Extension of time limits because of mediation in certain cross-border disputes30A

1

In this regulation—

a

“Mediation Directive” means 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;

b

“mediation” has the meaning given by article 3(a) of the Mediation Directive;

c

“mediator” has the meaning given by article 3(b) of the Mediation Directive; and

d

“relevant dispute” means a dispute to which article 8(1) of the Mediation Directive applies (certain cross-border disputes).

2

Paragraph (3) applies where—

a

a three month time limit is set by regulation 30(2) in relation to the whole or part of a relevant dispute;

b

a mediation in relation to the relevant dispute starts before the period expires; and

c

if not extended by this regulation, the time limit would expire before the mediation ends or less than four weeks after it ends.

3

The time limit expires instead at the end of four weeks after the mediation ends (subject to paragraph (4)).

4

If a time limit mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) has been extended by this article, paragraphs (2) and (3) apply to the extended time limit as they apply to a time limit mentioned in paragraph (2)(a).

5

Where more than one time limit applies in relation to a relevant dispute, the extension by paragraph (3) of one of those time limits does not affect the others.

6

For the purposes of this regulation, a mediation starts on the date of the agreement to mediate that is entered into by the parties and the mediator.

7

For the purposes of this regulation, a mediation ends on the date of the first of these to occur—

a

the parties reach an agreement in resolution of the relevant dispute;

b

a party completes the notification of the other parties that it has withdrawn from the mediation;

c

a party to whom a qualifying request is made fails to give a response reaching the other parties within 14 days of the request;

d

the parties, after being notified that the mediator’s appointment has ended (by death, resignation or otherwise), fail to agree within 14 days to seek to appoint a replacement mediator; or

e

the mediation otherwise comes to an end pursuant to the terms of the agreement to mediate.

8

For the purpose of paragraph (7), a qualifying request is a request by a party that another (A) confirm to all parties that A is continuing with the mediation.

9

In the case of any relevant dispute, references in this regulation to a mediation are references to the mediation so far as it relates to that dispute, and references to a party are to be read accordingly.

10

Where the tribunal has the power under regulation 30(2)(b) to extend a period of limitation, the power is exercisable in relation to the period of limitation as extended by this regulation.