Between 2005 and 2008, ADR Center led a pioneering initiative funded by the European Commission to provide comprehensive ADR technical assistance across ten MEDA countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and the Palestinian Authority. The project—Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques in the MEDA Region—was the European Union’s first large-scale effort dedicated specifically to strengthening commercial mediation and arbitration in this strategic region.
At the time, the MEDA region faced numerous challenges in attracting foreign direct investment and boosting intra-regional trade. Among the most pressing issues was the lack of efficient, accessible, and trustworthy systems for resolving business and investment disputes. Judicial systems in many of these countries were perceived as slow, expensive, or inconsistent—deterring cross-border transactions and undermining investor confidence.
Recognizing the essential role of effective dispute resolution in economic development, the European Commission tasked ADR Center with designing and executing a robust program of capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and legal infrastructure development. The long-term goal: to build a more reliable ADR ecosystem in the Mediterranean, capable of supporting sustainable growth and regional cooperation.
As the lead implementing partner, ADR Center adopted a multi-tiered strategy to deliver impactful ADR technical assistance tailored to the needs of each country while promoting regional synergy.
Key activities included:
Training and Certification: ADR Center organized specialized seminars for judges, lawyers, and business professionals, focusing on international arbitration, negotiation, and mediation. Over the course of the project, hundreds of stakeholders were trained, and several were certified as professional mediators and arbitrators.
Legal and Procedural Development: The project team collaborated with local legal experts and bar associations to draft model clauses, develop ADR protocols, and disseminate standard contractual instruments that promote the use of mediation and arbitration in commercial contracts.
Institutional Strengthening: ADR Center supported the establishment of new ADR and arbitration centers and reinforced the capacity of existing institutions in Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and the Palestinian Authority.
Awareness and Outreach: Public awareness campaigns—including workshops, media outreach, and publications—were conducted to build trust in ADR methods and highlight their practical value for SMEs and large enterprises alike.
Regional Networking: The project culminated in a major international conference titled Preventing and Managing International Commercial Disputes in the Mediterranean, attended by more than 300 participants from 50 countries. The event provided a platform for exchange between EU and MEDA stakeholders and solidified the groundwork for future cooperation.
The project delivered lasting impact across multiple dimensions. First and foremost, it introduced and normalized the concept of Alternative Dispute Resolution as a viable, effective solution for commercial disputes throughout the MEDA region. Thanks to ADR Center’s technical assistance, institutional capacity was strengthened, legal frameworks were updated, and a new generation of ADR professionals emerged.
Notable achievements include:
The development and ratification of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter on Appropriate Dispute Resolution (Rome Declaration), which obliges legal professionals to actively consider and propose ADR solutions in commercial dealings.
The publication of Arbitration and Mediation in the Southern Mediterranean Countries, a landmark book featuring insights from 33 regional experts. This volume remains a key reference for academics, practitioners, and policymakers.
A measurable increase in the number and quality of mediation and arbitration centers operating in MEDA countries, many of which continue to provide cost-effective, fair, and timely dispute resolution services today.
Ultimately, the project laid the foundation for sustainable economic integration and private sector development by empowering local stakeholders to manage conflict more constructively. By enhancing trust in the rule of law and commercial processes, the MEDA region took a significant step toward becoming a more attractive destination for international trade and investment.
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