It is worth noting that this page's only aim is to showcase the various texts relating to out-of-court dispute resolution. It is therefore not an exhaustive list of what exists in this field.
Laws, decrees and recommandations
1. Belgium
In general
- Promotion of alternative forms of dispute resolution
Act of 18 June 2018 laying down various provisions on civil law and provisions to promote alternative forms of dispute resolution.
TITLE 9. Various modifications of the Judicial Code to promote alternative forms of dispute resolution (available in French or Dutch).
Law of December 19, 2023 establishing various provisions in civil and judicial matters (creation of amicable settlement chambers in courts and tribunals dealing with civil, commercial and social matters and emphasis on conciliation) - Mediation
Law of 21 February 2005 modifiant le Code judiciaire en ce qui concerne la médiation
Code judiciaire art. 1724 – 1737 - Arbitration
Code judiciaire art. 1676 – 1723 - Concilliation
Code judiciaire art. 731 – 734 - Code of economic law
Book XVI "Out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes" (available in French or Dutch) - Royal Decree of 16 February 2015
Royal Decree specifying the requirements to be met by the qualified entity referred to in book XVI of the Code of Economic Law (available in French or Dutch)
Specific
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Office of the Ombudsman for the Postal Sector
Law of 21 March 1991 on the reform of certain economic public companies -
Ombudsman for the NMBS Group
Law of 21 March 1991 on the reform of certain economic public companies -
Ombudsman Service for Telecommunications
Law of 21 March 1991 on the reform of certain economic public companies - Ombudsman Service for Energy
Royal Decree of 28 January 2008 relatif au service de médiation pour l’énergie - Law of 29 April 1999 relative à l’organisation du marché de l’électricité
- Law of 12 april 1965 relative au transport de produits gazeux et autres par canalisations
2. European Union
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Commission Recommendation 98/257/EC of 30 March 1998 on the principles applicable to the bodies responsible for out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes
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Commission Recommandation 2001/310/EC de la Commission of 4 April 2001 on the principles for out-of-court bodies involved in the consensual resolution of consumer disputes
- Directive 2008/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercial matters
- Regulation (EU) No 524/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Courncil of 21 May 2013 on online dispute resolution for consument disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (regulation on consumer ODR)
- Directive 2013/11/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) no 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)
3. Other international organisations
OECD Recommandation on Consumer Dispute Resolution and Redress, OESO 2007
