Mediation in the Baltic States: developments and challenges of implementation

ENThis article explores the response of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to major European initiatives in the field of mediation. Accordingly, the paper examines EU attempts to foster mediation and introduces the process and the outcome of the implementation of the Mediation Directive (as the main legal instrument of setting the unified standards for mediation in the EU) in the aforementioned Baltic States. Methods: Research commenced with a review of the existing literature, followed by an analysis of mediation models currently being implemented in the three Baltic States. A comparative analysis of the models presented by the authors and a discussion of common issues and challenges enabled us to draw certain conclusions. Results and Conclusions: Throughout, the paper considers key developments in the implementation of mediation and presents an analysis of what are considered to be the main challenges that need to be addressed. This research assists dispute resolution practitioners and researchers who are interested in better understanding how different countries are implementing mediation practices and processes. Keywords: mediation, out-of-court mediation, court-connected mediation, dispute resolution, settlement, Baltic States. [From the publication]

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