Practical Law

Arbitrator bias has the potential to rock the very foundation of international arbitration. The principle that arbitrators must be impartial and independent from the parties is fundamental and uncontroversial among arbitration users. The understanding of what constitutes bias in concrete terms, however, is still open to debate.

The saga of the intra-EU bilateral investment treaties (intra-EU BITs) has taken many forms on different battlegrounds and its relevance goes beyond the borders of the European Union. From its genesis in Achmea v Slovak Republic, passing through many enforcement attempts outside the EU (as previously covered here and here), to its potential apocalypse with … Continue reading From genesis to apocalypse: As Belgium heralds the end of the uncertainty on intra-EU BITs, has the UK missed an opportunity in a post-Brexit world? →

On 6 May 2020, the European Commission announced that a majority of EU member states had signed the Agreement for the Termination of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) between the Member States of the EU. The agreement will have a significant impact on the protective measures bestowed upon EU investors who have businesses in other EU … Continue reading Agreement for the termination of intra-EU BITs signed: the bell tolls? →

The Micula v Romania world tour continues. In a judgment handed down by the UK Supreme Court on 19 February 2020, the court held that the Miculas were entitled to enforce their ICSID award of approximately US $331 million against Romania, despite the fact that the award remains subject to an ongoing state aid investigation … Continue reading Micula v Romania: rematch clause activated? →

In the latest round of the long-running Micula saga, the US District Court for the District of Columbia has confirmed an ICSID award against Romania, entering judgment for approximately US $331 million in an action to enforce the award.