On 23 Jun 2022, the European Commission published the outcome of the selection process for arbitrators and trade and sustainable development (TSD) experts in bilateral disputes under the European Union’s trade agreements with third countries. The Center is delighted to be able to announce that Professor Franco Ferrari, its Director, was named as an individual suitable for appointment as arbitrator in the above setting.
By way of background: in December 2020, the European Commission called for applications in connection with the renewal of the pool of arbitrators and the separate pool of trade and sustainable development (TSD) experts for dispute settlement panels under trade agreements to which the EU is a party. A selection panel of experienced international judges and academics examined the candidates to confirm their suitability for appointment.
Following the above step, the Commission decided to draw up its lists of individuals suitable for appointment. The Commission will draw on the lists to make proposals for the appointment of arbitrators and TSD experts in a specific case or for pre-agreed lists (rosters) under the relevant bilateral agreements with third countries. The Commission notes that inclusion in the list of suitable individuals does not guarantee the appointment for any specific case or roster in the future.