EU Cross-Border Mediation in Civil, Commercial, and Family Matters
Date: 11 November 2025
Time: 09:00
Duration: 1 day
Location: Luxembourg, 8 rue Nicolas Adames, 1114 Luxembourg
Cost: € 740 - € 870
Organiser: ECJL - European Centre for Judges and Lawyers/EIPA Luxembourg
Web Link: https://www.eipa.eu/courses/eu-cross-border-mediation-civil-commercial-family-matters/
Description:
Mediation plays a key role in judicial cooperation within the European Union, particularly in resolving civil (including family) and commercial disputes efficiently, amicably, and cost-effectively. The EU has introduced several legislative and practical measures to promote mediation, recognising its potential to reduce litigation, save time, and foster mutually acceptable outcomes.
At the heart of this framework is the Mediation Directive (2008/52/EC), which applies to cross-border disputes in civil and commercial matters. It encourages mediation use, supports the enforceability of agreements, and ensures key safeguards, including confidentiality and the suspension of limitation periods. The ADR Directive (2013/11/EU) complements this framework, particularly in consumer disputes, and aligns with the EU’s broader judicial cooperation goals.
This course offers a comprehensive overview of EU legal and policy frameworks governing mediation, including recent developments, national implementation, and cross-border challenges.
Participants will examine how mediation operates across key sectors:
- Family law, where it supports non-adversarial solutions in matters such as custody and parental responsibility, with reference to the Brussels II-ter Regulation and the Maintenance Regulation;
- Commercial disputes, where mediation provides flexible, interest-based solutions and is increasingly supported by ADR centres and business institutions.
