This contribution discusses the EU Commission proposals for a directive on Consumer ADR and a Regulation on consumer ODR. The directive compels member state to cater for complete coverage of all contractual consumer disputes (whether domestic or cross-border) by ADR entities that meet certain quality requirements and to actively make these facilities known. The proposed regulation introduces an EU-wide single ODR platform that will transfer consumer complaints to the appropriate national entity. European comparative research suggests the business community’s initial reluctance to (co-)finance such external extra-judicial dispute reolution schemes (deploying quasi-arbitration or mediation) may be overcome in either of two ways: through the prospect of introducing EU collective consumer redress before the courts instead, or by convincing business of ADR’s use as an additional marketing feedback tool. Some open questions that remain are highlighted.

Construction contracts are particularly prone to the emergence of disputes. In Belgium, construction disputes have traditionally been referred to State Courts. In recent years however, there has been a growing interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which has gradually affected the Belgian construction sector. There are now several institutions dedicated solely to providing arbitration and ADR services to the construction industry.Beside the Centre belge de l’arbitrage et de la mediation, three institutions are specialized in the settlement of construction and real estate disputes: the Chambre de Conciliation, d’Arbitrage et de Médiation en matière immobilière, the Commission de conciliation construction and the Centre Scientifique et Technique de la Construction. These institutions offer fast and cost-effective ways of settling disputes, which are often more suitable than judicial proceedings