Annual report 2025

A word from the President

In my capacity as President of CEPANI, I have the honour of presenting this 2025 Activity Report. Once again, it demonstrates CEPANI’s enduring commitment to the promotion and development of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), both in Belgium and internationally.

At the heart of CEPANI’s mission lies the administration of ADR proceedings under its Rules. The statistics presented in this report on the arbitration cases handled in 2025 reflect the continued trust placed in CEPANI as a leading ADR institution. They also confirm a clear evolution toward the management of increasingly complex, high-value and international disputes, further strengthening CEPANI’s position in the global arbitration landscape.

Beyond case administration, 2025 was marked by an exceptionally rich programme of conferences, academic initiatives and institutional events aimed at promoting ADR and reinforcing our community.

We began the year with the highly successful bilingual colloquium “Médiation & Arbitrage – Bemiddeling & Arbitrage”, organised in collaboration with the Brussels Bars (Flemish and French), CJBB, IBJ/IJE, VBO/FEB and ICC Belgium.

We also hosted the final session of the CEPANI Arbitration Academy – Advanced Level, co-chaired by Mr. Jean-François Tossens and Ms. Coralie Darrigade, and dedicated to enforcement and setting-aside proceedings. I am pleased to announce that the CEPANI Arbitration Academy will return this autumn with its International Level, further details of which can be found in this report.

Throughout the year, we organised two well-attended lunch debates: one on L’arbitre et l’équité dans la détermination du dommage, presented by Prof. Jean-François Tossens, and another debate on “L’amitié arbitrale”, presented by Mr. Marc Henry. I warmly thank both speakers for the quality and depth of their contributions.

On the initiative of the Study Group on Construction Disputes, we also successfully launched the inaugural edition of the C-BUILD by CEPANI Academy, offering deep dive sessions for mediators and arbitrators active in the resolution of disputes in the real estate and construction industry. This new initiative was met with great enthusiasm, and I already look forward to its next edition in Spring 2027.

On 5 June 2025, CEPANI members convened at the FEB/VBO for the Annual General Meeting, which was followed by an inspiring keynote Speech by Ms. Ank Santens on “The Dual Challenge Facing International Arbitration in a Shifting Global Landscape: Increasingly Vital, yet under Unprecedented Threat.” I am proud to share that this keynote Speech has been shortlisted for the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) Award for Best Lecture or Speech of the Year.

Another major highlight of the year was our Annual Colloquium, held on 28 November and dedicated to the complex doctrine of Res Judicata in international arbitration and its application across different jurisdictions. My sincere thank you goes to our Honorary President, Prof. Dirk De Meulemeester, for orchestrating this successful event and to all the speakers for their valuable and insightful contributions.

Significant progress was also achieved within our study groups, including the CEPANI Dispute Resolution Centre Task Force, the Construction Disputes group and the group in charge of the Revision of the Arbitration Rules. All groups are currently engaged in a comprehensive revision of our Arbitration and ADR Rules to ensure that they continue to provide an efficient, modern and user-friendly framework for the resolution of disputes. The new versions of our Arbitration and Mediation Rules have already been approved by the Board of Directors and have entered into force on 1st June 2026. This makes also 2026 a particularly important and exciting year for CEPANI.

Promoting ADR among the younger generation remains a key priority. For example, we collaborated with ELSA for a workshop in Liège and hosted a very successful edition of our CEPANI Intern day, bringing together fifteen enthusiastic law students, junior lawyers and academics from across Belgium.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the CEPANI40 Steering Committee and its Co-Chairs for their unwavering dedication in organising a wide range of high-quality initiatives, including a seminar on the enforcement of arbitral awards, the Brussels Pre-Moot for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, events on arbitrators’ conflicts of interest and on the 2025 White & Case and Queen Mary University of London International Arbitration Survey, a Below40 event at Paris Arbitration Week, and the traditional Summer Drinks.  Please note that the next edition of the Summer Drinks will be held on August 27, 2026.

A cornerstone of CEPANI’s mission is to promote the study and use of arbitration, both nationally and internationally.  In this spirit, we launched the CEPANI Academic Prize years ago. The Prize  is awarded every five years, in accordance with the rules, at the General Assembly following the year of the Prize. The Prize recognizes outstanding academic contributions in national or international arbitration. The prize 2025 will be awarded at this year’s General Assembly on June 4, 2026.

Sustainability continues to be an integral part of our values. In 2025, CEPANI was awarded the prestigious three-star “Ecodyn” label, recognising our concrete efforts to reduce our environmental impact.

Finally, on the international stage, CEPANI has continued to actively promote Belgium and Brussels as a leading arbitration hub. We participated in Paris Arbitration Week, London International Dispute Week and all UNCITRAL Working Group II and III meetings, thereby reinforcing our international visibility and engagement.

All these activities would not have been possible without the active involvement of the members of our Board of Directors and of the various committees established by the Board. Above all, however, they would not have been possible without the tireless work of the CEPANI secretariat, whom I would like once again to thank warmly for their efficiency and dedicated efforts.

Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about the many initiatives awaiting us in 2026, notably the entry into force of our revised Rules, new editions of the CEPANI Arbitration Academy and C-BUILD by CEPANI Academy, as well as a rich programme of events.

This report reflects not only a year of achievement, but the collective energy that will continue to shape CEPANI’s future — I hope you enjoy discovering it.

A word from the Secretary General

Each year, I take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributes to CEPANI’s activities and development.

I would especially like to thank the members of the Board of Directors and our President, Prof. Benoît Kohl, for their continued dedication and invaluable commitment to CEPANI’s success.

I am also profoundly grateful to the members of the CEPANI study groups Construction & Arbitration chaired by Prof. Marco Schoups and CEPANI Dispute Resolution Centre chaired by Prof. Maxime Berlingin and Ms. Stéphanie Davidson as well as to the members of the Standing Committee on Diversity & Inclusion. Their tireless efforts and steadfast commitment enable CEPANI to pursue its goals on multiple levels and to further strengthen its impact within the ADR community. I would also like to highlight the remarkable commitment of our special Task Force in the revision of our Arbitration Rules, composed by our President, Prof. Benoît Kohl, our Honorary President, Prof. Dirk De Meulemeester, Prof. Benoît Allemeersch, Prof. Olivier Caprasse and the CEPANI Staff.  Thanks to the collective work of our study groups, CEPANI will publish updated versions of its Arbitration and ADR Rules in the coming months, ensuring that they remain modern and efficient.

A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Prof. Marco Schoups and the Construction Study group for organizing with great success the first edition of the C-build be CEPANI Academy.

A central pillar of CEPANI’s mission is to promote the study and practice of arbitration, both at the national and international levels. In line with this commitment, CEPANI is having the CEPANI Academic Prize 2025. I would like to sincerely thank the members of the Academic Prize jury, and especially its President, Prof. De Brabandere for their careful reading and thoughtful deliberations. We are truly grateful for the time, expertise, and dedication devoted to reviewing the 33 applications that came from all around the world. Their commitment to ensuring a rigorous and fair selection process is deeply appreciated.

More broadly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the many speakers and participants who have contributed to CEPANI’s events throughout 2025. This year has been marked by a series of outstanding gatherings, each as inspiring and insightful as the last, made possible by your dedication, engagement, and continued 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.

I am delighted with all that has been accomplished in 2025 and proud of the momentum CEPANI has built. I look ahead to 2026 with great ambition and determination. The forthcoming revisions of our Arbitration and ADR Rules, together with a large-scale communication campaign, will enable us to further raise awareness of CEPANI and its ADR solutions among an ever wider audience. Through these initiatives, I am confident that CEPANI will continue to help resolve an increasing number of disputes in an efficient, effective, and timely manner, and further strengthen its position as a leading dispute resolution centre, both in Belgium and internationally.

New CEPANI members in 2025

In 2025, we were honoured to welcome as members:

1.     Christopher Chinn

2.     Nino De Lathauwer

3.     Adrien Compain

4.     Diego Noesen

5.     Karel Daele

6.     Roland Ziadé

7.     Antoine Laniez

8.     Nicolas Vanderstappen

9.     Fabienne Borde

10.  Audrey Caminades

11.  Glenn Smet

12.  Tom Hens

13.  Françoise Lewalle

14.  Matthias Cazier-Darmois

15.  Maximin de Fontmichel 

16.  Cécile De Boe 

17.  Jonathan Melzer

18.  Pierre-Olivier Savoie 

19.  Thierry Tilquin

20.  Jean-Luc Guitera

21.  Dmytro Tupchiienko

22.  Piotr Tereszkiewicz

23.  Su-Yi Leung Wing Cheung

24.  Michel Looyens

25.  Elisabeth Puistienne

SAVE THE DATE : CEPANI ARBITRATION ACADEMY

We are pleased to announce that the CEPANI ARBITRATION ACADEMY will return this autumn with its International Level ! 🗓️Save the Dates ! 

Monday September 28, 2026
Thursday November 5, 2026
Thursday December 3, 2026

Stay tuned for more information.  Registration will open soon !

Standing Committee Diversity & Inclusion

• Werner Eyskens

• Sophie Goldman

• Niuscha Bassiri

• Lauren Rasking 

• 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 etait initialement composé des anciens co-présidents du groupe de travail, Werner Eyskens et Sophie Goldman, ainsi que de Niuscha Bassiri et Guillaume Croisant. Lauren Rasking a depuis lors également rejoint le comité.

In 2025, the committee paid particular attention to increasing the diversity of participants in CEPANI's activities, in particular by contacting magistrates, inhouse lawyers and young professionals (in collaboration with CEPANI40).

The committee has also organized training courses on ‘unconscious bias’ and ‘cultural awareness’ to the board of directors, the appointments committee and the secretariat of CEPANI.

Voor het overige komt de Commissie op regelmatige basis samen teneinde de doelstellingen voor de verbetering van diversiteit en inclusie binnen CEPANI aan te scherpen en nieuwe initiatieven te bespreken. De Commissie heeft ook de gelegenheid om specifieke onderwerpen m.b.t. diversiteit en inclusiviteit binnen CEPANI of binnen de bredere arbitrage gemeenschap op de agenda te zetten voor elke vergadering van de Raad van Bestuur.

La composition du comité Diversité et Inclusion sera revue en 2026. Tout membre du CEPANI intéressé à rejoindre le comité est chaleureusement encouragé à se manifester auprès du secrétariat (info@cepani.be). Les membres sont également invités à faire part de toutes suggestions ou commentaires qu’ils auraient en relation avec les sujets de Diversité et Inclusion. 

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

The working group continued its activities in 2025 and 2026.

On 19 and 20 May 2025, training courses were organised for arbitrators and mediators in construction disputes. Once the various new rules are ready (such as f.i. CEPANI Rules on Third-party Opinion / Third-party Decision, Standing Dispute Board en Standing Arbitral Tribunal), the organisation of a second series of training courses can be scheduled.

Several members of the working group contributed to an article in B-Arbitra 2025/1 on the functioning and ambitions of C-Build (Patrick Baeten, Olivier Caprasse, Nina Lauber-Thommesen, Françoise Lefèvre & Marco Schoups, C-Build by CEPANI – Initiatives for a more eficient (re)solution of domestic and international construction disputes, b-Arbitra, 2025/1, Wolters Kluwer, p. 60-89).

The Sector Sounding Board met on 22 May 2025 and 17 November 2025 with around 12 representatives from the Belgian construction and real estate sector. The next meeting is scheduled on 4 June 2026.

The working group is preparing Rules on Standing Dispute Board and Standing Arbitral Tribunal. The drafts will be discussed further.

Together with ie-net, C-Build is co-organising a round table conference on 12 May 2026 in Brussels on Dispute Boards in Belgium.

Task Force : Revision of the Arbitration Rules

MEMBERS:

• Benoît Kohl

• Dirk De Meulemeester

• Olivier Caprasse

• Benoît Allemeersch

• Emma Van Campenhoudt

• Astrid Moreau

• Camille Libert

For the past year, the Task Force has been working on the revision of the Arbitration Rules of CEPANI.

This latest revision has been guided by a clear objective: to ensure that our Rules meet the expectations of users who seek a modern, clear, and efficient dispute resolution mechanism. The amendments further reinforce CEPANI’s position as a professional and forward-looking arbitral institution.

The 2026 Rules have been streamlined and are fully adapted to the digital era. Proceedings may now be conducted entirely electronically, with specific provisions addressing virtual hearings, electronic submissions, and the electronic signature of arbitral awards. These changes not only enhance procedural efficiency but also support environmentally responsible practices by reducing paper usage and limiting travel where appropriate, without compromising quality.

The provisions governing multiparty proceedings — often a source of complexity — have been significantly clarified. The revised framework offers greater predictability and transparency, benefiting arbitrators and parties alike.

While efficiency remains a top priority, the revision also reflects the core values underpinning modern arbitration. The new Rules reaffirm CEPANI’s commitment to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Provisions encouraging consideration of diversity in arbitrator appointments, together with the use of neutral and inclusive language throughout, align with best practices and evolving international standards.

“Windows” with the CEPANI Mediation Rules have also been introduced, ensuring better coordination between our different sets of Rules and offering users a wider range of effective dispute resolution options.

In addition, a new schedule concerning the Guidelines for Arbitral Secretaries will be included.

With this latest revision, CEPANI reaffirms its dedication to providing arbitration services that are not only efficient and reliable, but also fully aligned with the professional and ethical standards expected of leading arbitral institutions today.

The updated Rules will enter into force in the course of 2026.

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 2500 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 ».