KNOETZL Associate Stefan Dobrijevic joined a panel discussion on the topic of “The Court of Justice of the European Union v. Arbitration” alongside distinguished speakers Georg Bermann, Andrea Carlevaris, Beata Gessel-Kalinowska, and Ramona Ianus, moderated by András László during the fabulous Budapest Arbitration Days.

The panel explored the implications of Seraing for EU public policy review, the evolving scope of Achmea, and the ECJ’s increasing assertiveness, topics underscored by the current Opinion of Advocate General Biondi in the Reibel case on EU sanctions and arbitration.

Key takeaway: Commercial arbitration should be viewed not as opposed to EU law, but as a complementary mechanism for resolving disputes, including those involving EU law and public policy. Arbitral tribunals are bound by the rule of law and must apply international mandatory law when applicable. Despite the institutional scepticism at the EU level, arbitration continues to play an important role in stabilizing our economies by delivering high-quality and efficient dispute resolution. This option will continue to play an essential role for attracting investment in the EU.