Mediation in Andorra

Quick Facts

• Legal Framework: Andorra has established the Arbitral Tribunal of the Principality of Andorra (ATPA) through Act 13/2018 of May 31, 2018. The ATPA is a legal entity with full financial autonomy created to promote arbi...
• Cultural Approach: Andorra's cultural approach to dispute resolution reflects its position as a small European principality with a strong business orientation. The establishment of ATPA in 2018 demonstrates a modern app...
• Typical Costs: The ATPA provides a costs calculator and tables relating to costs to ensure transparency and predictability. Costs are determined based on the value and complexity of the dispute. The ATPA aims to res...

Mediation Research

Legal Framework

Andorra has established the Arbitral Tribunal of the Principality of Andorra (ATPA) through Act 13/2018 of May 31, 2018. The ATPA is a legal entity with full financial autonomy created to promote arbitration and administer national and international arbitral proceedings, both in law and equity. The ATPA has adopted modern arbitration rules offering parties great freedom and responding to business world needs. Andorra has chosen arbitration as a foundation for its legal framework, with a modern and effective law tailored to meet efficiency and speed requirements of corporate life. The ATPA provides assurance of process integrity for disputes referred to it through arbitration agreements.

Court System

The ATPA operates as an independent arbitration institution separate from the court system. Parties choosing ATPA arbitration agree to resolve disputes outside the court system through arbitral proceedings. The ATPA's modern rules and procedures provide an alternative to litigation. An arbitration agreement referring to ATPA provides assurance of process integrity. The court system supports arbitration through the legal framework establishing ATPA. The relationship between courts and ATPA is based on party autonomy in choosing dispute resolution mechanisms.

Mediator Regulations

The ATPA selects arbitrators of the highest professional skill through an independent body according to the specificities of each dispute. Arbitrators are selected to ensure disputes are resolved with full discretion, speed, and at reasonable cost. The ATPA maintains a roster of qualified arbitrators. The arbitration rules follow international best practices including IBA Guidelines on Conflict of Interest, IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence, and IBA Guidelines on Party Representation in International Arbitration. Professional standards and qualifications are regulated by the ATPA's independent selection process.

Cultural Approach

Andorra's cultural approach to dispute resolution reflects its position as a small European principality with a strong business orientation. The establishment of ATPA in 2018 demonstrates a modern approach to ADR aligned with international standards. The emphasis on efficiency, speed, and reasonable costs reflects business-friendly values. The choice of arbitration as a foundation for the legal framework indicates a preference for predictable, professional dispute resolution. Andorra's multilingual environment supports international arbitration practices.

Typical Costs

The ATPA provides a costs calculator and tables relating to costs to ensure transparency and predictability. Costs are determined based on the value and complexity of the dispute. The ATPA aims to resolve disputes at reasonable cost. The costs calculator and tables are available on the ATPA website. The full financial autonomy of ATPA allows for efficient cost management. Specific fee amounts are determined through the official cost structure based on dispute characteristics.

Sources

• Arbitration in Andorra – Tribunal de Arbitraje del Principado de Andorra (organisation)
• Legal Guides - Guide to Law Online: Andorra (organisation)
• New York Convention - Contracting States (organisation)
• Singapore Convention on Mediation - Jurisdictions (organisation)

States and Regions