“What drives arbitration costs — and how can they be managed more effectively?” These questions were at the centre of discussions at the Croatian Arbitration Days in Zagreb, one of the region’s most established arbitration conferences. This year’s edition brought together practitioners and academics to reflect on dispute resolution in construction and infrastructure projects, as well as broader developments in international arbitration.

Our partner Patrizia Netal contributed to a dynamic panel on the allocation and shifting of arbitration costs, exploring how different jurisdictions and arbitral institutions approach rising arbitration expenses, party and counsel conduct, third-party funding and procedural tools designed to improve efficiency — with a particular focus on CEE practices. She was joined by Prof. Dr. Alan Uzelac (University of Zagreb), Moritz Schmitt (Rothorn Legal), Flavio Peter (Peter & Kim) and Gourab Banerji SA (Arbitration Bar of India / Essex Court Chambers). The panel was moderated by Jadranka Jakovčić (Arbitration Chambers).

Beyond the main programme, Patrizia also welcomed participants to the VIAC side event, organised by Borna Dejanovic, VIAC CAN Ambassador to Croatia. The session tackled the increasingly relevant intersection of arbitration and insolvency, asking who ultimately takes priority when these two regimes collide, with Sara Pendjer (Stankovic & Partners), Ilma Kasumagić (Wolf Theiss, VIAC CAN BiH ambassador), Hrvoje Kurelec (Hanžeković & Partneri) and Borna Dejanović (Wolf Theiss).

Many thanks to all speakers and attendees for the thoughtful exchanges — and to the organisers for making the Croatian Arbitration Days so special!