The regional conference titled “Strengthening Legal Security for Investment Arrival and Development” will take place on 21st March in Podgorica, organised by The AIRE Centre and the Ministry of Justice of Montenegro, with the support of the British Embassy in Podgorica.
This is one of the most significant regional events on arbitration, bringing together numerous distinguished experts from the fields of law, economics, and international relations.
The conference will focus on enhancing the legal security of foreign investments through efficient arbitration processes, which are crucial for economic prosperity and the rule of law in Montenegro. Among the distinguished speakers will be Tim Eicke, Judge of the European Court of Human Rights, Andrew Henshaw, President of the Commercial Court of the United Kingdom, Ana Stanič, a renowned expert in international arbitration, and Ilija Mitrev Penushliski, a member of the International Court of Arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce.
Arbitration is a dispute resolution process outside of the regular courts, where a neutral arbitrator makes a binding decision for the parties involved. This method of dispute resolution enables faster and more efficient processes, reduces the burden on courts, and provides greater legal security for investors. For citizens, this means that potential disputes can be resolved without lengthy court proceedings, contributing to a more stable and attractive business environment
Bojan Božović, Minister of Justice of Montenegro, emphasised the importance of arbitration in the context of European integration: “Improving arbitration mechanisms directly contributes to our path towards EU membership. Efficient and transparent dispute resolution processes are the foundation for building investor trust and aligning with European standards.”
Biljana Braithwaite, Programme Director for the Western Balkans at The AIRE Centre, highlighted the significance of this topic: “Strengthening arbitration processes is not only about enhancing the rule of law and institutional efficiency, but also a key factor for Montenegro’s economic development. Efficient dispute resolution mechanisms attract investors and create a more favourable business climate.”
The conference programme will cover panels on legal security for foreign investments, the current situation, and proposals for improving the arbitration framework in Montenegro, as well as the role of arbitration in banking, finance, and energy sectors. The event will provide a platform for discussion and networking among experts, government representatives, and international organisations, with the aim of improving arbitration practices in the region.
