On June 7, 2023, the Arbitration Association of Central and Eastern Europe – ArbCEE – was officially launched in Bratislava.
According to the association's press statement, "founded by over 20 experienced arbitration practitioners from ten countries in the CEE region, ArbCEE is the first independent and inclusive arbitration association developed by, and for, practitioners connected with the CEE. ArbCEE’s primary goal is to provide a knowledge-sharing and networking platform that unites, promotes, and serves the arbitration and ADR community in CEE with the aim of advancing and facilitating the growth of arbitration and ADR within the region."
The ArbCEE Board includes the following: Chairman Rostislav Pekar, Vice-Chairs Iuliana Iancu and Piotr Bytnerowicz, and members Ramunas Audzevicius, Miroslav Dubovsky, Veronika Korom, Tamara Manasijevic, Olena Perepelynska, Lucia Raimanova, Peter Riznik, and Galina Zukova.
"Our vision is to establish a robust network that encourages collaboration, learning, and growth within the field of arbitration and ADR in the CEE," ArbCEE Chairman Rostislav Pekar commented. "By uniting practitioners from diverse backgrounds and jurisdictions, we aim to promote the highest standards of professional excellence, enhance awareness of arbitration and ADR, and foster peaceful dispute settlement throughout the region."
Moreover, ArbCEE announced it "strives to promote diversity and equal representation in international arbitration for practitioners from the CEE region through actively promoting and showcasing their skills, experience, and expertise and through investing in up-and-coming talent."