{"id":152726,"date":"2026-11-04T10:38:34","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T10:38:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=152726"},"modified":"2026-11-04T12:44:57","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T12:44:57","slug":"kosovo-international-arbitration","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/kosovo-international-arbitration\/","title":{"rendered":"Kosovo: International Arbitration"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-152726","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-international-arbitration","jurisdictions-kosovo"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Kerveshi &amp; Partners Law Firm<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/11\/kerveshi_partners_law_firm_cover.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Kerveshi &amp; Partners Law Firm<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/11\/kerveshi_partners_law_firm_cover.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of International Arbitration laws and regulations applicable in Kosovo<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legislation applies to arbitration in your country? Are there any mandatory laws?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The applicable arbitration legal framework in Kosovo is primarily codified in Law No. 02\/L-75 on Arbitration (2008) (hereinafter the \u201c<em>LA<\/em>\u201d), which constitutes the <em>lex arbitri<\/em> and a set of modern arbitration rules governing arbitration agreements, arbitral procedure, and the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards made within and outside of Kosovo. These rules are generally aligned with recognised European and international arbitration standards.<\/p>\n<p>The LA operates as a <em>lex specialis<\/em> in relation to Law No. 03\/L-006 on Contested Procedure (2008) (hereinafter the \u201c<em>LCP<\/em>\u201d). The LCP also contained Chapter XXXI, regulating arbitral procedure. However, Law No. 04\/L-118 on Amending and Supplementing the Law No.03\/L-006 on Contested Procedure (2012) entirely repealed this chapter, thereby granting the LA exclusive competence to regulate arbitral procedure in Kosovo and avoiding legal uncertainty.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, the LA contains mandatory provisions, although it does not follow the <em>nummerus clausus<\/em> principle in listing them. Mandatory provisions should therefore be identified from the content of the relevant provisions.<\/p>\n<p>Mandatory provisions include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Arbitrability of disputes (Article 5(2) LA);<\/li>\n<li>The formal requirements for the validity of the arbitration agreement (Article 6 LA);<\/li>\n<li>The independence and impartiality of arbitrators (Article 10 LA);<\/li>\n<li>The principle of competence-competence (Article 14 LA);<\/li>\n<li>The equal treatment of the parties and the right to be heard (Article 16(1) LA);<\/li>\n<li>The right to choose the representatives and the prohibition on excluding legal counsel as party representatives (Article 16(2) LA);<\/li>\n<li>The right to be provided with case files (Article 21(3) LA);<\/li>\n<li>Tribunal proceedings in case of default of a party (Article 26 LA);<\/li>\n<li>The court assistance (Article 28 LA);<\/li>\n<li>The written form requirement of the arbitral awards (Article 31(1) LA); and<\/li>\n<li>The limited scope of judicial review (Article 36(1) LA).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is your country a signatory to the New York Convention? Are there any reservations to the general obligations of the Convention?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">No, Kosovo is not a signatory to the New York Convention. Although, Kosovo\u2019s legislation has sought to incorporate the New York Convention into its national arbitration law, the LA (Article 39) was drafted in compliance with the New York Convention. Moreover, Law No. 04\/L-118 on Amending and Supplementing the Law No.03\/L-006 On Contested Procedure provides that \u201c<i>The recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards shall be implemented in consistence with the New York Convention<\/i>\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other arbitration-related treaties and conventions is your country a party to?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">N\/A.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the law governing international arbitration in your country based on the UNCITRAL Model Law? Are there significant differences between the two? Are there any impending plans to reform the arbitration laws in your country? Has your jurisdiction adopted, or is it considering adopting, the amendments of 6 July 2026 regarding electronic awards and communications?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">The LA (2008) is based on the 2006 UNCITRAL Model Law, and generally, there are no significant differences between them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Currently, Kosovo has two major plans to reform its civil legislation, namely the adoption of its first Civil Code and the Code of Civil Procedure. Most intellectual and institutional efforts are focused on these two codes. Meanwhile the LA requires reform, since its enactment in 2008, it has not been updated and should therefore incorporate new arbitral rules. However, there is currently no serious plan to reform Kosovo\u2019s arbitration laws. The same applies to the amendments of 6 July 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What arbitral institutions (if any) exist in your country? When were their rules last amended? Are any amendments being considered?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are two main arbitral institutions. The first and oldest one is the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal (\u201c<em>PAT<\/em>\u201d), which was established in 2011 and is a restructured institution that evolved from the Arbitration Court of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (\u201c<em>KCC<\/em>\u201d).\u00a0Currently, the PAT of the KCC operates under its 2022 Arbitration Rules.<\/p>\n<p>The second is the ADR Center of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo (\u201c<em>AmCham<\/em>\u201d), which is one of the most prominent institutions. Currently, the ADR Center of the AmCham operates under its 2011 Arbitration Rules.<\/p>\n<p>The Sports Arbitration Council (\u201c<em>SAC<\/em>\u201d) of Kosovo also operates as an arbitral institution within the Kosovo Olympic Committee. It is the specialised institution responsible for resolving sports-related disputes in Kosovo through arbitration and mediation. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (\u201c<em>CAS<\/em>\u201d) operates under the SAC. In 2025, the SAC adopted new Arbitration Rules.<\/p>\n<p>It should also be noted that, in 2017, the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (\u201c<em>CBK<\/em>\u201d) adopted the Rules of Arbitration Tribunal Procedures for resolving insurance disputes. However, this specialised tribunal remains only a blueprint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a specialist arbitration court in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no specialist arbitration court in Kosovo.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Commercial Court of Kosovo has jurisdiction to decide arbitration-related matters and to recognise and permit the enforcement of domestic and international arbitral awards in commercial disputes. The Commercial Court also serves as the main institution for the consolidation of arbitration-related matters in the country. The Commercial Court was established in 2022 as a direct successor to the Department of Economic Matters of the Basic Court of Prishtina. It has a two-tier system comprising First Instance Chambers and Second Instance Chambers. This unique structure was designed to provide commercial entities with a \u2018one-stop-shop\u2019 court. The Commercial Court also represents the largest competitor to arbitral tribunals in the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the validity requirements for an arbitration agreement under the laws of your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Briefly and clearly, for an arbitration agreement to be admissible, the LA (Article 6(1)) expressly provides that \u201c<em>The arbitration agreement shall be concluded in writing<\/em>\u201d. According to Article 6(2) of the LA, this requirement is deemed to have been satisfied even if the conclusion of the arbitration agreement is recorded by an exchange of letters, telefaxes, telegrams or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication, by means of a bill of lading if the latter contains an express reference to an arbitration clause, or through an exchange of statements of claim and defence, in which the existence of an agreement is alleged by one party and not denied by the other.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, pursuant to Article 6(3) of the LA, if a consumer is a party to an arbitration agreement, the arbitration agreement is considered to have been concluded in writing only if all parties to the arbitration agreement personally sign the document containing the arbitration clause.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the abovementioned requirements, all general requirements for the validity of an agreement also apply directly to an arbitration agreement.<\/p>\n<p>It goes without saying that the selection of the place of arbitration, the procedural law applicable to the conduct of the arbitral proceedings, the arbitral tribunal, the procedural language and the applicable law do not constitute mandatory legal or procedural prerequisites for the validity of an arbitration agreement. This is because they are not provided as such by any legal provision in the legislation in force, and, by their nature, are entirely elective rather than mandatory. Their designation or non-designation, whether separately or cumulatively, is entirely subject to the contractual parties\u2019 free will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitration clauses considered separable from the main contract?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, arbitration clauses are considered separable from the main contract, and the principle of separability is recognised by Article 14(1) of the LA. Accordingly, the legal validity of an arbitration clause is assessed independently of the validity of the main contract. This also has been confirmed by Ruling K.Dh.Sh.II.1201\/25 of the Second Instance Chambers of the Commercial Court.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do the courts of your country apply a validation principle under which an arbitration agreement should be considered valid and enforceable if it would be so considered under at least one of the national laws potentially applicable to it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Currently, no court decision on this issue is publicly available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are asymmetric arbitration clauses \u2013 for instance, where one party has the right to choose between arbitration or litigation while the other party does not have this option \u2013 valid in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The LA neither regulates nor prohibits asymmetric arbitration clauses, and legal doctrine in Kosovo is silent on this issue. Their validity must therefore be assessed on a case-by-case basis. As they are not prohibited by law, they should generally be recognised as valid under the permissive principle \u201c<em>Quod lege non prohibitum est, licitum est<\/em>\u201d, provided that they comply with the general requirements for the validity of an agreement and do not exceed the principle of party autonomy.<\/p>\n<p>Where an asymmetric arbitration clause reflects the parties\u2019 genuine autonomy rather than a unilateral imposition, there should generally be no obstacle to its validity in Kosovo. In assessing such clauses, the Commercial Court should give priority to the parties\u2019 express and deliberate acceptance of the resulting asymmetry, particularly where the clause forms part of a commercial agreement. At the end, asymmetric arbitration clauses do not, in themselves, affect the parties\u2019 equality during the proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an arbitration agreement? Are there any recent court decisions on these issues?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The LA treats the arbitration agreement as a contractual arrangement producing <em>inter partes<\/em> effects and does not address third parties or non-signatories. However, as an arbitration agreement constitutes a contractual obligation, the successors of a natural person under Article 119 of Law No.2004\/26 on Inheritance are bound by an arbitration agreement entered into by their predecessor. Similarly, successors or new shareholders of a legal person, including an L.L.C. under Article 75(1) and a J.S.C. under Article 118(1) of Law No. 06\/L-016 on Business Organizations, are bound by arbitration agreements entered into by the legal person before their succession or accession.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, no court decision on this issue is publicly available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any recent court decisions and\/or legislative reform in your country concerning the choice of law applicable to an arbitration agreement where no such law has been specified by the Parties?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, there are currently no publicly available recent court decisions on this issue. However, where a foreign element is present, local courts are expected to apply the general conflict-of-laws rules under Law No. 08\/L-028 on Private International Law. In this context, the court should also assess the relevance and implications of the law chosen by the parties to govern the main agreement, separately from the arbitration agreement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is the law applicable to the substance determined? Is there a specific set of choice of law rules in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Article 29 of the LA expressly regulates the substantive law applicable in arbitral proceedings. In international disputes, the arbitral tribunal shall apply the law designated by the parties. Failing such designation, the tribunal shall apply the law determined by the rules of private international law. In all other cases, the tribunal shall apply Kosovo law. The tribunal may decide <em>ex aequo et bono<\/em> or as <em>amiable compositeur<\/em> only if expressly authorised by the parties. Otherwise, it shall decide in accordance with the terms of the contract and take into account the trade usages applicable to the transaction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any particular requirements for and\/or restrictions in the appointment of arbitrators?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">The LA neither defines the term \u201carbitrator\u201d nor provides particular requirements or restrictions on the appointment of arbitrators. Thus, pursuant to Article 9 of the LA, the parties are free to determine the number of arbitrators, which may be even or odd, the procedure for their appointment, etc.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Although not explicitly provided, given the nature of the position, an arbitrator is expected to have a legal capacity to act. However, the LA does not impose any specific statutory requirements or restrictions on the appointment of arbitrators.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Arbitrators must nevertheless be independent, impartial and free from conflicts of interest. Pursuant to Article 10(1) of the LA, a prospective arbitrator approached by a party or a court must disclose any circumstances likely to give rise to justifiable doubts as to their impartiality or independence. Once appointed, an arbitrator must disclose such circumstances to the parties unless they have already been informed of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the local courts intervene in the selection of arbitrators? If so, how?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, local courts may intervene in the appointment of arbitrators. Article 9(3) of the LA regulates situations in which parties have not agreed on the number of arbitrators or the appointment procedure. Pursuant to this provision, within fifteen (15) days after the respondent receives receipt the notice of arbitration, the arbitral tribunal shall consist of a panel of three (3) arbitrators appointed in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Article.<\/p>\n<p>The LA applies only in the absence of an agreement between the parties or applicable rules of an arbitral institution to which the parties have referred their dispute. Accordingly, the LA\u2019s rules are subsidiary.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 9(4) of the LA, each party shall appoint one arbitrator, and the two appointed arbitrators shall appoint shall appoint the third, who shall act as chairman of the tribunal. If a party fails to appoint an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of receiving a request to do so, or if the two arbitrators fail to agree on the third arbitrator within thirty (30) days of their appointment, the court shall make the relevant appointment at the request of a party. This rule applies not only to ad hoc arbitrations but, in principle, also where an arbitral institution fails to appoint an arbitrator.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 9(6) of the LA, when appointing an arbitrator, the court shall have due regard to the qualifications required under the arbitration agreement and shall ensure that the appointed arbitrator is independent, impartial and free from conflicts of interest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the appointment of an arbitrator be challenged? What are the grounds for such a challenge? What is the procedure for such a challenge?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, the appointment of an arbitrator may be challenged. Pursuant to Article 10(2) of the LA, either party may challenge an arbitrator where circumstances give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrators\u2019 impartiality or independence, or where the arbitrator lacks the qualifications agreed by the parties. A party may challenge an arbitrator appointed by it only for reasons that became known after the appointment. The challenge must be made as soon as the relevant circumstances become known.<\/p>\n<p>The reference in Article 10(2) of the LA to \u201cany arbitrator\u201d makes clear that a party may challenge an arbitrator appointed by itself, the other party, the arbitral tribunal or the court.<\/p>\n<p>As the LA does not specify the grounds for challenging an arbitrator in detail, the grounds for challenging a judge under Article 67(1) of the LCP may also be applied, as appropriate, in arbitral proceedings. According to Article 67(1) of the LCP, a judge may be excluded from the legal matter: a) if he or she is itself a party, a legal representative or authorised representative or is a co-creditor or co-debtor or obliged for repay or if in the same issue he or she has been examined as a witness or as an expert; b) if he or she is the spouse, the extramarital partner, a relation by blood in a direct line to any degree or in a collateral line to the fourth degree or a relation by marriage to the second degree to the respondent, or his or her legal representative or authorised representative; c) if he or she is a legal guardian, ward, adopted child, adoptive parent, foster parent or foster child of the respondent, or his or her legal representative or authorised representative; d) if in the same case he or she has taken part in rendering a decision of a lower court or any other body or has taken part in mediation procedure; e) if he or she has taken part in a matter for which was made a judicial settlement, and the claim that has been filed requests annulment of such a settlement; f) if he or she is a shareholder or a member of the commercial association which is a party in the initiated procedure; and g) if there are other circumstances that challenge his or her impartiality.<\/p>\n<p>Article 11(1) of the LA permits the parties to agree on a challenge procedure. Where the parties have adopted the rules of an arbitral institution, those rules take precedence over the LA in this regard.<\/p>\n<p>If no procedure has been agreed, Article 11(2) of the LA requires the challenging party, within fifteen (15) days after the arbitrator\u2019s appointment or becoming aware of the relevant circumstances, to submit a written challenge to the other party and the other members of the arbitral tribunal, stating the reasons. Although the LA does not specify the final stage at which a challenge may be submitted, it may be understood that the challenge must be made no later than the issuance of the award, subject to the fifteen (15) day time limit.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 11(3) of the LA, unless the challenged arbitrator withdraws or the other party accepts the challenge, the arbitral tribunal shall decide the challenge. If the challenge is rejected, the challenging party may, under Article 11(4) of the LA, request the court to decide the matter within fifteen (15) days of receiving notice of the decision. The court\u2019s decision shall not be subject to appeal. While the request is pending, the arbitral tribunal, including the challenged arbitrator, may continue the proceedings and issue an award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent developments concerning the duty of independence and impartiality of the arbitrators, including the duty of disclosure?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">No, there have not been any recent developments in Kosovo concerning the duty of independence and impartiality of arbitrators, including the duty of disclosure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitrators immune from liability?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">The LA does not expressly provide arbitrators with general immunity from liability. However, <i>mutatis mutandis<\/i>, and similarly to judges, arbitrators may generally be immune under Article 107(1) of the Constitution of Kosovo from prosecution, civil claims and dismissal for actions taken, decisions made or opinions expressed within the scope of their responsibilities as arbitrators.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">This immunity is not absolute. Under Article 107(2) of the Constitution, as it is with the judges, arbitrators would not enjoy immunity and may be removed from the tribunal if they have committed an intentional violation of the law.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Article 16 of the 2011 Arbitration Rules of the ADR Center of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo and Article 16 of the 2022 Arbitration Rules of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce provide that, save for intentional wrongdoing, the parties waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any claim against the arbitrators, the appointing authority, the arbitral institution and any person appointed by the arbitral tribunal based on any act or omission in connection with the arbitration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the principle of competence-competence recognized in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, the principle of competence-competence is recognised by Article 14(1) of the LA. Although this provision empowers the arbitral tribunal to determine whether it has jurisdiction over the dispute and whether the arbitration agreement is valid, Article 14(5) of the LA allows a national court to review the arbitral tribunal\u2019s ruling on jurisdiction. This gives the national court primacy over the arbitral tribunal in relation to competence-competence. However, as clarified by Rulings KE.nr. 632\/24 and KE.nr. 835\/24 of the First Instance Chambers of the Commercial Court, a national court cannot review the jurisdiction of a domestic arbitral tribunal unless the tribunal has first issued a ruling on its jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<p>The principle of competence-competence is also recognised by Article 24 of the 2022 Arbitration Rules of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Article 24 of the 2011 Arbitration Rules of the ADR Center of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo.<\/p>\n<p>In one notable case, the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce declared that it lacked jurisdiction in favour of the ICC International Court of Arbitration. The claimant challenged that decision, but, contrary to its expectations, the Commercial Court reaffirmed the tribunal\u2019s lack of jurisdiction in favour of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, first through Ruling KE.nr. 321\/25 of the First Instance Chambers and later through Ruling K.Dh.Sh.II.1201\/25 of the Second Instance Chambers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the approach of local courts towards a party commencing litigation in apparent breach of an arbitration agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">According to Article 20 of the LCP, in conjunction with Article 7 of the LA, where the parties have agreed to arbitration for a particular dispute, the court before which a lawsuit concerning the same dispute between the same parties is brought shall, upon the respondent\u2019s objection, declare itself incompetent, annul the procedural actions taken and dismiss the lawsuit. The court shall not do so if it finds that the arbitration agreement is invalid, has ceased to have effect or cannot be performed. The respondent may rise the objection no later than in its response to the lawsuit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Local courts cannot apply this rule on <i>ex officio<\/i> in the absence of an objection by the respondent, even where they aware for an existing arbitration agreement. This rule is frequently applied by the Commercial Court.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">The position differs where the parties have agreed to arbitration but the dispute is non-arbitrable. For example, in one case involving an obstruction-of-possession dispute, arose between them, the respondent challenged the Commercial Court\u2019s jurisdiction by relying on the arbitration clause. However, by Ruling KP.nr.36\/24, the First Instance Chambers of the Commercial Court proceeded with the claim, confirming the obstruction-of-possession disputes are non-arbitrable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What happens when a respondent fails to participate in the arbitration? Can the local courts compel participation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">According to Article 26(2) of the LA, if the respondent fails to communicate its statement of defence in accordance with Article 20(1) of the LA, the arbitral tribunal shall continue the proceedings. The respondent\u2019s failure to communicate its statement of defence shall not be deemed an admission of the claimant&#8217;s allegations. Under Article 26(3) of the LA, if a party, duly notified in accordance with the law, fails to appear at a hearing or produce documentary evidence within the established period of time, the arbitral tribunal may continue the proceedings and issue an award on the basis of the available evidence.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Local courts do not have jurisdiction to compel a respondent to participate in arbitral proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can third parties voluntarily join arbitration proceedings? If all parties agree to the intervention, is the tribunal bound by this agreement? If all parties do not agree to the intervention, can the tribunal allow for it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The LA neither mentions nor regulates third-party intervention. Accordingly, there is no express statutory basis for voluntary joinder or intervention, and the issue remains open to debate. In principle, this should be allowed, if both parties agree.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What interim measures are available? Will local courts issue interim measures pending the constitution of the tribunal? Are anti-suit and\/or anti-arbitration injunctions available and enforceable in your country? What is the approach of local courts in your jurisdiction to anti-arbitration injunctions issued in breach of arbitration agreements?  Have there been any recent decisions on this point?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The LA does not specify the interim measures available. Therefore, in the absence of another legal source, an arbitral tribunal is expected to apply interim measures available to local courts. Local courts, however, apply the LCP directly when issuing interim measures. A typical example is Ruling KE.nr.2319\/2022 of the First Instance Chambers of the Commercial Court, affirmed by Ruling K.DH.SH.II.nr.537\/23 of the Second Instance Chambers of the Commercial Court.<\/p>\n<p>The LCP recognises three main types of interim measures for securing: 1) monetary claims; 2) claims directed at specific objects, or parts thereof; and 3) other types of claims or existing situations. The third category allows courts to order additional measures not specifically listed in the law. This serves particularly in commercial cases requiring innovative relief. Courts may also order two or more interim measures simultaneously where this is necessary to achieve their intended effect.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, local courts may issue interim measures before the tribunal is constituted. Under Article 8 of the LA, regardless of the existence of an arbitration agreement or the commencement of arbitral proceedings, a court of competent jurisdiction may issue an interim measure at the request of a party that provides credible evidence of imminent or irreparable injury, loss or damage if the measure is not granted. Unlike an arbitral tribunal, which may issue interim measures only after arbitral proceedings have commenced, a court may grant such measures before proceedings begin. Once proceedings have commenced, the parties may choose whether to seek interim measures from the courts or the arbitral tribunal, unless they do choose only one of them and not both simultaneously.<\/p>\n<p>No, anti-suit and\/or anti-arbitration injunctions are neither available nor enforceable in Kosovo. Article 3 of the LA provides that no court in Kosovo may intervene in arbitral proceedings, unless otherwise provided by the LA. As the LA contains no provision concerning anti-suit and\/or anti-arbitration injunctions, such injunctions are unavailable and unenforceable in Kosovo. There are no recent publicly available decisions addressing this issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there particular rules governing evidentiary matters in arbitration? Will the local courts in your jurisdiction play any role in the obtaining of evidence? Can local courts compel witnesses to participate in arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The LA contains relatively limited rules on evidence, which are not mandatory. Accordingly, the parties have considerable freedom to agree on the rules governing evidentiary matters in arbitration. In the absence of such an agreement, the LA applies, given its limited regulation of evidentiary matters, the relevant provision of the LCP may provide guidance. Unlike the LCP, which does not recognise witness evidence in written form and requires witness to testify orally, the LA permits written witness statements.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, pursuant to Article 28(1) of the LA, local courts may assist in obtaining evidence. However, they cannot compel witnesses to participate in arbitral proceedings. Instead, local courts may summon witnesses to testify before them for the purposes of the arbitral proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What ethical codes and other professional standards, if any, apply to counsel and arbitrators conducting proceedings in your country? Do these codes and professional standards apply only to counsel and arbitrators having the nationality of your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">The LA does not refer to any ethical codes or other professional standards applicable to counsel or arbitrators conducting proceedings. Arbitrators of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal (\u201c<i>PAT<\/i>\u201d) of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (\u201c<i>KCC<\/i>\u201d) are bound by the 2022 Code of Ethics for Arbitrators. This code also applies for foreign arbitrators licensed by the KCC.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Attorneys representing parties in arbitral proceedings in Kosovo are bound by the Code of Professional Ethics of the Kosovo Bar Association. Foreign attorneys licensed to represent parties in Kosovo are likewise bound by this code.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any rules with respect to the confidentiality of arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The LA remains relatively silent on the confidentiality of arbitral proceedings, leaving the parties considerable discretion to decide whether their proceedings should be public or confidential. However, the parties\u2019 choice does not affect the public nature of judicial proceedings, including those concerning arbitration-related matters.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike the LA, Article 41 of the 2022 Arbitration Rules of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Article 41 of the 2011 Arbitration Rules of the ADR Center of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo regulate confidentiality in greater detail.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the IBA guidelines on conflicts of interest and other similar soft law sources viewed by courts and tribunals in your jurisdiction? Are they frequently applied? Have any developments under the 2024 IBA Guidelines, including the expanded Orange List, the treatment of social media conduct, or due diligence obligations on parties, and the UNCITRAL Code of Conduct for Arbitrators been addressed by courts and tribunals in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>N\/A.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the costs of arbitration proceedings estimated and allocated? Can pre- and post-award interest be included in the principal claim and costs incurred?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Pursuant to Article 34(1) of the LA, unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the arbitral tribunal shall determine the arbitration costs in its award. These costs include: a) the fees of the arbitral tribunal; b) arbitrator\u2019s costs; c) cost of expert advice and of other assistance required by the arbitral tribunal and agreed to by the parties; d) travel and other expenses of witnesses to the extent such expenses are approved by the arbitral tribunal; e) cost of (legal) representation and assistance of the successful party if such costs were claimed during the arbitral proceedings, and only to the extent that the arbitral tribunal determines that the amount of such cost to be reasonable; and f) any fees and expenses of the court when acting as the appointing authority of arbitrators.<\/p>\n<p>Pursuant to Article 34(2) of the LA, the arbitral tribunal\u2019s fees shall be reasonable, taking into account the amount in dispute, the complexity of the subject matter, the time spent by the arbitrators and any other relevant circumstances of the case.<\/p>\n<p>Pursuant to Article 34(3) of the LA, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the unsuccessful party shall bear the arbitration costs, reflecting the \u2018<em>loser pays<\/em>\u2019 principle. The arbitral tribunal may apportion the costs between the parties where it considers such apportionment reasonable in the circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Interest is as a matter of substantive law, and its treatment therefore depends on the substantive law applicable to the dispute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are applications for security for costs viewed in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The LA does not expressly regulate applications for security for costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legal requirements are there in your country for the recognition and enforcement of an award? Is there a requirement that the award be reasoned, i.e. substantiated and motivated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the LA, domestic arbitral awards, unlike international or foreign arbitral awards, are subject only to enforcement proceedings and do not require separate recognition.<\/p>\n<p>Pursuant to Article 38(2) of the LA, an application for enforcement of a domestic arbitral award must be submitted to the court together with the award or a certified copy thereof. The award must not contain any ground for nullity under Article 36(2) of the LA. Accordingly, among other requirements, the award must result from due arbitral proceedings, concern an arbitrable dispute and not be contrary to public policy. If no action for setting aside has been filed, the state court may examine the grounds for setting aside in the enforcement proceedings. However, in principle, a state court cannot refuse enforcement where an action for setting aside the award has previously been rejected by a final court decision.<\/p>\n<p><em>Mutatis mutandis<\/em>, these rules are broadly similar to those governing the recognition and enforcement of international or foreign arbitral awards under Article 39 of the LA, which incorporates the core rules of the New York Convention on the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards are incorporated.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 31 of the LA, an arbitral award must be made in writing, state the reasons on which it is based unless the parties have agreed that no reasons are to be given, be signed by the arbitrator or arbitrators, and state the date and place on which it was made.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the estimated timeframe for the recognition and enforcement of an award (domestic and international)? Can a party bring a motion for the recognition and enforcement of an award on an ex parte basis? Would the standard of review be different for domestic and international awards?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Due to the lack of official statistics, it is difficult to estimate the timeframe, as these proceedings depend largely on the efficiency of the Commercial Court.<\/p>\n<p>The LA is silent on whether an application for recognition and enforcement may be made on an <em>ex parte<\/em> basis. However, as the LCP applies as the procedural <em>lex generalis<\/em>, the opposing party should generally be given the right to be heard. The LCP nevertheless provides mechanisms for proceeding where the opposing party does not participate.<\/p>\n<p>Although domestic arbitral awards require only a declaration of enforceability, whereas international or foreign arbitral awards also require recognition, the standard of review is generally the same. However, while state courts may set aside domestic awards in enforcement proceedings, they lack the power to set aside international or foreign awards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can arbitration awards be appealed or challenged in local courts? What are the grounds and procedure in this regard? Is it possible for parties to waive any rights of appeal or challenge to an award by agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, domestic arbitral awards may be challenged before local courts, which may set aside them. In contrast, local courts may only decide on the recognition and enforcement of international or foreign arbitral awards and may not set aside them.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 31(1) of the LA, arbitral awards are final and binding. Nevertheless, Article 36 of the LA provides the parties with a remedy to challenge domestic arbitral awards before local courts by bringing an action for setting aside on specific grounds. Article 36 of the LA follows the <em>nummerus clausus<\/em> principle, making the list of grounds exhaustive. These include a party\u2019s lack of capacity to act, the invalidity of the arbitration agreement, the improper constitution of the arbitral tribunal, the non-arbitrability of the dispute and incompatibility of the award with public policy.<\/p>\n<p>For example, by Ruling KE.nr. 460\/24 of the First Instance Chambers, reaffirmed by Ruling K.Dh.Sh.II.nr.1740\/2024 of the Second Instance Chambers, the Commercial Court set aside an award of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce on the ground that the arbitration agreement was invalid.<\/p>\n<p>As the LA does not follow the <em>nummerus clausus<\/em> principle when identifying mandatory provisions, including Article 36 of the LA, it is debatable whether the parties may waive their right to challenge a domestic award. However, given that the grounds listed in Article 36 of the LA protect the public interest, parties should not be permitted to waive this statutory right.<\/p>\n<p>Local courts lack jurisdiction to set aside international or foreign arbitral awards. This was confirmed also by Ruling KE.nr. 151\/24 of the First Instance Chambers of the Commercial Court, upheld by Ruling K.Dh.Sh.II.nr 954\/24 of the Second Instance Chambers of the Commercial Court, which declared the local court absolutely incompetent to rule on the setting aside international or foreign award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an award? To what extent might a third party challenge the recognition of an award?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As a general rule, pursuant to Article 31(1) of the LA, an arbitral award is binding only on the parties to the dispute and not on third parties or non-signatories. The LA does not regulate any exceptions or specify the circumstances in which a third party or non-signatory may be bound by an award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any rules \/ court decisions that regulate or prohibit third party funding of arbitration proceedings \u2013 for instance, where funding by an entity not involved in the dispute in return for a share of the eventual award may be barred \u2013 in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">There are currently no rules or court decisions regulating or prohibiting third-party funding of arbitration proceedings in Kosovo. The legislation is ambiguous and somewhat contradictory regarding third-party funding in both litigation and arbitration.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Funding by a third party with no financial or material interest in the dispute is not prohibited. When the funded party has given its prior consent, there is generally no substantial procedural barrier to third-party funding. However, the position is less clear where the funder has a financial or material interest in the dispute and seeks to profit from its outcome. The legislation in force does not regulate third-party funders\u2019 liability, making this an issue requiring legislative reform.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is emergency arbitrator relief available and recognized in your country? Are decisions made by emergency arbitrators readily enforceable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The LA is silent on, and does not expressly recognise, emergency arbitrator relief. In emergency circumstances, however, and before the arbitral tribunal is constituted, local courts may issue interim measures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there arbitral laws or arbitration institutional rules in your country providing simplified or expedited procedures for claims under a certain value? Are they often used?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Yes, the arbitration rules of both the ADR Center of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo and the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce provide for expedited procedures, where the amount in dispute, comprising the claim and counterclaim (or any set-off defence), does not exceed EUR 100,000. The procedure may also apply where the institution decides otherwise, having regard to the relevant circumstances, or where the parties agree to apply the expedited procedure irrespective of the amount in dispute.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">There are no official data on the use of expedited procedures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the setting aside of an award that has been enforced in another jurisdiction or vice versa?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, there are currently no publicly available recent court decisions on this issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the issue of corruption? What standard do local courts apply for proving corruption? Which party bears the burden of proving corruption?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Under Criminal Code No. 06\/L-074, corruption constitutes a criminal offense. Local criminal courts apply the general standard of proof applicable to criminal offences, namely \u201c<em>beyond reasonable doubt<\/em>\u201d. The burden of proving corruption rests with the Public Prosecutor.<\/p>\n<p>The Corruption and Financial Crime Investigation Department of the Special Prosecution Office plays an important role in combating corruption. The Agency for Prevention of Corruption also plays an active role, including by submitting the criminal reports to the Public Prosecutor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country withdrawn from, or announced its intention to withdraw from, the Energy Charter Treaty?  What is the status of the sunset clause in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Kosovo is not a contracting party to the Energy Charter Treaty and has not withdrawn from, or announced an intention to withdraw from, it. Consequently, the Energy Charter Treaty\u2019s sunset clause has no application in Kosovo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions or legislative developments in your country with respect to intra-European investor-State arbitration, the Energy Charter Treaty, or the enforcement of intra-EU? Are there any pending decisions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">No, there are currently no publicly available recent court decisions on this issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have arbitral institutions in your country implemented reforms towards greater use of technology and a more cost-effective conduct of arbitrations? Have there been any recent developments regarding virtual hearings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>N\/A.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent judicial and\/or legislative developments in your jurisdiction with regard to disputes involving ESG issues such as climate change, sustainability, social responsibility and\/or human rights?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">Yes, Kosovo has recently seen developments in ESG-related matters, particularly through legislative rather than judicial developments. One notable development is the adoption of Law No. 08\/L-250 on Climate Change (2024).<\/p>\n<p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">The law applies to operators and sectors whose activities affect climate change in Kosovo, including the energy, manufacturing, construction, fuel, mining and minerals, forestry, biodiversity and protected areas, agriculture and livestock, water management, waste, health, transport, road and railway infrastructure, airports, pipelines, dams, water and sewage, urban planning, land management, tourism, education, civil emergencies and disaster management sectors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have any international economic sanctions regimes been implemented (either independently, or based on EU law) in your jurisdiction recently? Have there been any recent decisions in your country considering the impact of sanctions on international arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Kosovo has implemented sanctions against Russia and Belarus based on sanctions adopted by the United States and the EU. Decision No. 01\/64 of the Government of Kosovo plays a key role in this regard and has been amended to incorporate further EU restrictive measures and implementing regulations.<\/p>\n<p>In principle, EU sanctions are not directly applicable in Kosovo. Rather, pursuant to Law No.03\/L \u2013183 on Implementation of International Sanctions, they are implemented through decisions of the Government of Kosovo.<\/p>\n<p>Kosovo has also adopted Law No. 08\/L-155 on Targeted Sanctions Against Foreign Human Rights Violators. This law provides for measures against the targeted persons including denial of entry into or transit through the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, the seizure of funds and economic resources, and a prohibition on making funds and economic resources available. There are currently no recent publicly available decisions in Kosovo addressing the impact of sanctions on international arbitration proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country enacted any regulation and\/or implemented any rules, guidlines or regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI or large language models in the context of dispute resolution?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p class=\"wText\" style=\"margin-left: 17.85pt\">N\/A.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any specific legal, institutional, or procedural frameworks in your jurisdiction governing the arbitration of digital asset or blockchain-related disputes?  Have there been any court decisions in your jurisdiction concerning the validity or enforceability of arbitration agreements incorporated into smart contracts or digital asset terms?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>N\/A.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">7114<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/152726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}