International Commercial Mediation and Arbitration for Belgian Companies

Programma: 

2:00 pm – 2:10 pm | Welcome and opening (10 min) 

2:10 pm – 2:30 pm | ICC Mediation: why opt for amicable resolution? (25 min)
Context + the benefits of mediation for companies, with a focus on cross-border disputes. For whom is ICC Mediation relevant? What place does it take alongside or ahead of arbitration?
Speaker: ICC Paris  

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm   ICC Mediation in practice (30 min)
A key point: under international rules, you can designate an institution's rules in your contract. Explanation of the procedure under the ICC Mediation Rules:

1. the costs: filing fee, administrative expenses and the mediator's fees;
2. the choice and appointment of the mediator (proposal by the parties versus appointment by the Centre);
3. the credit mechanism towards a subsequent ICC arbitration 
   etc. 
   Speakers: Maud Piers / Dirk De Meulemeester

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm |  Panel 1: the mediators' perspective (20 min) 
A panel of experienced mediators on what makes mediation work in international disputes. 

3:20 pm – 3:50 pm |  Networking break (30 min)

3:50 pm – 4:15 pm | Panel 2: the business perspective (25 min)
In-house counsel and companies with experience in amicable dispute resolution — e.g. BARCO, DEME, Bekaert. Presentation and / or short Q&A.
Panellists: Sofie Verlinden (DEME), Philippe Eyskens (General Counsel, Bekaert) Cyril Doumoulin (Shell) , … — 

4:15 pm – 4:40 pm | From mediation to arbitration: the bridge (20 min)
What happens when mediation does not lead to an agreement, and how ICC mediation and arbitration connect as one offer. Brief outline of ICC arbitration + the amended rules in force since 1 July 2026. Hybrid procedures and mediation windows (a one-month window to mediate); risks and costs.
speaker:  Maarten Draye

4:40 pm – 4:45 pm | Closing remarks (5min)

4:45 pm | end