In 2008, Aeade implemented a policy of institutional relationships which, on many occasions, resulted in collaboration agreements for the promotion of arbitration.
The main idea to be kept in mind is that given the limited access to the arbitration mechanism by individuals, companies and lawyers in Spain, it is necessary for institutions to be directly involved and seen as a matter of course so that economic and business relationships in Spain run more smoothly.
In 2008, the European Association of Arbitration signed agreements with numerous institutions with the common goal of boosting and promoting the use of arbitration. The main institutions promoting arbitration within their sector are as follows:
National College of Engineers (Colegio Nacional de Ingenieros – ICAI). In May, Aeade took a qualitative leap in its arbitration via the signing of this agreement by being able to count on the collaboration of ICAI engineers in arbitration proceedings. One of the main objectives was to use expert tests, technical methods, technicians and expert arbitrators in arbitration proceedings.
Expert tests are essential in the majority of disputes linked to the engineering and construction sectors, as well as in complex arbitration proceedings where the parties concerned are looking for the maximum guarantees possible to find the best solution.
Amaje. On 4th November, the European Association of Arbitration signed an agreement for the promotion of arbitration with the Spanish Association of Retired Judges and Magistrates (Amaje) by virtue of which associates of the latter will be able to act as arbitrators in proceedings handled by Aeade. The agreement was signed by Juan Ignacio Barrero Valverde, President of Aeade, and Manuel María Zorrilla Ruiz, President of Amaje.
As well as Javier Íscar de Hoyos, the signing ceremony was attended by Juan Bautista Pardo, Miguel López-Muñiz and Joaquín Vesteiro, Vicepresident, Secretary General and Treasurer of Amaje, and Julio García Lagares, Antonio Romero, Manuel Rico Lara and José Beneito, also members of Aeade. Both organisations expressed their interest in encouraging arbitration as a mechanism for the resolution of disputes.
Amaje’s associates include over 300 judges, experts in fields as varied as commercial, company, civil, administrative and labour law who have exercised their profession in institutions such as the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, Provincial Courts or Superior Tribunal Courts of Autonomous Regions.
Scevola. On 11th December in Madrid, Juan Ignacio Barrero Valverde, President of Aeade, and Lupicinio Rodríguez Jiménez, President of the Association for Ethics and Quality in the Legal Profession – Scevola, signed an agreement for the promotion of the values of ethical and professional responsibility in the practice and development of arbitration so that companies, citizens and lawyers understand and demand these values when turning to this system of conflict resolution.
Amongst other objectives, both entities also work towards the spread and promotion of arbitration as an efficient mechanism in the resolution of conflicts between companies and individuals, with ethical values always being respected. In addition to other commitments, the European Association of Arbitration will safeguard transparency surrounding the appointment of arbitrators - one of the values that it has always boasted – through its Guarantee and Appointment Committee, a body that will continue to monitor the purity of proceedings.
