The Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution and the AIRE Center signed a memorandum of cooperation today

The Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution and the AIRE Center signed a memorandum of cooperation today, which, as announced, represents an important step towards strengthening the role of mediation and arbitration in the legal system.

The AIRE Center stated in a statement that Montenegro was among the first countries in the region to adopt a law on mediation back in 2005, and that a new law was adopted in 2020 that further improves the area and aligns it with European standards.

"A special feature of this system is that, in certain civil and family disputes, parties are required to first attempt mediation before initiating court proceedings, which saves the time and resources of the judicial system," the statement says.

The AIRE Center said that statistics show that the majority of cases referred to mediation in Montenegro are resolved amicably, which indicates the high efficiency of this method compared to lengthy court processes.

"The Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution and the AIRE Center have signed a memorandum of cooperation with the aim of improving the application of alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation and arbitration, as effective mechanisms for relieving the burden on the judicial system and improving access to justice," the statement said.

The memorandum will, as stated by the AIRE Center, enable the implementation of joint educational programs, research and promotional activities with a focus on international legal standards and best practices in the field of alternative dispute resolution.

They said that the establishment of this cooperation was the result of activities supported by the United Kingdom Government in Montenegro.

Executive Director of the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution Maja Golović Vojinović said that the signing of the memorandum represents an important step towards strengthening the role of mediation and arbitration in the legal system.

"Through joint work, we will have the opportunity to provide professional support to legal practitioners, institutions and citizens to better understand the benefits of alternative dispute resolution," said Golović Vojinović.

She stated that their common goal is to make the legal system more efficient and accessible.

"Through education and promotion of international standards, we want to encourage the wider application of alternative dispute resolution methods in Montenegro," added Golović Vojinović.

The Director of the Western Balkans Program at the AIRE Center, Biljana Braithwaite, emphasized that cooperation is important for the promotion of international legal standards.

"Alternative dispute resolution plays a key role in a more efficient and fair justice system. This cooperation will enable greater access to justice for citizens and businesses, reducing the costs and duration of court proceedings," said Braithwaite.

She emphasized that the AIRE Center will continue to provide support to institutions in the region through this and similar initiatives.

"We believe that this memorandum will contribute to strengthening trust in the judicial system and promoting practices in line with European standards," said Braithwaite.