Arbitration has become an increasingly preferred method of dispute resolution across Southeast Europe, offering a flexible, neutral and often efficient alternative to traditional litigation. As commercial and investment activity in the region continues to grow – particularly across borders – the importance of understanding the nuances of arbitration procedures in each jurisdiction cannot be overstated. This Q&A provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of arbitration frameworks in eleven Southeast European jurisdictions: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia.
Prepared by our Dispute Resolution Practice Group, the document is designed to assist legal practitioners, businesses and investors seeking clarity on key arbitration topics. These include the legal basis for arbitration in each jurisdiction, institutional vs. ad hoc arbitration practices, recognition and enforcement of foreign awards, and the level of judicial support or intervention in arbitral proceedings.
Each section follows a harmonised Q&A format to allow for easy jurisdictional comparison, while also highlighting the unique features, reform trends and challenges that define the arbitration landscape in each jurisdiction. The insights provided are grounded in the deep local expertise of SEE Legal member firms, ensuring that users benefit from authoritative, up-to-date information tailored to each legal environment.
Should you require any further information or specific assistance regarding arbitration in any of the jurisdictions covered, we would be more than pleased to assist. SEE Legal stands ready to support clients with regionally coordinated advice and practical solutions tailored to their legal and commercial needs.