Інформаційний бюлетень

Arbitration Bulletin

Arbitration Newsletter

The Arbitration Newsletter is the first Polish magazine to discuss arbitration. Its purpose is to promote arbitration in Poland, because Warsaw has a chance of becoming an international arbitration centre. Polish arbitrators are being appointed to international arbitral tribunals on an ever-increasing basis, and it has become necessary to equip them with fundamental tools to do their job.

We have created a multilingual arbitration terminology dictionary, an updated list of arbitrators with photos and biographies, and have prepared the first translation into Polish of guidelines and rules on international commercial arbitration. The Newsletter contains materials about arbitration in Poland for our foreign readers.

Contents of the Arbitration Newsletter:

No. 1 (September-October 2006)

• Article entitled “Poland’s new arbitration legislation”
• Polish Arbitration Law (translation of Part 5 of  the Civil Procedure Code into English)
• Article on the Arbitral Council of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce
• Arbitrator Code of Ethics
• Article on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
• Report on the meeting of the Board of Arbitrators of the Polish Chamber of Commerce held on 9 May 2006
• List of websites of key arbitration institutions worldwide

No. 2 (November-December 2006)

Why international arbitration in Poland?

Brief discussion of the advantages of Poland as a venue for international arbitration proceedings.

Arbitration and ADR Glossary

Alphabetically organised rundown of alternative dispute resolution terms in eight languages (Polish, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Latin and Dutch).

The Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce – activities, reform, prospects, legislative initiatives

History and scope of activities of the court, and a discussion of its scope of activities and rules. Statistics on cases considered and a costs tariff. Also contains information on a draft amendment of the Civil Procedure Code being prepared by arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce, which is aimed at streamlining proceedings after an award is handed down by a court of arbitration. Extensive English-language summary.

No. 3 (January-February 2007)

List of Arbitrators Recommended by the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce

List of arbitrators, with a photograph and short description of each. The descriptions contain each arbitrator’s focus, foreign languages spoken and biography.

Announcement. Another court of arbitration to resolve domain name disputes

Information about a special procedure for resolving disputes concerning the “…pl” domain name, introduced by the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce in association with the Research and Scientific Computer Network (NASK). The option of seeking protection of rights infringed by subscribers of names of that domain was introduced by the CA at the PCC on 18 March 2007.

Artur Piechocki, Legal issues related to internet domain names

Practical discussion of legal issues arising in relation to registering and maintaining internet domain names.

Andrzej Kąkolecki, Piotr Nowaczyk, Loi polonaise sur l’arbitrage

Discussion of the Arbitration Law of 28 July 2005 for French-speaking readers.

First Nationwide Forum of Presidents of Arbitration Institutions

Report on the meeting of the Nationwide Forum of Presidents of Arbitration Institutions (OFPIA) held on 17 November 2006 at the initiative of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce. Draft amendment of the Civil Procedure Code with respect to post-arbitration proceedings.

Award of 16 October 2006, S.A. 351/05

An award handed down by the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce pertaining to mutual settlements between perpetrators of an act of unfair competition. The court found that such settlements cannot be sanctioned by awards of arbitration courts, as this would be in conflict with the fundamental principles of the legal regime of the Republic of Poland and such awards would be subject to repeal by the common courts.

Award of 24 April 2006, S.A. 193/05

An award of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce pertaining to the issue of exercising a right of first refusal.

Selected cooperation agreements concluded by the Court of Arbitration at the PCC

List of agreements concluded in 1992-2007 with the world’s major arbitration institutions.

No. 4 (September 2007)

Piotr Nowaczyk, Speech at the conference organised by the International Arbitration and Mediation Institute “Ius et Lex” on 14 June 2007 – “Ethics, independence and impartiality in arbitration. Reality or fiction?”

Speech of the President of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw. The independence of arbitrators and the importance of their compliance with the code of ethics and impartiality. Declaration on the impartiality of arbitrators, introduced by the Court of Arbitration at the PCC, modelled after the biggest and most reputable international arbitration institutions. Motions to exclude an arbitrator from proceedings. Impressive statistics of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC

IBA guidelines on conflicts of interest in international arbitration

Guidelines of the International Bar Association (IBA), approved on 22 May 2004 by the Council of the Association. The document is a result of the efforts of a Working Group, composed of 19 experts from 14 countries, appointed by the Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission at the IBA. As stated in the Introduction, “These guidelines are not legal provisions and do not override any applicable national law or arbitral rules chosen by the parties. However, the Working Group hopes that these Guidelines will find general acceptance within the international arbitration community (…) and that will thereby help parties, practitioners, arbitrators, institutions and courts in reaching decisions on the very important issues of impartiality, independence, disclosure, objections and challenges.”

IBA Rules on submitting evidence in international commercial arbitration

The document was adopted under a resolution of the IBA Council of 1 June 1999. The intention of its authors was to make it easier for parties and arbitrators to submit evidence in an effective and economic manner. The Rules contain mechanisms for presenting documentation, summoning witnesses to facts, summoning experts, conducting inspections, and conducting evidentiary hearings.

UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration

One of the most important documents on international arbitration – the rules issued by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 15 December 1976 (Resolution 31/98).

Andrzej Wach, Arbitration in sport

Settlement of legal disputes arising in sport via arbitration proceedings. Key rulings that have shaped arbitration in sport. Sport arbitration in Poland. A timely and necessary topic given EURO 2008, the Olympics and EURO 2012.

Rafał Morek, Settlements in the form of an arbitral award passed by an arbitral tribunal in the rules of the PCC, the ICC and arbitration practice

Developments in law and practice in various countries, including Poland. Controversy in the legal doctrine as to whether awards issued under settlement agreements are governed by the New York Convention of 1958 – the author favours applying the convention to these types of awards. Mechanisms that in practice help eliminate attempts to abuse the above institution (e.g. the option of an arbitral tribunal to refuse to accept a settlement agreement as an award, and the grounds for such refusal). The form of the award, its consequences, and the admissibility of handing down an arbitration award in the form of a settlement agreement concluded without the involvement of arbitrators.

Chronicle

Meeting of the Board of Arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce held on 11 June 2007. The President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC signs two new cooperation agreements: with the German Arbitration Institution (DIS) and the International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

No. 5 (January 2008)

Piotr Nowaczyk, 21st Century Arbitrator – Challenges and Expectations (the quest for the perfect arbitrator)

An excerpt from the Commemorative Book dedicated to Dr Tadeusz Szurski, Honorary President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC. Deliberations – what is the ideal 21st century arbitrator? Does such an ideal even exist and is it worth pursuing? Courage, confidence, and resistance to pressure, even from authority figures – these are the characteristics of a good arbitrator. The author is the President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC.

Chartered Institute for Arbitrators. Guideline 16: Interviewing prospective arbitrators.

This guideline pertains to the contentious rule of interviewing arbitrators before appointing them. There are allegations claiming that such interviews expose arbitration proceedings to the risk of abuse and manipulation. Adherence to the guidelines helps avoid such allegations.

Tomasz Wardyński, Euro 2012 – a new aspect of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation

The cooperation agreement between the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw and the International Arbitration Court of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kiev, signed on 19 June 2007 – brief information.

Rafał Morek, Selected rulings pertaining to the arbitration system

Decision of the Supreme Court of 17 July 2007 pertaining to the enforceability of an arbitration award against an entity other than the defendant.

Robert Bennett Lubic, Reducing costs and inconveniences in international commercial arbitration and other forms of alternative resolution through online dispute resolution

The article focuses on reducing costs and other inconveniences in the use of technology-based Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).

Anna Fiłoniuk, Go East: Arbitration in China

Arbitration in China in the context of the country’s legal, philosophical and cultural tradition. A brief discussion of the distinctive nature of Chinese arbitration (such as the exclusion of arbitration conducted by foreign arbitration institutions, and the institution of med-arb, inherent in the Chinese tradition).

Andrzej Kąkolecki, Chronicle

Meeting of the European Arbitration Group of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Warsaw held on 12 October 2007.Meeting of the Board of Arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC, 1 December 2007.

Piotr Nowaczyk, Arbitration costs in Poland in questions and answers.

Brief guide to the costs of arbitration in Poland for English-speaking readers of the Arbitration Newsletter.

No. 6 (April 2008)

UNCITRAL Notes on Organising Arbitral Proceedings

“Notes on Organising Arbitral Proceedings” – a document prepared by the Secretariat of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). It was completed during the 29th Session of the Commission in 1996.The “Newsletter” contains the full text of the document translated into Polish. As stated in the introduction to the document, “the purpose of the Notes is to assist arbitration practitioners by listing and briefly describing issues on which appropriately timed decisions on organising arbitral proceedings may be taken. (…) No legal requirement binding on the arbitrators or the parties is imposed by the Notes. An arbitral tribunal remains free to use the Notes as it sees fit, and is not required to give reasons for disregarding them.”

Piotr Nowaczyk, Business mediation – a few personal reflections by a practitioner

Paper for an arbitration conference held in Iwonicz-Zdrój (18-20 October 2007). Remarks about mediation in Poland and its popularity in comparison with other countries. The cultural environment. Differences between the Polish approach to dispute resolution – often not very conciliatory – and Western European traditions.  The author, who is the President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC, analyses the obstacles faced by Poland in its quest to promote the use of mediation.

Rafał Morek, Mediation in a University Setting

An international conference on resolving disputes arising in academic circles, held on 6 March 2008 at the University of Warsaw.

Adam Olszewski, The State Treasury Solicitors’ Office as the institutional attorney ad litem of the State Treasury in proceedings before arbitration courts

Article by an attorney of the State Treasury Solicitors’ Office, head of its Arbitration Department. Analysis of  such questions as arbitration clauses in State Treasury contracts, participation of the State Treasury in proceedings before arbitration courts, and its role in conciliatory proceedings and mediation. The author feels that the State Treasury Solicitors’ Office is able to effectively conduct complex and multi-faceted arbitration cases that require the cooperation of multiple lawyers specialising in various areas of law.

Agnieszka Gębala, Limits of admissibility of arbitration

A study on the admissibility of arbitration in the context of Polish law. Although the 2005 amendment of the Civil Procedure Code was an important step forward that eliminated many concerns about the admissibility of arbitration and arbitrability, it also gave rise to new concerns. The author indicates the issues that should be defined in greater detail by legislators or legal doctrine.

Dr Marcin Olechowski, Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards under the New Polish Arbitration Law

The 2005 reform marks a step forward in providing parties with a clearer legal framework applicable to arbitration in Poland. Obviously, as in the case of any new legislation, a number of issues raised by the new regulations still need to be resolved in the practice of the courts and/or in legal commentaries. However, on a practical level, the impact of such controversies on the enforcement or recognition of foreign arbitral awards should not be overestimated, since the New York Convention continues to prevail as the primary point of reference when seeking recognition or enforcement of a foreign arbitral award in Poland.

Rafał Adamus, Arbitration and the issue of collective restructuring of a debtor’s monetary liabilities

The usefulness of the concept of arbitration for collective restructuring of debt, with references to informal restructuring. The author discusses, for example, the admissibility of the collective restructuring arbitration clause and the issue of the parties to such proceedings. The author believes that arbitration does not preclude the possibility of filing for bankruptcy in the event of debtor insolvency, nor is it an obstacle to instituting corporate recovery proceedings. The collective restructuring of a debtor’s monetary liabilities using arbitration requires great trust between the parties involved and usually applies to mature business relationships.

Anna Hrycaj, The effect of declaring bankruptcy on proceedings before arbitration courts

Paper by a judge of the District Court for Poznań Stare Miasto, presented at an arbitration conference in Nowy Tomyśl held on 1 March 2008. Discussion including on the implication of declaring bankruptcy on the legal effect of an arbitration clause and on proceedings pending before arbitration courts, the effect of declaring bankruptcy on proceedings concerning recognition and enforceability of arbitral awards, and the admissibility of conducting proceedings before arbitration courts after a declaration of bankruptcy. “De lege ferenda we would have to (…) demand complete elimination of the option to refer a dispute for resolution by an arbitration court during the course of bankruptcy proceedings,” the author concludes.

Jakub Grajzer, Krzysztof Klupś, Arbitration in the Federal Republic of Germany with reference to Polish arrangements

Discussion of German legal arbitration regulations and German arbitration practice.

Anna Fiłoniuk, Go East: Arbitration in Japan

Arbitration in Japan in the context of the country’s social, cultural and historical environment. The author emphasises the integration of mediation and court proceedings, typical of the Japanese legal regime. Discussion of Japanese arbitration institutions.

Maria Szymańska, Amendment of the UNCITRAL Rules – current status

The UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration are widely used in national and international ad hoc arbitration, including in disputes between investors and states. Proposed amendments prepared by the Arbitration Working Group of the UNCITRAL Commission.

Rafał Morek, Selected rulings pertaining to the Polish arbitration system

Decision of the Supreme Court of 17 May 2006 concerning an assessment of the validity of an arbitration clause by a common court in response to a defendant’s allegation.

No. 7

Conference featuring the Minister of Justice, Prof. Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski, held on 6 May 2008 – “Post-Arbitration Proceedings – Let’s Not Waste Businesses’ Time”

Transcripts of speeches presented at the conference: President of the PCC Andrzej Arendarski, President of the Arbitral Council of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC Andrzej Kalwas, President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC Piotr Nowaczyk, and the Minister of Justice, Prof. Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski. Also includes contributions to the discussion made by Prof. Tadeusz Ereciński, Prof. Grzegorz Domański, Prof. Marek Safjan, Prof. Józef Okolski, attorney Sylwester Pieckowski, President of the Polish Arbitration Association and President of the PCC Andrzej Arendarski.

Techniques for Controlling Time and Costs in Arbitration. Report of the ICC Commission on Arbitration. Document translated by Krzysztof Mąkosa, drafted by the Task Force on Reducing Time and Costs in Arbitration set up by the ICC Commission on Arbitration. The goal of the document’s authors was to encourage the parties and the arbitral tribunal to intensify efforts in preparing arbitration so that the parties may agree appropriate procedures. The techniques described may be used for organising arbitration proceedings, and managing their duration and the associated costs.

Tomasz Wardyński, The Status of Arbitration and Arbitration Law in Poland

English-language account of the status of arbitration in Poland, with reference to statistics. Information on the reform of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC.

Piotr Nowaczyk, The Court of Arbitration at the PCC. Presentation at the conference entitled “Arbitration and Mediation – Theory and Practice”

Transcript of a speech given by the President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC at a conference in Nowy Tomyśl held on 1 March 2008. The Court of Arbitration at the PCC in the context of other arbitration institutions in Poland and Europe.

Michał Pochodyła, Resolving Construction Disputes in accordance with the New FIDIC Red Book

Discussion of a portion of the collection of FIDIC contract types – document entitled “Conditions of Contracts for Civil Engineering and Construction Works Designed by the Ordering Party”. Details of the arbitration regulations contained in the above document.

Andrzej Tynel, New Rules of the International Arbitration Court in Kiev

Rules of the International Court of Arbitration at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kiev, adopted in 2007 by the Presidium of the Chamber. Discussion of the court’s powers, its organisation and rules of arbitration proceedings.

Irena Zubrycka, Resolving business disputes in Ukraine

Presentation given at a conference entitled “Arbitration and Mediation – Theory and Practice” held in Nowy Tomyśl on 1 March 2008. The author, Vice-President of the Court of Arbitration at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vinnytsia, discusses the legal regulations pertaining to resolving business cases, particularly disputes with foreign businesses. Contains statistics concerning the methods of dispute resolution employed by arbitration courts in Ukraine.

Anna Fiłoniuk, Go East: Arbitration in India

Legal foundations and the nature of arbitration in India. Another in a series of articles on arbitration in Asia.

Rafał Morek, Review of rulings of the Supreme Court and courts of appeal

Decision of the Supreme Court of 22 February 2007, on the issue of an arbitration clause concluded using a website and the circumstances in which an arbitration clause is an unlawful contractual clause.

No. 8

Meeting of the Board of Arbitrators, 18 June 2008

Transcript of presentations given at a meeting of the Board of Arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw.  Includes a discussion of statistics and events concerning the Court, presented by the President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC, attorney Piotr Nowaczyk, and a transcript of the discussion that took place during the meeting.

ICDR Guidelines for Arbitrators Concerning Exchanges of Information

A document issued by the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) – a body of the American Arbitration Association. The ICDR’s intention is for the guidelines to turn arbitrators’ attention to their powers and responsibility, and to make it easier for them to conduct proceedings effectively. Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the parties, the rules come into effect for all international matters administered by the ICDR initiated after 31 May 2008.Translated by Krzysztof Mąkosa.

Łucja Nowak, The Role of Arbitration in Polish Law

An article by the secretary of the Arbitration Commission at ICC Poland. Provisions pertaining to arbitration proceedings contained in the Civil Code and the Civil Procedure Code, including the issue of the role of proceedings before an arbitration court and the jurisdiction in which an award is issued. The author recommends amending Articles 1155 and 1197 of the Civil Procedure Code.

Piotr Ciepierski, Delay, Contractual Damages and Withdrawal from an Agreement under the New FIDIC Red Book in the Context of the Civil Code – Selected Issues

Forms contained in the Red Book – Conditions of Contracts for Construction, prepared by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC). A comparison of these standards with Polish law in matters related to work delays, contractual damages and penalties, as well as withdrawal from an agreement. The author is an attorney and partner at Kancelaria Bobiński Ciepierski Kirchner Schwartz Adwokacka Spółka Partnerska in Poznań.

Dr Sebastian Oraniec, Dr Jozef J. Skoczylas, Out-of-court resolution of commercial disputes in the People’s Republic of China

Discussion of the key issues related to out-of-court dispute resolution using arbitration in the People’s Republic of China. The authors raise the issues of the choice of law in international matters, mediation, recognition and enforcement of foreign awards, and arbitration regulations in China.

Khawar Qureshi, Cultural sensitivity and International Arbitration

An English-language article by an outstanding British arbitration expert. Discusses the allegation that international arbitration is culturally insensitive. The author believes that counteracting that allegation should involve raising the cultural awareness of arbitration participants.

Peter Aeberli, Inferior tribunals and enforcing their decisions

English-language article on inferior tribunals and the enforcement of their decisions. These tribunals are empowered to resolve disputes between parties, but their findings are temporary in nature, since a party that is not happy with the result may refer the matter to arbitration or a common court. The author, an outstanding lawyer, discusses the basic instances of such tribunals, key legislation in this regard, and issues related to enforcing their rulings.

Dr Silvy Chernev, Arbitration and other dispute resolution means in Bulgaria (basic steps)

Arbitration and other means of resolving out-of-court disputes in Bulgaria. English-language article by the President of the Court of Arbitration at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Rafał Morek, Review of rulings of the Supreme Court and courts of appeal

Decision of the Supreme Court of 29 November 2007, finding that Article 1189.3 of the Civil Procedure Code, ordering arbitration courts to deliver all the pleadings filed by one party to the other party, is mandatory, and that a breach thereof may provide grounds for a complaint requesting the repeal of the award, regardless of the importance of the pleading and its effect on the outcome of the matter.

No. 9

Speech given by the Minister of Justice, Prof. Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski, at an arbitration conference at the Polish and German Chamber of Industry and Commerce on 26 November 2008

Concerns the role and importance of arbitration courts, the qualifications of arbitrators, and post-arbitration proceedings. The minister emphasises the advantages of arbitration and discusses the measures adopted by the Ministry of Justice to facilitate access to arbitration courts. Prof. Ćwiąkalski finds that “the ability of non-public entities (non-governmental organisations) to establish arbitration courts should be viewed positively, as an important stepping stone towards developing the concept of the arbitration system, and ultimately towards relieving the public court system of its excessive workload.”

Speech of the President of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce, attorney Piotr Nowaczyk, given at an arbitration conference held in Katowice in November 2008

The prospects for arbitration courts in Poland, with special emphasis on the importance of marketing and the need for legislative changes, in particular in the area of court control over arbitral awards.

The Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce, Warsaw

English-language report on the Court of Arbitration at the PCC, containing statistics on the court’s activity in 2000-2007. The conclusion states that permanent courts of arbitration with qualified arbitrators should be authorised to issue an enforceability clause to their rulings.

Maria Szymańska, Amendment of the UNCITRAL Rules – current status

Results of the 49th session of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Working Group (Vienna, 15-19 September 2008). A report on the articles of the Rules of Arbitration under review and the issues raised.

Rafał Adamus, Arbitration Clause on the Basis of Article 33 of the CMR Convention

An analysis of Article 33 of the Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR).  Discusses the permissibility of including an arbitration clause in a contract of carriage, provided that the arbitration tribunal applies the Convention. Discussion of the mandatory and optional elements of the wording of arbitration clauses in such agreements.

Ewa Zagórska-Prątnicka, Bilateral agreements on the mutual protection of investments

International and investment arbitration, agreements concluded for the protection of investments – key issues, statistics, and the origin of the issue.

Artur Barczewski, Der Begriff der “Investition” in der ICSID-Konvention und in Bilateralen Investitionsschutzvertraegen (Bilateral Investment Treaties)

Arbitration proceedings before the ICSID tribunal – advantages for the investor and the meaning of the concept of investments in the context of proceedings before the tribunal (article in German).

Maciej Kuropatwiński, The recognisability of repealed rulings of foreign arbitration courts in Poland

Article describing the practice of a number of countries  which are signatories of the New York Convention with respect to the enforceability of the rulings of courts of arbitration repealed by the competent authority in the country of origin. Application of the New York Convention in Poland.

Anna Fiłoniuk, Go East: Singapore

Arbitration courts in Singapore – a country where the government supports the development of the arbitration court system in ways not found elsewhere.

Irakli Mgalobishvili, Paata Kiknavelidze, The legal framework of arbitration in Georgia

Arbitration in Georgia – regulations, institutions, proposed changes. Article in English.

Rafał Morek, Review of rulings of the Supreme Court and courts of appeal

Resolution of the Supreme Court of 4 January 2008, ruling that in business matters brought by appeals requesting the repeal of an arbitral award, reviewed in accordance with the Civil Procedure Code in its wording before the amendment of the Code of 28 July 2005, the provisions of Articles 479¹².1 and 479¹4.2 of the Civil Procedure Code do not apply.

No. 10

Position of the State Treasury Solicitors’ Office of 22 January 2009 on arbitration within the FIDIC conditions of contract

Pertains to the draft collective Position of the Managing Institution on the application of the FIDIC conditions of contract and certain contractual clauses in projects financed from the Cohesion Fund and the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme.

Conference entitled “Arbitration in Construction” held at the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce on 8 October 2008. Transcripts of speeches

Transcripts of speeches given by conference attendees pertaining to topics such as the FIDIC conditions of contract, arbitration in construction disputes, conditions governing construction work agreements, and problems relating to consortium agreements in the construction industry. Introduction and conclusion by the President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC, attorney Piotr Nowaczyk.

Wojciech Sadowski, Bankruptcy in International Commercial Arbitration – Practical Aspects

The author discusses issues of particular importance during the current global economic crisis, presenting the perspectives of the party in bankruptcy (administrator), the opposing party and the arbitration court, as well as the public court. An analysis of issues related to the effect of an arbitration clause, including the Civil Procedure Code provision stating that bankruptcy results in the invalidity of an arbitration clause concluded by the party in bankruptcy. “In view of the undisputed priority of the fundamental rules of bankruptcy proceedings over the rules of international commercial arbitration, we note a tendency to gradually narrow down the scope of norms of bankruptcy law, an infringement of which by an arbitration court may result in the repeal of an award or in a state court refusing to enforce it”.

Piotr Nowaczyk, “Clash of Cultures” – The Cross-Cultural Aspects of a Witness Examination

Transcript of a speech given by the President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC during Vienna Arbitration Days on 21 February 2009, concerning the cross-cultural aspects of witness examination, together with a review of the regulations in force in different parts of the world. Text in English.

Andrzej Tynel, Commentary on Arbitration in Russia

Review of the publication entitled Mieżdunarodnyj kommierczeskij arbitraż (Saint Petersburg, 2007).

Radu Bogdan Bobei, Recent Amendments of Romanian Arbitration Rules and Current Development of Romanian Arbitration Law

Article written by a Romanian lawyer who is a member of the Central Council of the International Court of Commercial Arbitration at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Romania. Discussion of a recent amendment of the Romanian Rules of Arbitration.  A review of current issues in Romanian arbitration legislation. The author believes the amendments may make Romania a more arbitration-friendly state.

Anna Fiłoniuk, Go East: Arbitration in Malaysia

A discussion on arbitration in Malaysia, a country where arbitration is very popular and supported by the state and the public courts favour this dispute resolution channel.

Rafał Morek, Violetta Wysok, Review of rulings of the Supreme Court and courts of appeal

Ruling of the Supreme Court of 11 May 2007 that, when adopting an arbitration clause, parties restrict their constitutional right to a court hearing. Supreme Court decision of 22 February 2007, which leads to the conclusion that, if proceedings before a common court were initiated after the amendment of the Civil Procedure Code came into force (after 16 October 2005), then, where an arbitration clause was concluded, due to its form, the validity of the clause should be assessed by the court in the light of Article 1162 of the Civil Procedure Code, regardless of when the agreement containing the arbitration clause was concluded.

No. 11

Conference entitled “Resolving Disputes in Times of Crisis” held at the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce on 13 January 2009. Transcript of speeches

Speeches given by: attorney Piotr Nowaczyk (introduction to the subject matter of the conference), Marcin Bartczak and Michał Jochemczak (resolution of disputes arising from conducting financial forward transactions and the advantage of arbitration over other means of resolving such disputes), Patrick Radzimierski (securing claims pursued) and Pierre-Gilles Wogue (EU bankruptcy regulations).

Maria Szymańska, Amendment of the UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration – Results of the 50th Session of the Working Group

Results of the 50th session of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Working Group (New York, 9-13 February 2009). The Group’s findings on proposed amendments of particular provisions of the UNCITRAL Model Law.

Andrzej Tynel, Włodzimierz Chwalej, Arbitration in the Commonwealth of Independent States

Arbitration institutions in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Legal requirements in arbitration proceedings, relations with the public court system, procedural issues and international arbitration matters. The article provides an overview of  key arbitration issues in the CIS states.

Łucja Nowak, Investment Arbitration in 2008 – UNCTAD Monitor 1 (2009)

Statistics concerning investment arbitration based on international investment agreements, published in the International Investment Agreement Monitor. Also contains an overview of issues being analysed by arbitral tribunals.

Remco van der Kroft, Netherlands Arbitration Institute. A brief presentation

Information about the Dutch institution responsible for promoting alternative dispute resolution and conducting arbitration proceedings.

Artur Barczewski, Das Schicksal der Schiedsvereinbarung im Insolvenzfall nach deutschem Recht

German-language article dealing with the effect of an arbitration clause in bankruptcy proceedings under German law. In his conclusion, the author states that the bankruptcy of one of the counterparties does not have as far-reaching consequences as it does under Polish law, that is, it does not result in the invalidity of the arbitration clause. He also emphasises that transferring German regulations to the Polish context would not be possible due to the specific nature of the provisions governing bankruptcy law in the Polish legal system.

Anna Fiłoniuk, Go East: Arbitration in Korea vs. Arbitration in China and Japan – Common Issues and Directions for Development

Another in a series of articles on arbitration in Asia. This instalment is based on a presentation given by former President of the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board Prof. Lee Soonwoo.

Rafał Morek, Review of rulings of the Supreme Court and courts of appeal

Resolution of the Supreme Court of 7 May 2009, stating that a dispute with respect to repealing or declaring the invalidity of resolutions of a company’s governing bodies cannot be the subject of arbitration proceedings, since a court settlement is not permitted in that respect.

No. 12

Open Letter of the Minister of Justice in Acknowledgement of International Mediation Day

A letter written by Minister Andrzej Czuma.  The author states, among other things: “I will continue to fight for mediation, as I know that its development ensures the development of a civil society that is open and welcoming, which will establish communal bonds in a humane manner, in recognition of all human rights, and which will make the world a better place through the use of mediation.”

Christopher W. Moore: Mediation as a Dispute Resolution Method

Lecture by a world-renowned mediation expert, moderator, coach and designer of conflict resolution systems, given on 25 May 2009 during a seminar at the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce. Includes a transcript of the discussion that accompanied the lecture. Transcript in English.

Piotr Nowaczyk: The State of Polish Commercial Mediation

English-languge article referring to a discussion on the future of mediation in Poland which took place at a seminar entitled “Lawyers in Mediation” (University of Warsaw, 24 June 2009) organised in cooperation with the JAMS International ADR Centre as part of a European Commission programme.

Elżbieta Buczkowska-Krzyśków, Adam Olszewski, The State Treasury Solicitors’ Office in Commercial and Investment Arbitration

The responsibilities of the State Treasury Solicitors’ Office in commercial arbitration involving the State Treasury, and in investment disputes involving the Republic of Poland pending under international treaties.

Meeting of the Board of Arbitrators, 29 June 2009. Lecture by Prof. Fryderyk Zoll

A speech given during a meeting of the Board of Arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce on the autonomy of an arbitration clause. Preface by attorney Marek Furtek, President of the Court. Includes a transcript of the discussion.

Andrzej Kąkolecki: Current Problems in International Arbitration. The IFCAI Conference in Carthage

Conference organised by the International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Institutions (IFCAI) and the Tunis Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (Carthage, 28-29 May 2009). Reports conference highlights and comments on the Rules of Conciliation and Arbitration of the Tunis Centre.

Rafał Morek, Review of rulings of the Supreme Court and courts of appeal

Supreme Court resolution of 4 June 2009 on the possibility of a defendant withdrawing an allegation against an arbitration clause. A defendant may only do so in the course of complaint proceedings conducted as a result of an appeal against a decision of the court of first instance on the reasonability of the allegation.

Past rulings of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce. Edited by Dr Aleksander Proksa

Award of 5 March 2007, stating that bringing an action to a court without local and/or material jurisdiction is effective for interrupting the statute of limitations and therefore should also pertain to cases where, despite the existence of an arbitration clause, an action was brought before a common court.

Ruling of 11 June 2007, containing a statement that an arbitration clause does not prevent the effective summons of a party to a conciliation hearing before a common court.

Ruling of 19 June 2007, pertaining to a case where the adjudication of contractual penalties was sought for a failure to deliver grain that had been contracted for.

No. 13

Piotr Nowaczyk, In Memory of Robert Briner

Obituary for the late President of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), written by a former President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC – in Polish and English.

New Arbitrators

List of persons entered on the List of Arbitrators Recommended by the Court of Arbitration at the PCC on 9 December 2009.

Prof. Karol Weitz, The Public Order Clause as the Basis for Repealing Arbitral Awards in the Context of Judicial Practice

Transcript of the professor’s lecture and the accompanying discussion during a meeting of the Board of Arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC on 21 October 2009. Reference to provisions, legal doctrine and past rulings of Polish common courts from the interwar period until today, with examples of the functioning of the clause in the legal systems of other European countries. The debate featured the President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC Marek Furtek, attorney Andrzej Kalwas, attorney Maciej Łaszczuk, Prof. Wojciech Popiołek and Prof. Tadeusz Ereciński.

Dr. Andrzej Tynel, Powers of an Arbitral Council in Proceedings before the Court of Arbitration at the PCC

Article written by the Honorary President of the Polish Arbitration Association. A brief discussion of the powers and tasks of the Council under the By-laws and Rules of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC.

Maria Szymańska, Amendment of the UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration – Results of the 51st Session of the Working Group

The Vienna session (14-18 September 2009), during which the second reading of the UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration of 1976 was continued.  Information about proposed amendments to the Rules as discussed and adopted.

Monika Weingärtner, Electronic Information Disclosure in International Arbitration

Discussion of terminology used primarily in the USA and the UK, which two states are considered pioneers in the area of implementing legal regulations regarding the use of e-documents in court proceedings. Information on the regulations in these countries’ national legal systems. Electronic discovery regulations in international arbitration on the basis of the regulations of American and European arbitration institutions and the CPR rules. The role of electronic documents in arbitration proceedings – advantages and risks.

Łucja Nowak, The issue of excluding arbitration from the scope of Regulation 44/2001 – the West Tankers case and report of the Commission

Exclusion of arbitration by the EEC from the scope of the Brussels Convention on Jurisdiction and the Enforcement of Judgements in Civil and Commercial Matters. Rulings of the European Court of Justice in this respect. Exclusion of arbitration in the context of the regulation on jurisdiction and the enforcement of court judgements in civil and commercial matters, in force since 2002.

Barbara Skardzińska, Language in International Commercial Arbitration

The issue of selecting the language, definitions, and the conceptual scope of language for international commercial arbitration – an analysis based on the rules of arbitration courts.

Rafał Morek, Violetta Wysok, Review of rulings of the Supreme Court and courts of appeal

Supreme Court decision of 24 June 2009, indicating that hearings be held in camera for the purpose of considering complaints regarding the recognition of arbitral awards issued abroad. Supreme Court resolution of 21 January 2009, on the application of provisions that provide grounds for rulings with respect to repealing a decision of an arbitration court issued before the enactment of the new arbitration court regulations of the Civil Procedure Code.

Past rulings of the Court of Arbitration at the Polish Chamber of Commerce

Award of 22 September 2008, dismissing the defendant’s allegation against an arbitration clause specifying two arbitration courts as competent courts. Award of 24 March 2009, stating that the court, when obliging the defendant to make a declaration of intent with consequences as set out in Article 64 of the Civil Code, cannot modify the wording of the declaration in a manner that departs from the defendant’s obligation as set forth in the preliminary agreement.

No. 14

Andrzej Tynel, In Memory of Tadeusz Szurski

Memorial to the late long-time President of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC, who passed away on 16 February 2010.  In Polish and English.

Arbitrability, with Particular Emphasis on Corporate Disputes. Conference held at the Court of Arbitration at the PCC on 15 December 2009

Transcript of a discussion featuring the President of the Court of Arbitration of the PCC Marek Furtek, Prof. Wojciech Popiołek, Prof. Tadeusz Ereciński, Prof. Karol Weitz, Prof. Andrzej Szumański and Prof. Grzegorz Domański. Text of a paper prepared by Dr. Andrzej W. Wiśniewski on an effective arbitration clause model for corporate disputes, together with a discussion of the paper.

Piotr Nowaczyk, Institutional or Ad Hoc Arbitration. Presentation at a conference entitled “A Tsunami of Disputes Ahead”, organised by the SIDiR, FIDIC and ICC Poland on 21 January 2010.

Statistics on both arbitration models, proceedings before the ICC. Advantages of institutional and ad hoc arbitration.

Maria Szymańska, Amendment of the UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration – Results of the 52nd Session of the Working Group

A session that took place in February 2010 in New York, during which the second reading of the UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration of 1976 was completed and the third reading thereof was carried out.  Information on the findings of the Working Group.

Brady J. Collins, Multi-step Dispute Resolution under the American Arbitration Association

Discussion of the practice and regulations concerning multi-step dispute resolution under the American Arbitration Association. Article in English.

Peter Tærø Nielsen, Arbitration in Denmark – a general overview and some peculiarities

Overview of the arbitration situation in Denmark.  A discussion of the fundamental regulations and information on arbitration institutions. Article in English.

Anna Kubś,  Arbitration in Iceland. Interview with Haraldur Ingi Birgisson

An interview with the General Director of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce on the practice of the Court of Arbitration and the Chamber, and on Icelandic arbitration law. Article in English.

Andrzej Kąkolecki, Hot Topic at the Vienna Conference – Guerilla Tactics in Arbitration

Selected elements of speeches and conference materials provided by Stephan Wilske, Günther J. Horvath and Vladimir Khvalej presented during Vienna Arbitration Days on 12-13 February 2010.Concerns actions against arbitrators, parties, and their attorneys or witnesses – bad practices in arbitration.

Rafał Morek, Review of rulings of the Supreme Court and courts of appeal

Decision of the Supreme Court of 23 September 2009, containing the position of the Supreme Court with respect to certain legal issues arising in the context of the regulations contained in Articles 142 and 147 of the Bankruptcy and Corporate Recovery Law.

Past Rulings of the Court of Arbitration at the PCC

Partial award of 23 March 2009, pertaining to an abstract bank guarantee. Award of 17 August 2009, finding a failure to apply Article 322 of the Civil Procedure Code in proceedings before an arbitration court.