The Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (CEELI) -- a public service project of the American Bar Association (ABA) -- advances the rule of law by supporting the law reform process in Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East. Through its volunteer legal liaison program as well as its training institute in Prague, CEELI makes available American and European legal expertise and technical assistance for these emerging democracies in modifying and restructuring laws and legal systems. CEELI has offices in 24 countries across Central Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East. Since its founding in 1990, more than 5,000 judges, attorneys, law professors and legal specialists have contributed more than $200 million in pro bono assistance to promoting the rule of law in the region.

The CEELI Institute, headquartered at the Villa Grébovka in Prague, Czech Republic, is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing training, exchanges, and education to legal professionals.

Vision:
Globalization of the rule of law

Mission:
The mission of the CEELI Institute is to advance the rule of law in the world in order to: protect fundamental rights and individual liberties; promote transparent, incorruptible, accountable governments; lay the foundation for economic opportunity and growth; and encourage peaceful resolution of disputes.

Implementing the Mission
The Institute implements its mission by:

providing world-class, interactive training and skills development to legal professionals and others committed to the rule of law, both at the Institute’s state-of-the-art facility in Prague and locally in other countries, as requested,
convening professional conferences, exchanges, and retreats and serving as a private venue for international meetings discussions, and negotiations,
continuing its historical readiness to respond promptly to emerging threats to the rule of law and a willingness to partner with other organizations that complement the Institute’s resources and further its mission,
remaining committed to the pro bono ethic of the Institute’s founders and distinguished faculties, and
maximizing the relevance, effectiveness, and impact of the Institute’s programs.