Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) covers all dispute resolution processes that operate outside of the judicial process. ADR includes processes like mediation, arbitration, conciliation.
However terms like 'arbitration' or 'mediation' are not used consistently and might refer to very different procedures. That is why, for the purpose of this SME-Panel, we classify ADR processes by their nature and speak about
ADR schemes resulting in binding decisions, as will be most arbitration schemes,
ADR schemes resulting in non-binding decisions, such as recommendations and
ADR schemes facilitating an amicable solution, such as most mediation schemes.
The European Commission is currently examining the operation of business-to-business (B2B) ADR schemes in Europe and would like to know whether businesses think ADR is an effective way for resolving disputes with other businesses, and under which conditions. The Commission will take into account the views of the businesses in order to design future policies on B2B ADR that respond to the needs of businesses.
Your responses to the following questions should reflect your perspective as a business representative and not that of an individual. In all of your answers, please be sure to only consider the business experience relating to your current position.