The Master of the Rolls has called for a Europe-wide debate to ensure proper provision is made for mediation both in member states and in cross-border disputes.


Speaking at an EU Civil Justice Day conference at the Law Society last week, Sir Anthony Clarke said there needed to be a greater focus on alternative dispute resolution across the EU to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of conflict resolution.



He said: 'With the establishment of the European small-claims procedure and the European payment order, it is to my mind time for us to focus more clearly on alternative dispute resolution.'



Sir Anthony told delegates it was a matter of regret that the EU's draft Directive on Mediation in Civil and Commercial Matters 'appears to have languished in obscurity since 2004', but hoped it would encourage debate now.



Catherine Baksi