In this article the authors compare Belgian and Dutch (draft) regulation of mass damage claims, and notably the prominent place reserved for the collective amicable settlement of such claims. Though collective action for the recovery of damage is still not possible in the Netherlands, Dutch law does provide for the possibility of the court endorsing collectively agreed settlements, since 2005. One of most notorious settlements, i.e. the Dexia case, is discussed, illustrating how individual victims may retain their standing to sue in court, although in such cases the courts show a tendency to cling to the terms of the collective settlement just the same (‘reflex effect or shadow of the settlement’). Mediation in brokering such high profile settlements does not necessarily follow the vested principles of mediation in ‘regular’ one to one disputes.

Belgium was one of the first European Member States to implement the new 2013 ADR directive. The act of 4 April 2014 introduces new rules on internal complaints procedures and a series of minimum quality requirements for ADR entities. However, the most important realization of the Act is the creation of a Consumer Ombudsman Service. This service, that is composed of six existing (public and private) Ombudsman services, will be competent for residual consumer disputes: disputes for which no ADR entity currently exists. This article explores the act of 4 April 2014 and offers a detailed overview of the structure, missions and procedure of the Consumer Ombudsman Service.

Research has been conducted by Leiden Law School into the efficacy of an instrument based on insolvency practice, ‘Harvard negotiation’ and ‘serious gaming’ aiming at better conflict management in case of (near) bankruptcy. Business rescue workout simulation games were played at different places worldwide. Serious gaming provides insight in the complexity and dynamics of (informal) reorganizations. The research further confirms that the Harvard negotiation-principles and the INSOL International Statement of Principles for a Global approach to multi-creditor workouts may provide a useful contribution to the realization of a successful (international) financial restructuring. The intervention of skilled neutrals is often significative. More focus on communication, negotiation and cooperative dispute resolution is also consistent with the initiatives of legislators and policymakers which stimulate companies to restructure at an early stage of financial distress. These developments also make ADR-skills become of more relevance to (insolvency) professionals.

This contribution sets out the work done so far by UNCITRAL in the field of conciliation/mediation, but also examines whether the Belgian Mediation Act is compatible with the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Conciliation of 2002. Finally, it gives an introduction to the proposal made by the U.S. delegation to the UNCITRAL Commission to elaborate an international convention on the enforcement of mediated settlement agreements.

On 1 January 2015 a new arbitration act entered into force in the Netherlands. This article discusses the main amendments to the old legislation. The purpose of this new act is to improve the efficiency and flexibility of the arbitration process. Partially, the changes consist of codification of existing case law. However, also new elements are introduced such as for example the possibility of remission. Another reason for this revision of the arbitration legislation is to make the Netherlands internationally more attractive as an arbitration venue.
The main changes are related to, for example, the enforcement proceedings, which are significantly shortened for foreign awards, and making the annulment procedure more efficient. Furthermore, consumers are given more protection from arbitration clauses in general conditions, the rules regarding the challenging of arbitrators are amended and allow for the appointment of a third party to decide on the challenge. Summary proceedings are introduced as a possibility. The registration of the arbitral award with the district court is no longer required.