It published guidance last month on cross-border alternative dispute resolution (ADR) post-transition. The guidance, which will apply whether or not the UK and EU agree a deal, highlights that the 2011 Regulations implementing the EU Mediation Directive will be repealed and replaced on 1 January.
The free European Online Dispute Resolution platform for online sales and contracts will no longer be available to UK businesses and consumers. Arbitration will be largely unaffected post-transition.
Last week, a cohort of law societies and business groups wrote to the European Council president, Charles Michel and other EU leaders urging them to readmit the UK to the Lugano Convention post-transition. Law Society president David Greene said Lugano, which clarifies which national courts have jurisdiction, ‘makes dispute resolution more accessible’.