legal profession has been, and will be, open to any reasonable reform process. Any reforms, however, need to be carried out by the competent institutions within the relevant legal framework and with the appropriate tools for analysis having first been carried out. The CCBE is in the process of putting together a further document concerning the Commission's economic approach to this exercise which will explain that further deregulation may not in all respects have economic advantages that can match the serious negative impacts on society." The CCBE argues that it is incorrect and simplistic to base a review of the legal profession solely in economic terms and the Member States authorities are best placed to lay down regulations for professional services. The CCBE says 'the legal profession is one which serves the administration of justice and the rule of law'.