A. LEGISLATION, TRENDS AND TENDENCIES
2013 showed increasing demand for the emergency procedures
introduced into the Swiss arbitration rules in 2012, which appear
to be largely effective. No award has become known, though, in
which an arbitrator decided ex parte without first hearing the
opponent – which he or she could in principle do under the Swiss
rules.
Under the auspices of the Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA),
a new online platform (www.swissarbitration-hub.com) has been
created that offers a convenient one-stop service for the
organisation of arbitration hearings in Switzerland. The website
allows users, e.g., arbitrators, counsel and parties, to easily view
available facilities for conducting arbitration hearings at selected
locations in different parts of Switzerland. The website can be
navigated by location, starting with a region or a city and
choosing hearing rooms and additional services, such as court
reporters, interpreters or logistical offerings like transportation or
audio-visual services. Hearing locations are currently available
in Zurich, Geneva, Berne, Basle, Lausanne and Neuchâtel.
Lugano will soon be added.