“I hope Norwegian solutions will contribute to developing mechanisms that enhance the role of judicial and non-judicial mediation,” stated Deputy Minister Zuzanna Rudzińska-Bluszcz.

Representatives of the Norwegian Courts Administration, during the meeting (October 22–23, 2024), shared insights into promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Discussions also focused on free legal aid and civic advisory services, the activities of the General Counsel to the Republic of Poland, and initiatives by the Financial Supervision Authority concerning pre-litigation mediation in foreign currency loan cases.

Representatives from several Polish mediation organizations, including the Polish Mediation Center, the Association of Family Mediators, the Mediation Center at the Supreme Bar Council, the Mediation Center at the National Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation for Dispute and Conflict Resolution at the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Warsaw, and the Lewiatan Mediation Center, shared their experiences and best practices in pre-trial mediation. Discussions centered on mechanisms to improve the efficiency of mediation processes.

On the second day of the meeting, representatives of the European Association of Judges for Mediation (GEMME) joined the debates. The primary topic was judicial conciliation as an alternative means of resolving court disputes.

The sessions concluded with a review of the working group’s progress to date and the presentation of recommendations for the development of ADR in Poland.