Annual report 2024

A word from the President

It is a great honor for me to introduce this report in my capacity as President of CEPANI. I am delighted to present our activity report for 2024, a year that once again showcased CEPANI’s unwavering commitment to promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

At the core of CEPANI’s mission is the administration of ADR proceedings under its Rules. This report provides detailed statistics on arbitration cases handled in 2024, reflecting the continued trust placed in CEPANI as a leading ADR institution.

This year, CEPANI’s activities expanded significantly, reinforcing our role in advancing ADR practices. A key highlight was our 55th Anniversary celebration on May 23, 2024, held in conjunction with our General Assembly. This milestone event featured distinguished speakers, including Michael W. Bühler, who explored the future of arbitration in the era of AI; Teresa Giovannini, who addressed the legitimacy of arbitration; and Koen Geens, who shared invaluable lessons from his tenure as Minister of Justice and Member of the Federal House of Representatives. Additionally, Jean-Charles van den Branden presented the impactful work of the Kick Cancer Foundation, an organization proudly supported by CEPANI.

The celebration also marked the unveiling of CEPANI’s new logo and website, reinforcing our role as a one-stop shop for ADR. A particularly heartfelt moment was our tribute to Emma Van Campenhoudt, honouring her 20 years of dedication to CEPANI. Once again, congratulations Emma & thank you!

Another major event of 2024 was the Annual Colloquium on November 15, which marked a new milestone in construction dispute resolution. With a focus on "Construction and Arbitration (and other ADR methods)," the Colloquium introduced C-BUILD, a specialized CEPANI division dedicated to construction dispute resolution through arbitration, mediation, expert opinions, and dispute boards. Developed by the Construction Working Group under the remarkable leadership of Marco Schoups, C-BUILD represents a significant advancement in tackling the complexities of construction disputes. Key topics included construction claims management, the role of adjudication and expert determinations, complexities in multi-party arbitration, and interim measures. The event concluded with expert panel discussions, reinforcing CEPANI’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in resolving construction disputes. A heartfelt thank you to Marco Schoups for his exceptional leadership of the working group.

CEPANI also continued to strengthen its partnerships with various organizations to promote ADR to a wider audience. A prime example was the very successful bilingual colloquium "Médiation & Arbitrage - Bemiddeling & Arbitrage," organized in collaboration with the Brussels Bars (Flemish and French), CJBB, IBJ/IJE, VBO/FEB, and ICC Belgium.

Our study groups made significant progress, particularly those focusing on greener arbitration practices, CEPANI Dispute Resolution Centre and Construction. These working groups are actively revising CEPANI’s Rules, with exciting developments to be unveiled in the coming months.

Sustainability remains a key priority for CEPANI. As a Green Pledge signatory, we took concrete steps in 2024 to enhance our eco-friendly initiatives. A dedicated working group introduced the CEPANI Greener Arbitration Pledge, encouraging sustainable practices among counsel, firms, and arbitrators. Furthermore, draft sustainability clauses for procedural orders and Terms of Reference were developed. Thanks to the tremendous work and dedication of the CEPANI staff, these efforts earned CEPANI the prestigious three-star “Ecodyn” label, recognizing our commitment to reducing environmental impact. More details on these initiatives can be found in this report.

Fostering the next generation of ADR professionals is also at the heart of CEPANI’s mission. In 2024, we organized numerous events for young legal practitioners, including participation in Job Days at Belgian law faculties, specialized student workshops, and diverse activities led by CEPANI40, such as the Brussels Pre-Moot for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, webinars, workshops, and summer drinks celebrating CEPANI40’s 20th Anniversary. I extend my sincere gratitude to the CEPANI40 Steering Committee and Co-Chairs for their dedication to inspiring young professionals.

Additionally, CEPANI successfully conducted the advanced-level CEPANI Arbitration Academy, delivered by esteemed professors whom I warmly thank for their contributions.

A cornerstone of CEPANI’s mission is to promote the study and use of arbitration both nationally and internationally. To support emerging talent, we are holding the CEPANI Academic Prize 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions to national or international arbitration scholarship.

On the international stage, 2024 saw CEPANI actively promoting Belgium and Brussels as a key arbitration hub. We participated in Paris Arbitration Week, London International Dispute Week, and the princely economic mission to Norway, where we co-hosted an event on "Hot Topics in International Arbitration." We also took part in Luxembourg Arbitration Day, further solidifying CEPANI’s global presence.

Looking ahead, I am thrilled about the exciting initiatives awaiting us in 2025, including the much-anticipated C-BUILD Academy event in May.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CEPANI members, the Board, the dedicated working group, and the Secretariat—guided with professionalism and a steady hand by Emma and her team—whose commitment and relentless efforts have brought these many achievements possible.   A sincere thank you to our remarkable CEPANI community for making this all possible.

This report captures only a glimpse of CEPANI’s dynamic and ever-evolving activities. I invite you to explore its pages and discover the full breadth of our work.

Wishing you an excellent read!

A word from the Secretary General

Every year, I take a moment to express my deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to CEPANI’S activities and development.

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the members of the CEPANI Board of Directors and our President, Mr. Benoît KOHL, for their unwavering dedication to the growth and success of CEPANI. Their commitment and vision are truly invaluable.

I am also profoundly grateful to the members of the CEPANI study groups on Construction & Arbitration, CEPANI Dispute Resolution Centre and Greener Arbitration as well as to the members of the Standing Committee on Diversity & Inclusion. Their tireless efforts and steadfast devotion allow CEPANI to pursue its goals on multiple levels and continue to strengthen its impact within the ADR community.

A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Prof. Caprasse, Ms. Valentine Chessa, Ms. Vanessa Foncke, Mr. Giulio Palermo, Prof. Jean-François Tossens, and Ms. Coralie Darrigade, who have so brilliantly served as co-chairs for the advanced level of the CEPANI ARBITRATION ACADEMY. Their dedication, expertise, and guidance have been instrumental in designing a high level curriculum that thoroughly explores different important topics of national and international arbitration, ensuring that participants receive the highest level of training from distinguished & experienced practitioners and academics.

More broadly, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the numerous speakers and participants who have taken part in the various CEPANI events in 2024. This year has been filled with outstanding events, each more inspiring and insightful than the last, made possible by your commitment and loyal support.

I also wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the authors of the CEPANI Newsletter – Ms. Iuliana Iancu, Mr. Guillaume Croisant, Ms. Karolien Emmerechts, and Mr. Sander Van Loock and all the members of the Steering Committee of CEPANI40 for their numerous initiatives in supporting young professionals interested in arbitration.

Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the board members who have contributed to the revision of the Belgian Arbitration Act, as well as those involved in the translation of the BLA into English. In particular, Maarten Draye deserves special recognition for his invaluable contributions in ensuring the clarity and accuracy of the translation, further strengthening CEPANI’s international accessibility and influence.

A special thank you also goes to those who support CEPANI’s working group at the UNCITRAL meetings, enabling us to actively contribute to important discussions and submit valuable notes on key issues. Most recently, CEPANI provided comments on the enforcement of electronic arbitral awards following the request made during the eightieth session of Working Group II. The group sought information on how foreign and domestic arbitral awards in electronic form or with digital signatures are enforced in various jurisdictions, including relevant court practices and case law. In this regard, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Maarten Draye for his outstanding coordination and leadership of our delegation in New York and Vienna, ensuring high-quality contributions to these discussions. Your efforts in this area are invaluable in strengthening CEPANI’s presence on the international stage.

At this point, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to some of our outstanding colleagues at CEPANI.

This year marks Camille Libert’s 10-year anniversary with CEPANI. Over the past decade, Camille has played an important role in the case management of CEPANI’s cases, ensuring efficiency, professionalism, and the highest standards in arbitration proceedings. Her loyalty and professionalism have significantly contributed to shaping CEPANI’s case management, and we are incredibly grateful for her years of service.

Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Astrid Moreau, whose proactiveness, professionalism and enthusiasm are most highly appreciated. Thanks to her meticulous and tireless efforts, CEPANI has proudly achieved the three-star recognition of the EcoLabel Ecodyn - a remarkable milestone. This achievement is a testament to CEPANI’s commitment to sustainability and green initiatives, reinforcing our responsibility to promote environmentally conscious practices in all our activities.

Last but not least, it is through our members’ dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment that CEPANI continues to thrive and inspire. Your contributions make a lasting impact, and for that, I am truly grateful. Together, we build a stronger future for solutions. Thank you for being of this journey.

New CEPANI members in 2024

In 2024, we were honoured to welcome as members:

1. Yann Schneller

2. Olivier Van Wouwe

3. Anne Schollen

4. Sylviane Bartholomeeusen,

5. Kathleen Paisley

6. Jens Benoot

7. Emily Hay

8. Lisbeth Depypere

9. Lily Kengen

10. Renaud Dupont

11. Michel Van Huffel

12. Thibault Verbiest

13. Guillaume Rue

14. Marc Krestin

15. Hannelore Buelens

16. Olivier Boutelis Taft

17. Bernard Vanbrabant

18. Remy Gerbay

19. Frédéric Dechamps

20. Alain Strowel

21. Bart Van Besien

22. Ammamuthu Ramasubramanian

23. Jeremy Wilson

24. Philippe Campolini

25. Dirk Knottenbelt

26. Knud Jacob Knudsen

27. Philipp Schwarz

28. Giorgia Balboa

29. Azelio Fulmini 

Standing Committee Diversity & Inclusion

• Werner Eyskens

• Sophie Goldman 

• Niuscha Bassiri

• Guillaume Croisant

A la suite des recommandations du Groupe de travail en 2022, un comité permanent « diversité & inclusion » a été mis sur pied en 2023. Celui-ci est composé des anciens co-présidents du groupe de travail, Werner Eyskens et Sophie Goldman, ainsi que de Niuscha Bassiri et Guillaume Croisant.

En 2024, le groupe de travail a continué d’assurer la communication au sujet de l’importante modification de l’article 15.1 du Règlement CEPANI au sein de la communauté arbitrale, belge mais aussi étrangère. Pour rappel, l’article 15.1 du Règlement précise à présent la nécessité de prendre en compte des considérations de diversité et d’inclusion dans le cadre de la nomination des arbitres :

«Article 15. – Nomination et confirmation des arbitres

1. Le Comité de Nomination ou le Président nomme ou confirme le Tribunal Arbitral conformément aux règles suivantes. Il tient notamment compte de la disponibilité, des qualifications et de l’aptitude du ou des arbitres à mener l’arbitrage conformément au Règlement, et de considérations relatives à la diversité et à l’inclusion ».

In 2024, the committee paid particular attention to increasing the diversity of participants in CEPANI's activities, in particular by contacting magistrates, corporate lawyers and young professionals (in collaboration with CEPANI40).

The committee has also worked on the organisation of training courses on ‘unconscious bias’ and ‘cultural awareness’, which will be given to the boards of directors, the appointments committee and the secretariat of CEPANI. The intention is to offer these trainings to a wider audience. In this context, contacts have been made with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee recently set up by the LCIA.

De Commissie is tevens punctueel aangesproken in de loop van 2024 door het Secretariaat en/or de Raad van Bestuur over een aantal specifieke onderwerpen, zoals, bijv. de nieuwe CEPANI-website en de diversiteit die moet worden gewaarborgd binnen de pool van arbiters voor de C-SAR- en C-Build-lijsten.

Voor het overige komt de Commissie op regelmatige basis samen teneinde verdere doelstellingen voor de verbetering van diversiteit en inclusie binnen CEPANI te identificeren en teneinde de vooruitgang op te volgen n.a.v. een aantal van de aanbevelingen die de werkgroep formuleerde (zie het jaar verslag van 2022). De Commissie is uitgenodigd om voor de dag orde van elke vergadering van de Raad van Bestuur een specifiek onderwerp aan te reiken m.b.t. diversiteit en inclusiviteit binnen CEPANI of binnen de bredere arbitrage gemeenschap.

Task Force CEPANI Dispute Resolution Centre

CO-CHAIRS OF THE TASK FORCE:

• Maxime Berlingin

• Stéphanie Davidson

MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE:

• Vanessa Depoortere

• Steve Griess

• Françoise Lefèvre

• Louis Lantonnois

• Françoise Lefèvre

• Astrid Moreau

• Camille Libert

• Marco Schoups

• Emma Van Campenhoudt

• Sigrid Van Rompaey

• Edwin Jacobs

• Charlotte De Muynck

Since October 2023, significant thought and energy have been dedicated to offering global ADR solutions to parties and promoting CEPANI as a global ADR center. The objective is to enable CEPANI to become the premier “one-stop-shop” Solution Centre in Belgium.

A task force was established with the commitment to transform CEPANI into a comprehensive (re)Solution Center.

It was decided to work in sub-groups and to allocate tasks as follows:

1. Catalogue all findings on the current promotion and utilisation of ADR at CEPANI, and build upon CEPANI's existing expertise and knowledge.

1. Learn from other Dispute Resolution Centres by examining their specific services and how they have adapted their offerings to encompass full ADR.

1. Identify ADR education and training centers in Belgium and explore potential synergies.

2. Review the current CEPANI rules for each ADR, amend and harmonize them in line with the (re)Solution Centre CEPANI objective.

1. Determine the resources and requirements necessary to establish this (re)Solution Centre and to promote it effectively.

One of the most critical aspects of the discussions was to define a framework that allows parties to benefit from one or more alternative dispute resolution modes throughout their dispute.

The task force proposes the creation of a “revolving doors” option within all of CEPANI’s ADR rules.

This would enable parties to initiate proceedings with CEPANI, pause said proceedings to submit all or part of their dispute to another type of ADR offered by CEPANI, and then decide to resume all or part of the initial proceedings if necessary.

The task force has currently reviewed and is proposing amendments to the Arbitration Rules, the Mediation Rules, the Mini-Trial Rules, the Third-Party Decision/Opinion Rules, and the Third-Party Expert Rules.

Task Force : Arbitration & Construction

CHAIR:

Marco Schoups

MEMBERS:

Patrick Baeten

Olivier Caprasse

Dirk De Meulemeester

Benoît Kohl

Françoise Lefèvre

Jens Rediers

Nicolas Résimont

Koen Van den Broeck

Elke van Overwaele

Helga Van Peer

1.              ACHIEVEMENTS

1. The working group has continued working on the findings that emerged from a market study, aimed at promoting alternative dispute mechanisms for the resolution of construction disputes.

• The working group dived deep into the following six topics to come up with practical tools in order to:

• ensure the quality of arbitrators, experts & mediators on the C-build list

• create transparency and promote trust in CEPANI and C-Build as ADR-platform in construction matters

• develop specific rules & texts for disputes in the construction sector, a.o. mediation,& expert opinion (binding – not-binding)

• develop specific solutions regarding multi-party disputes

• ensure speedy resolution of the case if arbitration is chosen

• manage costs

• setting up a ‘sounding board’ for C-Build

1. The efforts of the working group have resulted in the following outcomes:

1.       The launch of a dedicated C-Build website, linked with the CEPANI-website, offering the panoply of all ADR proceedings possible, i.e. mediation, arbitration and expert opinion, with guidelines to the parties seeking a solution for their dispute and an (open) list of possible arbitrators, experts and mediators. This includes the implementation of a separate division within CEPANI focused on arbitration in construction disputes.

2.       Implementation of some quality requirements for candidates to be appointed as arbitrators, experts or mediators, such as specific trainings before being admitted to the (open) list

3.       The nomination of a Sector Sounding Board, an advisory board with representatives from the construction sector, with a mission to promote C-Build, enhance trust in its functioning and to advice C-Build how to realize its goals.

4.       Establishment of specific rules, clauses and guidelines, available on the C-Build website, so parties can include them in PO1’s or TOR, catering for multi-party arbitration disputes, binding and non-binding expert decisions/opinions, and standing dispute boards.

5.       Promotion of C-Build to the relevant parties and organizations in the construction sector, e.g. by inviting legal counsels from major construction industry stakeholders to the CEPANI Colloquium re Construction and Arbitration.

2.              WORK IN PROGRESS

• The next steps in order for the working group to complete its assignment, are the following items:

• Publication of arbitral awards (or excerpts with relevant legal information) on the website (subject to parties’ approval)

• Start of the SSB

• Finalizing specific set of rules for binding and non-binding expert decisions, and standing dispute boards

• Publication of an article in B-Arbitra

• Organisation and promotion of the training of 19 and 20 May 2025

Het Instituut voor bedrijfsjuristen (IBJ), opgericht bij wet van 1 maart 2000, is de federale beroepsorganisatie voor bedrijfsjuristen die waakt over de intellectuele onafhankelijkheid van zijn leden. In deze voortdurend evoluerende bedrijfswereld, wil het IBJ een baken zijn voor bedrijfsjuristen in hun cruciale rol van business partner en juridische raadgever van hun onderneming.

Het Instituut volgt de ontwikkelingen en trends van het beroep op de voet en speelt proactief in op de actualiteit van de juridische wereld.

Als kenniscentrum is het Instituut zowel een antenne als klankbord voor zijn leden. Hiervoor organiseert het IBJ tal van opleidingen om de kwaliteit van het beroep te versterken, dit in de vorm van een verplichte Voortgezette Opleiding.

De bedrijfsjuristen zijn wettelijk gebonden en beschermd door de vertrouwelijkheid van hun adviezen die een belangrijke impact hebben op de goede werking van hun bedrijf.

De bedrijfsjurist speelt ook een rol in het voorkomen van gerechtelijke en administratieve procedures, in een land waar hun aantal, achterstand en gebrek aan financiering groot zijn. In geval van geschil is de bedrijfsjurist vaak de best geplaatste persoon om de toepassing van alternatieve methoden van geschillenregeling, zoals arbitrage en bemiddeling, te bevorderen. In dit kader onderhouden wij nauwe banden met CEPANI.

Le CEPANI et l’Institut des juristes d'entreprise (IJE) sont convaincus d’une part, de la sécurité et de la confiance que l’arbitrage et les modes alternatifs de règlement des litiges peuvent apporter aux opérateurs économiques en tant qu’instrument de règlement rapide et équilibré des litiges et d’autre part, de son apport au développement de l’économie nationale et internationale.

Le CEPANI et l’IJE échangent des informations et publications d’intérêt commun concernant l’arbitrage et les ADR et se tiendront mutuellement au courant des conférences et formations qu’ils organisent. Les évènements du CEPANI et de l’IJE sont mentionnés sur leurs sites web et dans leurs bulletins d’informations respectifs.

Le CEPANI et l’IJE invitent à chacune de leurs manifestations un représentant de l’autre organisation qui sera dispensé des frais d’inscription.

Selon Benoît Kohl, Président du CEPANI « Tant l’Institut que le CEPANI ont la volonté d’être au service des entreprises. Le juriste d’entreprise est la première personne confrontée aux conflits et c’est lui qui proposera à sa Direction de recourir à une médiation, ou le cas échéant, d’initier un arbitrage. Face à ce constat, des rapprochements se sont opérés, surtout et en particulier durant la crise sanitaire, où l’on s’est rendu compte que la médiation et l’arbitrage constituent de formidables outils au bénéfice des juristes d’entreprise ».

Marc Beyens, Président honoraire de l’IJE, indique également « Nous représentons deux organisations qui ne poursuivent aucun but lucratif et nous veillons à la défense d’intérêts collectifs. A travers l’expérience des juristes d’entreprise, nous nous rendons compte que souvent, ce ne sont pas les procédures judiciaires qui mènent au meilleur résultat. Parmi les solutions que le CEPANI offre, il y a d’abord la médiation. J’ai moi-même eu plusieurs expériences de médiation voire de conciliation, qui permettent aux parties de comprendre les besoins des uns et des autres, et d’être acteur de la solution, plutôt que de s’en remettre à un juge. Nous estimons qu’il est important de sensibiliser nos 2400 membres, juristes d’entreprise, aux avantages des méthodes alternatives de règlements de conflits, et de faire connaître le CEPANI, qui offre un cadre permettant d’atteindre une solution satisfaisante pour les conflits auxquels nos membres sont confrontés ».