Framework Agreement, EU membership or going it alone?

Speaker: State Secretary Roberto Balzaretti

The bilateral relations between Switzerland and the European Union are approaching a crossroad. The Federal Council submitted the draft text for an institutional framework agreement (INSTA) between Switzerland and the EU to a broad consultation. The EU declared such an agreement as precondition to develop the bilateral economic relations further. In such a situation, the conclusion of an institutional or framework agreement might become the only alternative to a full adhesion to the EU.

ICC Switzerland regularly offers opportunities to discuss topics of current business interest. Our last Chairman's Lunch in Zurich focused on these Swiss-EU relations. We had the opportunity to learn more about the context when State Secretary Roberto Balzaretti shared his thoughts. As it is known from various public statements, the largest number of participants in the consultation process were in general in favor of an institutional framework agreement but raised various concerns and requested “clarifications” or even “re-negotiations”. In the discussions some possible ways forward have been touched. It became apparent that Switzerland obtained substantial improvements during the negotiations. It would be important to take more a strategic view instead of focusing on single eventually problematic facts. The political process will take quite some time in any case. This gives room to search for clarifications in parallel. Therefore, a quick positive reaction by Switzerland to the European Union would be helpful to deblock the relations. 

ICC Switzerland's Commission on Arbitration and the Section of Lawyers from Foreign Bars of the Geneva Bar Association (SABE) co-organize a seminar on the "Note to Parties and Arbitral Tribunals on the Conduct of Arbitration under the ICC Rules of Arbitration of 1 January 2019". This event will take place on 11th April 2019, 17:30 - 19:00 at Lenz & Staehelin in Geneva.

This event will provide information on important aspects of the Note to Parties and Arbitral Tribunals, notably on disclosure requirements for arbitrators, new transparency provisions and data protection. This event is aimed at Arbitration practitioners, in-house counsel, academics and students with an interest in ICC arbitration.

ICC Switzerland and ks/cs organize a workshop on the updated standards and principles which apply to the communications industry in Switzerland since 1 January 2019. The new standards take into account new practices and new technologies. The background, the most important changes as well as the consequences of the code will be discussed and you can learn more of the opportunities to get involved in the making of the rules.

News in Dispute Resolution

ICC Switzerland has organized a seminar on the new «Note to Parties and Arbitral Tribunals on the Conduct of Arbitration under the ICC Rules of Arbitration” and on the new organization of the Swiss Commission of Arbitration and ADR.

What

• Organised by the ICC World Chambers Federation, the World Chambers Congress is the only international forum for chamber leaders and professionals to share best-practices, exchange real-word ideas and inspire new thinking around the most pressing issues affecting business today. Co-organised with the Brazilian Confederation of Trade and Business Associations, the 11th edition of the event will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 12-14 June 2019.

ICC Switzerland and its Commission on Arbitration and ADR are organizing a seminar on the "Note to Parties and Arbitral Tribunals on the Conduct of Arbitration under the ICC Rules of Arbitration of 1 January 2019" and on the new organization of the Swiss ICC Commission of Arbitration and ADR. This event will take place on 20th March 2019, 15:00 - 18:00 at Wenger & Vieli in Zurich.

We have the pleasure to invite you to a late afternoon information event providing you information on important aspects of the Note to Parties and Arbitral Tribunals, notably on disclosure requirements for arbitrators, new transparency provisions and data protection. You will also be informed on the new Note to ICC National Committees. These changes are relevant for arbitrators and counsel involved in ICC arbitrations.

In this Information Brochure you will find more detailed information on the programme as well as the Registration Form  which we kindly ask you to send to  the latest by 13 March 2019.