Perss Release: European Commission calls for saving time and money in cross-border legal disputes through mediation

The European Commission has reiterated the potential of existing EU-rules on mediation in cross-border legal disputes, reminding Member States that these measures can only be effective if put in place by Member States at national level. Settling disputes and disagreements through court is not only costly and time-consuming, it can also destroy profitable business relationships.

Cross-border cases are more complex due to different national laws and jurisdictions as well as practical matters like cost and language. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) through impartial mediators can address these problems and build constructive solutions. But it needs skilled mediators and clear rules that both parties can trust. Cross-border mediation is more difficult, as it needs to span different business cultures and both sides need common rules they can rely on. That is why EU rules on mediation entered into force in May 2008, and have to be in place by May 2011. They create legal guarantees to mediation and ensure a high-quality process by applying codes of conduct or mediator training. So far, four countries (Estonia, France, Italy and Portugal) have informed the Commission that they have implemented the EU-rules on mediation in national legislation.