NEWS

The VIAC Community Ambassador Network (VIAC CAN) will ensure that we do just that! 
 
VIAC CAN – and so CAN you! 
 
This initiative aims at establishing a network of dispute resolution practitioners in CEE and SEE who work closely with us to promote ADR and VIAC in the region. VIAC’s goal is to find an Ambassador in each country in CEE and SEE and create as broad a network as possible although Ambassadors can also be responsible for more than one country in the region if appropriate. The network will provide individuals in these regions the opportunity to expand their arbitration and mediation knowledge, connect with like-minded peers and gain an in-depth understanding of VIAC’s offering. 
 

Please read here an obituary of Werner Melis.

Nikolaus Pitkowitz, who has held the position of Vice-President of VIAC since 2017 and is a long-standing Board member has taken over the role of President of VIAC from Günther Horvath. Günther dedicated his time and expertise to our institution in his role as President for five years and for much longer as a Board member. We are extremely grateful to Günther for playing a substantial role in shaping the institution into what it has become, the premiere international institution in Central and Eastern Europe. Günther expressed his satisfaction with the new leadership of VIAC: “I am extremely pleased with the transition of the VIAC presidency to Nicky Pitkowitz standing for continuity and further progress of the institution. VPs Patrizia Netal and Franz Schwarz will be part of a great team set for success.” 

A major concern in the arbitration community over the last few months has been the interpretation of Art 5 aa of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (as amended on March 15 2022, cf Council Regulation (EU) 2022/428) concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine), and the related question of its impact on arbitration proceedings with sanctioned parties. VIAC shared these concerns. Together with our colleagues at the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC), the Arbitration Institute of Finland Chamber of Commerce (FAI), the Milano Chamber of Arbitration (CAM), the German Arbitration Institute (DIS) and the Swiss Arbitration Centre, we highlighted these issues to the legislator.