{"id":4597,"date":"2025-02-18T15:51:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T15:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/viac.hofmann.solutions\/?page_id=4597"},"modified":"2026-04-30T00:20:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T00:20:00","slug":"viac-rules-of-arbitration-and-mediation-2021-online-version","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/viac-rules-of-arbitration-and-mediation-2021-online-version\/","title":{"rendered":"VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation 2021 &#8211; Online Version"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;off&#8221; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;90deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_stops=&#8221;#ffffff 0%|#ffffff 17%|rgba(112,112,112,0.3) 17%|rgba(112,112,112,0.3) 100%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;on&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/AdobeStock_180711262-scaled.jpeg&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_horizontal_offset=&#8221;0%&#8221; background_vertical_offset=&#8221;67%&#8221; background_blend=&#8221;darken&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||174px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; background_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; background_color_gradient_stops_phone=&#8221;#ffffff 0%|#ffffff 0%|rgba(112,112,112,0.3) 0%|rgba(112,112,112,0.3) 100%&#8221; use_background_color_gradient_phone=&#8221;on&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; max_width=&#8221;2560%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;215px|auto||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|100px||100px|false|true&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;|20px||20px|false|true&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;|100px||100px|false|true&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#0B0B0B&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#0B0B0B&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation 2021<br \/>\nOnline-Version<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>RULES OF ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIENNA RULES AND VIENNA MEDIATION RULES 2021<\/span><\/p>\n<p>in the version of 1 January 2025<\/p>\n<p>Imprint<br \/>\nPublisher: Austrian Federal Economic Chamber<br \/>\nWiedner Hauptstra\u00dfe 63, 1045 Vienna<\/p>\n<p>Graphics: design:ag<br \/>\nMariahilfer Stra\u00dfe 1c\/2, 1060 Wien, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.designag.at\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.designag.at<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Of the various languages in which the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation were translated, the English<br \/>\nand German versions are the only official texts.<\/p>\n<p>VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation 2021<br \/>\n3rd edition (January 2025)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"left\"><span><strong><span style=\"color: ##c10525;\">INDEX<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Part_1\">PART I<br \/>\nVIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION<\/a><\/h3>\n<h3 align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Arb_GeneralProvisions\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Arb_Art1\">Article 1 VIAC and Applicable Version of the Vienna Rules<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art2\">Article 2 Board<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art3\">Article 3 Advisory Boards<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art4\">Article 4 Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Secretariat<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art5\">Article 5 Languages of Correspondence<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art6\">Article 6 Definitions<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Arb_CommencementoftheArbitration\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COMMENCEMENT OF THE ARBITRATION<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Arb_Art7\">Article 7 Statement of Claim<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art8\">Article 8 Answer to the Statement of Claim<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art9\">Article 9 Counterclaim<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art10\">Article 10 Registration Fee<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art11\">Article 11 Transmission of File<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art12\">Article 12 Written Communications, Time Limits and Disposal of File<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art13\">Article 13 Representatives<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art13a\">Article 13a Third-Party Funding<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Arb_JoinderofThirdParties\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JOINDER OF THIRD PARTIES AND CONSOLIDATION<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Arb_Art14\">Article 14 Joinder of Third Parties<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art15\">Article 15 Consolidation<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_ArbitralTribunal\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Arb_Art16\">Article 16 General Provisions<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art17\">Article 17 Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art18\">Article 18 Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal in Multi-Party Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art19\">Article 19 Confirmation of the Nomination<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art20\">Article 20 Challenge of Arbitrators<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art21\">Article 21 Premature Terminationof the Arbitrator\u2019s Mandate<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art22\">Article 22 Effects of the Premature Termination of the Arbitrator\u2019s Mandate of the Arbitrator\u2019s Mandate<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_Challenge\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CHALLENGE OF EXPERTS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Arb_Art23\">Article 23 Challenge of Experts<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_Jurisdiction\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JURISDICTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Arb_Art24\">Article 24 Jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_Proceedings\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Arb_Art25\">Article 25 Place of Arbitration<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art26\">Article 26 Language of the Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art27\">Article 27 Applicable Law, Amiable Compositeur<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art28\">Article 28 Conduct of the Arbitration<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art29\">Article 29 Establishing the Facts of the Case<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art30\">Article 30 Oral Hearing<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art31\">Article 31 Duty to Object<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art32\">Article 32 Closure of the Proceedings and Time for Rendering the Award<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art33\">Article 33 Interim and Conservatory Measures \/ Security for Costs<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art34\">Article 34 Means of Termination of the Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art35\">Article 35 Decisions of the Arbitral Tribunal<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art36\">Article 36 Arbitral Award<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art37\">Article 37 Award on Agreed Terms and Recorded Settlement<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art38\">Article 38 Decision on Costs<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art39\">Article 39 Correction, Clarification and Supplementation of the Arbitral Award<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art40\">Article 40 Remission to the Arbitral Tribunal<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art41\">Article 41 Article Publication of Awards<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_Costs\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COSTS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Arb_Art42\">Article 42 Advance on Costs<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art43\">Article 43 Advance on Costs for Additional Procedural Costs<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art44\">Article 44 Composition and Calculation of the Procedural Costs<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_MiscellaneousProvisions\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Arb_Art45\">Article 45 Expedited Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art46\">Article 46 Disclaimer and Waiver of Immunity<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art47\">Article 47 Entry into Force and Transitional Provision<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"#Part_2\">PART II<br \/>\nVIAC RULES OF MEDIATION<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"#Med_Art1\">Article 1 VIAC and Applicable Version of the Vienna Mediation Rules<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art2\">Article 2 Definitions<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art3\">Article 3 Commencing the Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art4\">Article 4 Registration Fee<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art5\">Article 5 Place of the Sessions<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art6\">Article 6 Language of the Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art7\">Article 7 Appointment of the Mediator<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art8\">Article 8 Advance on Costs and Costs<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art9\">Article 9 Conduct of the Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art10\">Article 10 Parallel Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art11\">Article 11 Termination of the Proceedings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art12\">Article 12 Confidentiality, Admissibility of Evidence and Subsequent Representation<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art13\">Article 13 Disclaimer<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art14\">Article 14 Entry into Force and Transitional Provision<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"#Teil_III\">PART III<br \/>\nANNEXES TO THE VIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_1\">ANNEX 1 MODEL CLAUSES<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_2\">ANNEX 2 INTERNAL RULES OF THE BOARD<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_3\">ANNEX 3 SCHEDULE OF FEES<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_4\">ANNEX 4 VIAC AS APPOINTING AUTHORITY<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_5\">ANNEX 5 VIAC AS ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<a id=\"Part_1\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_6\">ANNEX 6 SUPPLEMENTARY RULES FOR DISPUTES RELATING TO SUCCESSION<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_7\">ANNEX 7 SUPPLEMENTARY RULES FOR CORPORATE DISPUTES<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>_____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<h1><span>PART I<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_GeneralProvisions\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art1\"><\/a><br \/>\nVIENNA RULES | in the version of 1 January 2025<span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span class=\"c-red\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AND APPLICABLE VERSION OF THE VIENNA RULES<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 1<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1) <\/span>The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (\u201cVIAC\u201d) is the Permanent International Arbitration Institution of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber1. VIAC administers domestic and international arbitrations as well as proceedings pursuant to other alternative dispute resolution methods, if the parties have agreed upon the VIAC Rules of Arbitration (\u201cVienna Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Investment Arbitration (\u201cVienna Investment Arbitration Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Investment Mediation (\u201cVienna Investment Mediation Rules\u201d); or if it has been otherwise agreed or foreseen that VIAC should serve as the administering institution.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the Vienna Rules shall apply in the version in effect at the time of the commencement of the arbitration (Article 7 paragraph 1), if the parties, before or after the dispute has arisen have agreed to submit their dispute to the Vienna Rules.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art2\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The Board may refuse to administer proceedings if the arbitration agreement deviates fundamentally from and is incompatible with the Vienna Rules.<\/p>\n<p><sub><sup>1<\/sup> According to Section 139 paragraph 2 of the Federal Statute on the Economic Chambers 1998 (\u201cWirtschaftskammergesetz 1998\u201d), Federal Law Gazette I No 103\/1998 as amended by Federal Law Gazette I No 27\/2021<\/sub><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BOARD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 2<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The Board of VIAC shall consist of a minimum of five members. The members of the Board shall be appointed for a term of up to five years by the Extended Presiding Committee of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber upon recommendation by the President of VIAC. Members may be appointed for consecutive terms.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2) <\/span>The members of the Board shall elect from among their number a President and up to two Vice Presidents. In the event the President is prevented from performing his duties, such duties shall be assumed by a Vice President in accordance with the Internal Rules of the Board (Annex 2).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Members of the Board, who are or were involved in an arbitration administered by VIAC in any capacity whatsoever, may not be present at, or participate in any way in deliberations or decisions pertaining to those proceedings. This shall not impair the existence of a quorum of the Board.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The members of the Board shall perform their duties to the best of their knowledge and ability and in performing their duties they shall be independent and not be bound by any instructions.\u00a0 They have the duty to keep confidential all information acquired in the course of their duties. <a id=\"Arb_Art3\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The Board may establish and amend its own Internal Rules (Annex 2).<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ADVISORY BOARDS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 3<a id=\"Arb_Art4\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Board may establish Advisory Boards that assist the Board in an advisory capacity. Advisory Boards consist of arbitration and\/or mediation experts who may be invited by the Board.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">SECRETARY GENERAL, DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL<br \/>\nAND SECRETARIAT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 4<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Upon recommendation of the Board of VIAC, the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General of VIAC shall be appointed by the Extended Presiding Committee of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber for a term of up to five years. The Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General may be appointed for consecutive terms. Upon expiration of the term, if no renewal of the appointment has been made, the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General shall remain in office until a new appointment has been made.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Secretariat manages the administrative matters of VIAC under the direction of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General except for matters which are reserved to the Board. If a Deputy Secretary General has been appointed, the Deputy Secretary General may render decisions that fall within the competence of the Secretary General if the Secretary General is unable to perform his duties, or with authorization by the Secretary General.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Members of the Secretariat, who are or were involved in an arbitration administered by VIAC in any capacity whatsoever, may not be present at, or participate in any way in deliberations or decisions pertaining to those proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General shall perform their duties to the best of their knowledge and ability and shall not be bound by any instructions. They have the duty to keep confidential all information acquired in the course of their duties.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art5\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> If the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General become unable to exercise their duties, the Board members shall appoint from their number a member to perform the relevant duties. For as long as the appointee serves as Secretary General, the membership of the appointee in the Board shall be suspended.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">LANGUAGES OF CORRESPONDENCE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 5<a id=\"Arb_Art6\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The correspondence of the parties with the Board and Secretariat shall be in German or English.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DEFINITIONS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 6<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> In the Vienna Rules<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> <strong>party<\/strong> or <strong>parties<\/strong> refer to one or more claimants, respondents or one or more third parties joined to the arbitration in a statement of claim;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> <strong>claimant<\/strong> refers to one or more claimants;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> <strong>respondent<\/strong> refers to one or more respondents;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.4<\/span> <strong>third party<\/strong> refers to one or more third parties who are neither a claimant nor respondent in the pending arbitration and whose joinder to this arbitration has been requested;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.5<\/span> <strong>arbitral tribunal <\/strong>refers to a sole arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.6<\/span> <strong>arbitrator<\/strong> refers to one or more arbitrators;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.7<\/span> <strong>co-arbitrator<\/strong> refers to any member of a panel of arbitrators except its chairperson;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.8<\/span> <strong>award<\/strong> refers to any final, partial or interim award;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.9<\/span> <strong>third-party funding<\/strong> refers to any agreement entered into with a natural or legal person who is not a party to the proceedings or a party representative (Article 13), to fund or provide any other material support to a party, directly or indirectly financing part or all of the costs of the proceedings either through a donation or a grant, or in exchange for remuneration or reimbursement that is wholly or partially dependent upon the outcome of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_CommencementoftheArbitration\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> To the extent the terms used in the Vienna Rules refer to natural persons, the form chosen shall apply to all genders. In practice, the terms in these rules shall be used in a gender-specific manner.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art7\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> References to \u201cArticles\u201d without further specification relate to the relevant articles of the Vienna Rules.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COMMENCEMENT OF THE ARBITRATION<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">STATEMENT OF CLAIM<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 7<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The arbitral proceedings shall be initiated by submitting a statement of claim. The proceedings shall commence on the date of receipt of the statement of claim by the Secretariat of VIAC or by an Austrian Regional Economic Chamber in hardcopy form or in electronic form (Article 12 paragraph 1); hereby, the proceedings become pending. The Secretariat informs the other parties of the receipt of the statement of claim.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The statement of claim shall contain the following information:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the full names, addresses, including electronic mail addresses, and other contact details of the parties and any comment on the parties\u2019 nationalities;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> a statement of the facts and a specific request for relief;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> the monetary value of each individual claim at the time of submission of the statement of claim if the relief requested is not exclusively for a specific sum of money;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> particulars regarding the number of arbitrators in accordance with Article 17;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> the nomination of an arbitrator if the dispute shall be decided by a panel of three arbitrators, or a request that the arbitrator be appointed by the Board; and<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.6<\/span> particulars regarding the arbitration agreement and its content.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3) <\/span>If the statement of claim does not comply with paragraph 2 of this Article, or if a copy of the statement of claim or the exhibits is missing (Article 12 paragraph 1), the Secretary General may request that the claimant remedy the defect within a time-period set by the Secretary General. If the claimant complies with the order to remedy the defect within the set deadline, the statement of claim shall be deemed to have been submitted on the date on which it was first received. If the claimant does not comply with the order to remedy the defect within the set deadline, the Secretary General may declare the proceedings terminated (Article 34 paragraph 3). This shall not prevent the claimant from raising the same claims at a later time in another proceeding.<a id=\"Arb_Art8\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The Secretary General shall transmit the statement of claim to the respondent if no order to remedy pursuant to paragraph 3 of this Article was issued or if the claimant complied with such an order.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANSWER TO THE STATEMENT OF CLAIM<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 8<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The Secretary General shall request the respondent to submit to the Secretariat an answer to the statement of claim (Article 12 paragraph 3) within a period of 30 days upon receipt of the statement of claim.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2) <\/span>The answer to the statement of claim shall contain the following information:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the full name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details of the respondent and any comment on the parties\u2019 nationalities;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> comments on the request for relief and the facts upon which the statement of claim is based, as well as the respondent\u2019s specific request for relief;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> particulars regarding the number of arbitrators in accordance with Article 17; and<a id=\"Arb_Art9\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> the nomination of an arbitrator if the dispute shall be decided by a panel of three arbitrators, or a request that the arbitrator be appointed by the Board.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COUNTERCLAIM<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 9<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Claims by the respondent against the claimant may be raised as counterclaims in the same proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Articles 7, 10 and 11 apply to counterclaims.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may return the counterclaim to the Secretariat to be addressed in separate proceedings if:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.1<\/span> the parties are not identical; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.2<\/span> a counterclaim submitted after the answer to the statement of claim would result in a substantial delay in the main proceedings.<a id=\"Arb_Art10\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall give the claimant the opportunity to submit an answer to an admitted counterclaim. Article 8 applies to an answer to the counterclaim.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REGISTRATION FEE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 10<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The claimant shall pay the registration fee net of any charges in the amount stipulated in Annex 3 within the time limit set by the Secretary General. Likewise, in the case of joinder of a third party<br \/>\n(Article 14), the requesting party shall pay a registration fee.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If there are more than two parties to the arbitration, the registration fee shall be increased by 10 percent for each additional party, up to a maximum increase of 50 percent.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The registration fee is non-refundable. The registration fee shall not be deducted from the paying party\u2019s advance on costs.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The statement of claim and any request for joinder of a third party shall be sent to the other parties only after full payment of the registration fee. The Secretary General may grant a reasonable extension of the time period for payment of the registration fee. If payment is not effected by the deadline, the Secretary General may declare the proceedings terminated (Article 34 paragraph 3). This shall not prevent the claimant from raising the same claims at a later time in another proceeding.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art11\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> If proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules are commenced before, during or after arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the registration fee of the preceding proceedings shall be credited to the registration fee in the subsequently commenced proceedings.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">TRANSMISSION OF FILE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 11<\/p>\n<p>The Secretary General shall transmit the file to the arbitral tribunal if:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span>\u00a0the Secretariat has received the statement of claim (counterclaim) in accordance with the requirements of Article 7; and<br \/>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art12\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span>\u00a0all members of the arbitral tribunal have been appointed; and<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span>\u00a0the advance on costs pursuant to Article 42 has been paid in full.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS, TIME LIMITS AND DISPOSAL OF FILE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 12<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A statement of claim, including exhibits, shall be submitted in electronic form and in hardcopy form in the number of copies necessary to provide each party with a copy.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> After transmission of the file to the arbitral tribunal, all written communications and exhibits shall be sent to each party and each arbitrator in the manner stipulated by the arbitral tribunal. The Secretariat shall receive all written communications between the arbitral tribunal and the parties in electronic form.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span>Written communications shall be sent in hardcopy form by registered mail, letter with confirmation of receipt, courier service, or in electronic form, or by any other means of communication that provides a record of sending.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Written communications shall be sent to the address of the addressee for whom it is intended, as last notified. Once a party has appointed a representative, the written communication shall be sent to the representative\u2019s address, as last notified.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Written communications shall be deemed to have been received on the day<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">5.1<\/span> the addressee has actually received the written communication; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">5.2<\/span> receipt can be presumed, if the written communication was sent in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> If a statement of claim against multiple respondents cannot be transmitted to all respondents, upon request of the claimant the arbitration shall proceed only against those respondents that received the statement of claim. Upon request of the claimant the statement of claim against the remaining respondents shall be addressed in a separate proceeding.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Time limits shall start to run on the day following the day of receipt (paragraph 5) of the respective written communication triggering the commencement of the time limit. If this day is an official holiday or a non-business day at the place of receipt, the time limit shall start to run on the next business day. Official holidays or non-business days falling during a time period shall not interrupt the continuation or extend the time limit. If the last day of the time limit is an official holiday or a non-business day at the place of receipt, the time limit shall end on the next business day.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art13\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> A time limit relating to any written communication is satisfied if it is sent in the manner stipulated in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article on the last day of the time limit. Time limits may be extended where sufficient grounds for such extension are considered to exist.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> After termination of the proceedings (Article 34), the Secretariat may dispose of the entire file of a case, with the exception of decisions (Article 35).<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REPRESENTATIVES<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 13<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art13a\"><\/a>In the proceedings before the arbitral tribunal, the parties may be represented or advised by persons of their choice. The Secretary General or the arbitral tribunal may at any time request evidence that the representative has the authority to represent the party.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">THIRD-PARTY FUNDING<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 13a<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A party shall disclose the existence of any third-party funding and the identity of the third-party funder in its statement of claim or its answer to the statement of claim, or immediately upon concluding a third-party funding arrangement.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_JoinderofThirdParties\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art14\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If a party discloses third-party funding prior to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal, the Secretary General shall inform any arbitrator nominated for appointment or already appointed of such disclosure for purposes of completing the arbitrator declaration (Article 16 paragraph 3).<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JOINDER OF THIRD PARTIES AND CONSOLIDATION<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JOINDER OF THIRD PARTIES<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 14<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The joinder of a third party in an arbitration, as well as the manner of such joinder, shall be decided by the arbitral tribunal upon the request of a party or a third party after hearing all parties and the third party to be joined as well as after considering all relevant circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The request for joinder shall contain the following information:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the full name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details of the third party;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> the grounds upon which the request for joinder is based; and<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> the requested manner of joinder of the third party.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #b40404;\">(3)<\/span> If a request for joinder of a third party is made with a statement of claim,<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.1<\/span> it shall be submitted to the Secretariat. The provisions of Article 7 et seqq shall apply by analogy. The Secretary General shall transmit the statement of claim to the third party to be joined as well as to the other parties for comments;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.2<\/span> the third party may participate in the constitution of the arbitral tribunal pursuant to Article 18 if no arbitrator has yet been appointed; and<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a id=\"Arb_Art15\"><\/a>3.3<\/span> the arbitral tribunal shall return the statement of claim with a request for joinder of a third party to the Secretariat to be treated in separate proceedings, if the arbitral tribunal refuses, in accordance with paragraph 1, to grant a request for joinder of a third party made with a statement of claim. In this case, the Board may revoke any confirmed nomination or appointment of arbitrators and order the renewed constitution of the arbitral tribunal or arbitral tribunals in accordance with Article 17 et seqq, if the third party participated in the constitution of the arbitral tribunal in accordance with paragraph 3.2.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONSOLIDATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 15<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Upon a party\u2019s request, two or more arbitral proceedings may<br \/>\nbe consolidated if:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> the parties agree to the consolidation; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the same arbitrator(s) was\/were nominated or appointed;<\/p>\n<p>and the place of arbitration is the same.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_ArbitralTribunal\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art16\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Board shall decide on a request for consolidation after hearing the parties and the arbitrators already appointed. The Board shall consider all relevant circumstances in its decision, including the compatibility of the arbitration agreements and the respective stage of the arbitral proceedings.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 16<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The parties shall be free to designate the persons they wish to nominate as arbitrators. Any person with full legal capacity may act as arbitrator, provided the parties have not agreed upon any particular additional qualification requirements. The arbitrators have a contractual relationship with the parties and shall render their services to the parties.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitrators shall perform their mandate independently of the parties, impartially and to the best of their knowledge and ability, and shall not be bound by any instruction. They have the duty to keep confidential all information acquired in the course of their duties.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> A person who intends to accept an appointment as an arbitrator shall, before his appointment, sign and submit to the Secretary General a declaration in the form made available by VIAC confirming his (i) impartiality and independence; (ii) availability; (iii) qualification; (iv) acceptance of office; and (v) submission to the Vienna Rules.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> An arbitrator shall disclose by written declaration all circumstances that could give rise to doubts as to his impartiality, independence or availability or that conflict with the agreement of the parties. The duty to immediately disclose such circumstances continues to apply throughout the arbitration.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art17\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Members of the Board may be nominated as arbitrators by the parties or co-arbitrators, but shall not be appointed as arbitrators by the Board.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> The conduct of any or all arbitrators (Article 28 paragraph 1) may be taken into consideration by the Secretary General in determining the arbitrators\u2019 fees (Article 44 paragraphs 2, 8 and 11).<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONSTITUTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 17<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The parties may agree whether the arbitral proceedings will be conducted by a sole arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators. The parties may also agree on the manner of appointment of the arbitrators. In the absence of an agreement, paragraphs 2 to 6 of this Article shall apply.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Absent agreement on the number of arbitrators, the Board shall determine whether the dispute will be decided by a sole arbitrator or by a panel of three arbitrators. In so doing, the Board shall take into consideration the complexity of the case, the amount in dispute, and the parties\u2019 interest in an expeditious and cost-efficient decision.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If the dispute is to be resolved by a sole arbitrator, the parties shall jointly nominate a sole arbitrator and indicate the arbitrator\u2019s name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details within 30 days after receiving the Secretary General\u2019s request. If such nomination is not made within this time period, the sole arbitrator shall be appointed by the Board.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If the dispute is to be resolved by a panel of arbitrators, each party shall nominate an arbitrator (the claimant in the statement of claim and the respondent in the answer to the statement of claim). If a party fails to do so, the Secretary General shall request that party to submit the name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details of its nominee within 30 days after receiving the request. If such nomination is not made within this time period, that arbitrator shall be appointed by the Board.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art18\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5<\/span>) If the dispute is to be resolved by a panel of arbitrators, the co-arbitrators shall jointly nominate a chairperson and indicate his name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details within 30 days after receiving the Secretary General\u2019s request. If such nomination is not made within this time period, the chairperson shall be appointed by the Board.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> The parties are bound by their nomination of arbitrator once the nominated arbitrator has been confirmed by the Secretary General or the Board (Article 19).<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONSTITUTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL IN MULTI-PARTY PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 18<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The constitution of the arbitral tribunal in multi-party proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Article 17, with the following additional provisions:<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If the dispute is to be resolved by a panel of arbitrators, the side of claimant and the side of respondent shall each jointly nominate an arbitrator.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Participation of a party in the joint nomination of an arbitrator shall not constitute consent to multi-party arbitration. If the admissibility of a multi-party arbitration is disputed, the arbitral tribunal shall decide thereon upon request after hearing all parties as well as after considering all relevant circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art19\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article a joint arbitrator is not nominated within the set time period, the Board shall appoint the arbitrator for the defaulting party\/parties. In exceptional cases, after granting the parties the opportunity to comment, the Board may revoke appointments already made and appoint new co-arbitrators or all arbitrators.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONFIRMATION OF THE NOMINATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 19<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> After an arbitrator has been nominated, the Secretary General shall obtain the arbitrator\u2019s declarations pursuant to Article 16 paragraphs 3 and 4. The Secretary General shall forward a copy of these statements to the parties. The Secretary General shall confirm the nominated arbitrator if no doubts exist as to the impartiality and independence of the arbitrator and the ability to carry out the mandate. The Secretary General shall inform the Board of such confirmation at the subsequent meeting of the Board.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If deemed necessary by the Secretary General, the Board shall decide whether to confirm a nominated arbitrator. Prior to the decision of the Board, the Secretary General may request comments from the arbitrator to be confirmed and from the parties. All comments shall be communicated to the parties and the arbitrator.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Upon confirmation, the nominated arbitrator shall be deemed appointed.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art20\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If the Secretary General or the Board refuses to confirm a nominated arbitrator, the Secretary General shall request the party\/parties entitled to nominate the arbitrator, or the co-arbitrators to nominate a different arbitrator or chairperson within 30 days. Articles 16 to 18 shall apply by analogy. If the Secretary General or the Board refuses to confirm the newly nominated arbitrator, the right to nominate shall lapse and the Board shall appoint the arbitrator.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CHALLENGE OF ARBITRATORS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 20<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> After his appointment, an arbitrator may be challenged only if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to his impartiality or independence, or if the arbitrator does not fulfil the qualifications agreed by the parties. A party may challenge the arbitrator whom it nominated, or in whose nomination it has participated, only for reasons of which the party became aware after the nomination or its participation in the nomination.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> A party\u2019s challenge of an appointed arbitrator shall be submitted to the Secretariat within 15 days from the date the party making the challenge became aware of the grounds for the challenge. The challenge shall specify the grounds for the challenge and include corroborating materials to substantiate the challenge.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If the challenged arbitrator does not resign, the Board shall rule on the challenge. Before the Board makes a decision, the Secretary General shall request comments from the challenged arbitrator and the other party\/parties. The Secretary General may also request comments from other persons. All comments shall be communicated to the parties and the arbitrators.<a id=\"Arb_Art21\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal, including the challenged arbitrator, may continue the arbitration while the challenge is pending. The arbitral tribunal may not issue an award until after the Board has ruled on the challenge.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PREMATURE TERMINATION OF THE ARBITRATOR\u2019S MANDATE\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 21<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The mandate of an arbitrator terminates prematurely if:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> the parties so agree; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the arbitrator resigns; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> the arbitrator dies; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.4<\/span> the arbitrator was successfully challenged; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.5<\/span> the arbitrator is removed from office by the Board.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art22\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Either party may request that an arbitrator be removed from office if the arbitrator is prevented from performing his duties more than temporarily or otherwise fails to perform his duties, including also the duty to proceed without any undue delay. The party shall submit the request to the Secretariat. If it is apparent to the Board that any incapacity is not merely temporary, or that the arbitrator is not performing his duties, the Board may remove an arbitrator from office even without a party\u2019s request. The Board shall decide on the removal after granting the parties and the affected arbitrator the opportunity to comment.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">EFFECTS OF THE PREMATURE TERMINATION OF THE ARBITRATOR\u2019S MANDATE\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 22<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If an arbitrator\u2019s mandate terminates prematurely (Article 21), the arbitrator shall be replaced. The appointment of a substitute arbitrator shall be made in accordance with the appointment procedure agreed by the parties. Absent any such agreement, the Secretary General shall request that<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> the parties, in the case of a sole arbitrator; or,<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the remaining co-arbitrators, in the case of the chairperson of a tribunal; or,<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> the nominating party or the party on whose behalf the arbitrator was appointed, when the arbitrator was nominated by a party or was appointed on behalf of a party;<\/p>\n<p>nominate a substitute arbitrator within 30 days \u2013 in the cases addressed by paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2 of this Article jointly \u2013 and indicate the nominee\u2019s name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details. Articles 16 to 18 apply by analogy. If such nomination is not made within this time period, the Board shall appoint the substitute arbitrator. If a substitute arbitrator is successfully challenged (Article 21 paragraph 1.4), the right to nominate a substitute arbitrator shall lapse and the Board shall appoint the substitute arbitrator.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Challenge\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If an arbitrator\u2019s mandate terminates prematurely pursuant to Article 21, the new arbitral tribunal shall determine, after requesting comments from the parties, whether and to what extent previous stages of the arbitration shall be repeated.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art23\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The cost implications of the premature termination of the arbitrator\u2019s mandate and of the appointment of a substitute arbitrator shall be based on Article 42 paragraph 12 and Article 44 paragraph 11.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CHALLENGE OF EXPERTS<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CHALLENGE OF EXPERTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 23<a id=\"Arb_Jurisdiction\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art24\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Article 20 paragraphs 1 and 2 shall apply by analogy to the challenge of experts appointed by the arbitral tribunal. The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the challenge.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JURISDICTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JURISDICTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 24<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A plea that the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction shall be raised no later than the first pleading on the merits. A party is not precluded from raising such an objection by the fact that it has nominated an arbitrator pursuant to Article 17 or has participated in the nomination of an arbitrator pursuant to Article 18. An objection that the arbitral tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority shall be raised as soon as the matter alleged to exceed the scope of its authority is raised during the arbitration. A later objection shall be barred in both cases; however, if the arbitral tribunal considers the delay to be sufficiently excused, it may admit a later objection.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Proceedings\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art25\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide on its own jurisdiction. The decision on jurisdiction may be made together with the decision on the merits or in a separate award. Where the arbitral tribunal declines jurisdiction, it shall, upon the request of one of the parties, decide on the parties\u2019 cost obligations.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PLACE OF ARBITRATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 25<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a id=\"Arb_Art26\"><\/a>(1)<\/span> The parties are free to agree on the place of arbitration. Absent party agreement, the place of arbitration shall be Vienna.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may deliberate or take procedural actions at any location it deems appropriate, without thereby resulting in a change of the place of arbitration.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">LANGUAGE OF THE PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 26<a id=\"Arb_Art27\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Absent party agreement on the language(s) of the arbitration, immediately after transmission of the file, the arbitral tribunal shall determine the language(s) having due regard to all circumstances, including the language of the contract.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">APPLICABLE LAW, AMIABLE COMPOSITEUR<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 27<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide the dispute in accordance with the law or rules of law agreed upon by the parties. Unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise, any agreement as to a given national law or national legal system shall be construed as a direct reference to that national substantive law and not to the national conflict-of-laws rules.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art28\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If the parties have not determined the applicable law or rules of law, the arbitral tribunal shall apply the applicable law or rules of law which it considers appropriate.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide <em>ex aequo et bono<\/em> or as <em>amiable compositeur<\/em>\u00a0only in cases where the parties have expressly authorized it to do so.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONDUCT OF THE ARBITRATION\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 28<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall conduct the arbitration in accordance with the Vienna Rules and the agreement of the parties in an efficient and cost-effective manner, but otherwise at its own discretion. The arbitral tribunal shall treat the parties fairly. The parties shall be granted the right to be heard at every stage of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art29\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Upon prior notice, the arbitral tribunal may inter alia consider pleadings, the submission of evidence, and requests for the taking of evidence to be admissible only up to a certain point in time of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> At any stage of the proceedings, the arbitral tribunal is entitled to facilitate the parties\u2019 endeavors to reach a settlement.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ESTABLISHING THE FACTS OF THE CASE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 29<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art30\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If the arbitral tribunal considers it necessary, it may on its own initiative collect evidence, question parties or witnesses, request the parties to submit evidence, and call experts. Article 43 shall apply if costs are incurred as a result of the taking of evidence and, in particular, the appointment of experts.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitration shall proceed notwithstanding the failure of any party to participate.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ORAL HEARING\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 30<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the arbitral tribunal shall decide whether the proceedings should be conducted orally or in writing. If the parties have not excluded an oral hearing, upon any party\u2019s request the arbitral tribunal shall hold such a hearing at an appropriate stage of the proceedings. Having due regard to the views of the parties and the specific circumstances of the case, the arbitral tribunal may decide to hold an oral hearing in person or by other means. The parties shall in any case have the opportunity to acknowledge and comment on the requests and pleadings of the other parties and on the result of the evidentiary proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art31\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The date of the oral hearing shall be fixed by the sole arbitrator or the chairperson. Hearings shall not be open to the public. The sole arbitrator or the chairperson shall prepare and sign minutes of the hearing, which shall contain at a minimum a summary of the hearing and its results.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DUTY TO OBJECT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 31<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art32\"><\/a>If a party has knowledge of a violation by the arbitral tribunal of a provision of the Vienna Rules or other provisions applicable to the proceedings, it shall immediately file an objection with the arbitral tribunal, failing which the party shall be deemed to have waived its right to object.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CLOSURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND TIME FOR RENDERING THE AWARD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 32<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> As soon as the arbitral tribunal is convinced that the parties have had sufficient opportunity to make submissions and to offer evidence, the arbitral tribunal shall declare the proceedings closed as to the matters to be decided in the award. The arbitral tribunal may reopen the proceedings at any time.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art33\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)\u00a0<\/span>The award shall be rendered no later than three months after the last hearing concerning matters to be decided in an award or the filing of the last authorized submission concerning such matters, whatever is the later. The Secretary General may extend the time limit pursuant to a reasoned request from the arbitral tribunal or on its own initiative. Exceeding the time limit for the award will not render the arbitration agreement invalid or deprive the arbitral tribunal of its jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">INTERIM AND CONSERVATORY MEASURES \/ SECURITY FOR COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 33<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, as soon as the file has been transmitted to the arbitral tribunal (Article 11), the arbitral tribunal may, at the request of a party, order interim or conservatory measures against another party as well as amend, suspend or revoke any such measures. The other parties shall be heard before the arbitral tribunal renders any decision on interim or conservatory measures. The arbitral tribunal may require any party to provide appropriate security in connection with such a measure. The parties shall comply with such orders, irrespective of whether they are enforceable before national courts.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Any orders for interim or conservatory measures pursuant to this Article shall be in writing. In an arbitration with more than one arbitrator, the signature of the chairperson shall suffice. If the chairperson is hindered from acting, the signature of another arbitrator shall suffice, provided the arbitrator signing the order records the reasons for the absence of the chairperson\u2019s signature.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, orders for interim or conservatory measures shall state the reasons upon which they are based. The order shall identify the date on which it was issued and the place of arbitration.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Orders for interim and conservatory measures shall be retained in the same manner as awards (Article 36 paragraph 5).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The provisions of paragraphs 1 to 4 of this Article do not prevent the parties from applying to any competent national authority for interim or conservatory measures. A request to a national authority to order such measures or to enforce such measures already ordered by the arbitral tribunal shall not constitute an infringement or waiver of the arbitration agreement and shall not affect the powers of the arbitral tribunal. The parties shall immediately inform the Secretariat and the arbitral tribunal of any such request as well as of all measures ordered by the national authority.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may, at the request of a party, order any party asserting a claim or counterclaim to provide security for costs, if the requesting party shows cause that the recoverability of a potential claim for costs is, with a sufficient degree of probability, at risk. When deciding on a request for security for costs, the arbitral tribunal shall give all parties the opportunity to present their views.<a id=\"Arb_Art34\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> If a party fails to comply with an order by the arbitral tribunal for security for costs, the arbitral tribunal may, upon request, suspend in whole or in part, or terminate the proceedings (Article 34 paragraph 2.4).<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MEANS OF TERMINATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 34<\/p>\n<p class=\"article\"><span>Arbitral proceedings are terminated:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> by the rendering of the final award (Articles 36 and 37 paragraph 1); or<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> by an order of the arbitral tribunal, if<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the claimant withdraws its statement of claim, unless the respondent objects and a legitimate interest of the respondent in obtaining a final resolution of the dispute exists;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> the parties agree to the termination of the arbitration and communicate this agreement to the arbitral tribunal and to the Secretary General;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> the continuation of the proceedings has become impossible, in particular because the parties to the arbitration do not pursue the arbitration further despite a written order from the arbitral tribunal, which refers to the possibility of terminating the arbitration;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> a party fails to comply with an order by the arbitral tribunal for security for costs (Article 33 paragraph 7); or<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> by a declaration of the Secretary General<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.1<\/span> for failure to comply with an order to remedy (Article 7 paragraph 3) or a payment order (Article 10 paragraph 4 and Article 42 paragraphs 11 and 12);<a id=\"Arb_Art35\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.2<\/span> in case of paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3 if the file has not yet been transmitted to the arbitral tribunal.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DECISIONS OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 35<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art36\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (1) <\/span>Every award and every other decision of the arbitral tribunal requires a majority ruling of its panel members. If the arbitrators cannot form a majority, the chairperson shall decide.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The chairperson may decide questions of procedure alone if so authorized by the co-arbitrators.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ARBITRAL AWARD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 36<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (1)<\/span> Awards shall be in writing. Awards shall state the reasons on which they are based unless all parties have agreed in writing or in the oral hearing that the award may exclude the reasons.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The award shall identify the date on which it was issued and the place of arbitration (Article 25).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> All original copies of an award shall be signed by all arbitrators. The signature of the majority of the arbitrators shall suffice if the award states that one of the arbitrators refused to sign or was prevented from signing by an impediment that could not be overcome within a reasonable period of time. If the award is a majority award and not a unanimous award, this shall be stated upon request of the dissenting arbitrator.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> All original copies of the award shall be signed by the Secretary General and bear the VIAC stamp, which shall confirm that it is an award of VIAC, rendered and signed by one or more arbitrators appointed under the Vienna Rules.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The Secretary General shall transmit the award to the parties in hardcopy form. If it is not possible or feasible to send the award in hardcopy form within a reasonable time, or if the parties so agree, the Secretariat may send a copy of the award in electronic form. In this case a copy of the award in hardcopy form may be sent at a later stage. Article 12 paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 apply. The Secretariat shall retain an original copy of the award and the documentation of proof of sending.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art37\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Upon request of a party, the sole arbitrator or chairperson (or in case he is prevented from acting, another arbitrator) or, in case they are prevented from doing so, the Secretary General shall confirm that the award is final and binding on all original copies.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> By agreeing to the Vienna Rules, the parties undertake to comply with the terms of the award.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">AWARD ON AGREED TERMS AND RECORDED SETTLEMENT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 37<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art38\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Upon request of the parties, the arbitral tribunal may render an award (Article 36) on agreed terms reflecting the content of a settlement which they have reached.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The parties may request that the content of a settlement which they have reached be recorded by the arbitral tribunal. In this case, the proceedings are terminated in accordance with Article 34 paragraph 2.2.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DECISION ON COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 38<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> When the proceedings are terminated, upon request of a party, the arbitral tribunal shall set forth, in the final award or by separate award, the costs of the arbitration as determined by the Secretary General pursuant to Article 44 paragraph 1.1 and determine the amount of the appropriate costs of the parties pursuant to Article 44 paragraph 1.2, as well as other additional expenses pursuant to Article 44 paragraph 1.3.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art39\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall also establish who will bear the costs of the proceedings or the apportionment of these costs. Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the arbitral tribunal shall decide on the allocation of costs according to its own discretion. The conduct of any or all parties as well as their representatives (Article 13), and in particular their contribution to the conduct of efficient and cost-effective proceedings, may be taken into consideration by the arbitral tribunal in its decision on costs according to this Article.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 and 2, upon request by a party, the arbitral tribunal may at any stage during the arbitral proceedings make decisions on costs pursuant to Article 44 paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 and order payment.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CORRECTION, CLARIFICATION AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE ARBITRAL AWARD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 39<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Within 30 days of receipt of the award, any party may file the following applications with the Secretariat for the arbitral tribunal:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> to correct any computational, typographical, printing or similar errors in the award;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> to clarify specific parts of the award;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> to render an additional award on claims made in the arbitration but not resolved in the award.<\/p>\n<p><span> <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide on such an application. The other parties shall be heard before the arbitral tribunal makes its decision. The arbitral tribunal shall set a time limit for comments, which should not exceed 30 days. The Secretary General may determine an advance on costs to cover additional expenses and fees of the arbitral tribunal and administrative fees (Article 42 paragraph 12). The additional arbitrators\u2019 fees and additional administrative fees are determined by the Secretary General according to his own discretion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art40\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Upon its own initiative, the arbitral tribunal may issue<br \/>\ncorrections pursuant to paragraph 1.1 or supplementations pursuant to paragraph 1.3 of this Article within 30 days of the date of the award.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Article 36 applies to the supplementation of the award. Corrections and clarifications shall be issued in the form of an addendum and shall constitute an integral part of the arbitral<br \/>\naward.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REMISSION TO THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 40<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art41\"><\/a>When a national court remits proceedings to the arbitral tribunal, the provisions of the Vienna Rules on the arbitral proceedings shall apply by analogy. The Secretary General and the Board may take any measures necessary to enable the arbitral tribunal to comply with the requirements of the remission. The Secretary General may determine an advance on costs to cover additional expenses and fees of the arbitral tribunal and administrative fees<br \/>\n(Article 42 paragraph 12). The additional arbitrators\u2019 fees and additional administrative fees are determined by the Secretary General according to his own discretion.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PUBLICATION OF AWARDS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 41<a id=\"Arb_Costs\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art42\"><\/a>The Board and the Secretary General may publish anonymized summaries or extracts of awards in legal journals or VIAC\u2019s own publications, unless a party has objected to publication within 30 days upon receipt of the award.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COSTS<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ADVANCE ON COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 42<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The Secretary General shall fix the advance on costs for VIAC\u2019s prospective administrative fees, the prospective arbitrators\u2019 fees and the prospective expenses, including any applicable value-added tax, separately for claims and counterclaims.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2) <\/span>Claims raised by way of set-off (Article 44 paragraph 6) shall \u2013 for the purpose of calculating the advance on costs \u2013 be treated as separate claims to the extent that these claims may require the arbitral tribunal to consider additional matters.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> For requests for joinder (Article 14), the Secretary General may fix separate advances on costs (paragraph 1) having regard to the circumstances of the case.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The advance on costs shall be paid in equal shares by the parties prior to the transmission of the file to the arbitral tribunal within 30 days upon receipt of the request for payment.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> In multi-party proceedings, one half of the advance on costs shall be paid jointly by the claimants and one half jointly by the respondents, unless otherwise determined by the Secretary General having regard to the circumstances of the case.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Where counterclaims or claims by way of set-off are submitted and separate advances on costs are fixed, the Secretary General may decide that each party shall pay the advance on costs corresponding to its claims.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Where the Secretary General has previously fixed advances on costs pursuant to paragraph 1 to 3, these shall be replaced by the advances fixed pursuant to paragraphs 5 and 6 and the amount of any advance paid previously by any party shall be credited towards its share of advances as determined by the Secretary General pursuant to paragraphs 5 and 6.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> By agreeing to the Vienna Rules, the parties mutually undertake to bear their respective share of the advance on costs pursuant to this Article.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> If the advance on costs allocated to one party is not received or is not received in full within the time limit specified, the Secretary General shall inform the other party\/parties and request<br \/>\npayment of the outstanding amount within 30 days upon receipt of the request. This shall not affect the obligation of the nonpaying party to bear its share of the advance on costs pursuant to this Article.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(10)<\/span> If a party fails to fulfil its share of the payment obligations pursuant to this Article, and if the other party\/parties pay(s) the respective share pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Article, upon the paying party\u2019s\/parties\u2019 request and to the extent it finds that it has jurisdiction over the dispute the arbitral tribunal may order the non-paying party, by an award or other appropriate form, to reimburse the paying party\/parties for the share accruing on it\/them. This shall not affect the arbitral tribunal\u2019s authority and obligation to determine the final allocation of costs pursuant to Article 38.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(11)<\/span> In principle, the arbitral tribunal shall only address the claims or counterclaims, for which the advance on costs has been paid in full. If a payment is not made within the deadline set by the Secretary General, the arbitral tribunal may suspend the arbitral proceedings in whole or in part, or the Secretary General may terminate the arbitral proceedings (Article 34 paragraph 3) with respect to the relevant claims. This shall not prevent the parties from raising the same claims at a later time in another proceeding.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art43\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(12)<\/span> If an additional advance on costs is necessary and determined accordingly by the Secretary General, the procedure as outlined in paragraphs 1 to 11 of this Article shall apply. Until payment of the additional advance on costs, in principle, the arbitral tribunal shall not address the claims that led to the increase or additional advance on costs. If a payment is not made within the deadline set by the Secretary General, the arbitral tribunal may suspend the arbitral proceedings in whole or in part, or the Secretary General may terminate the arbitral proceedings (Article 34 paragraph 3).<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ADVANCE ON COSTS FOR<br \/>\nADDITIONAL PROCEDURAL COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 43<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If the arbitral tribunal considers necessary certain procedural steps that would have cost implications, such as the appointment of experts, interpreters, or translators, a verbatim transcript of the proceedings, a site visit, or relocation of the hearing, then the arbitral tribunal shall notify the Secretary General and arrange for these prospective costs to be covered.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may undertake the procedural steps provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article only once the prospective costs are sufficiently covered.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art44\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide which consequences for the proceedings shall arise, if any, from a failure to pay a required advance on costs pursuant to this Article.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> All orders related to the procedural steps mentioned in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be undertaken by the arbitral tribunal for and on the account of the parties.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COMPOSITION AND CALCULATION OF THE PROCEDURAL COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 44<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The costs of the arbitration consist of:<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> the administrative fees of VIAC, the arbitrators\u2019 fees and the reasonable expenses (such as arbitrators\u2019 or tribunal secretary\u2019s travel and subsistence costs, costs for sending of communications, rent, court reporter fees), including any applicable value-added tax; as well as<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the parties\u2019 costs, i.e. the reasonable expenses of the parties for their legal representation; and<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> other expenses related to the arbitration, in particular those listed in Article 43 paragraph 1.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Secretary General shall calculate the administrative fees and the arbitrators\u2019 fees on the basis of the schedule of fees (Annex 3) according to the amount in dispute and determine these fees together with the expenses at the end of the proceedings (paragraph 1.1 of this Article). Prior to termination of the arbitral proceedings, the Secretary General may make payments on account to the arbitrators in consideration of the stage of the proceedings. The arbitral tribunal shall determine and fix the costs and other expenses outlined in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 of this Article in the award (Article 38).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> In fixing the amount in dispute, the Secretary General may deviate from the parties\u2019 determination if the parties have made only a partial claim or if a party has clearly undervalued its claim or assigned no value to it.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If more than two parties are involved in an arbitration, the amount of administrative fees and arbitrators\u2019 fees listed in Annex 3 shall be increased by 10 percent for each additional party, up to a maximum increase of 50 percent. This increased amount will then be the basis for a further increase or decrease according to paragraph 8 of this Article.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> For counterclaims (Article 9), the Secretary General shall calculate and determine the administrative fees and arbitrators\u2019 fees separately.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> For claims raised by way of set-off against the principal claims, the Secretary General may calculate and determine the administrative and arbitrators\u2019 fees separately to the extent that these claims have required the arbitral tribunal to consider additional matters.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> For requests for joinder of third parties (Article 14), the Secretary General may calculate and determine the administrative fees and arbitrators\u2019 fees separately, having regard to the circumstances of the case.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> The arbitrators\u2019 fees listed in Annex 3 apply to sole arbitrators. The total fee for a panel of arbitrators is two-and-a-half times the rate of a sole arbitrator. The Secretary General may increase the arbitrators\u2019 fees according to his own discretion by a maximum total of 40 percent vis-\u00e0-vis the schedule of fees (Annex 3), in particular for especially complex cases or for especially efficient conduct of proceedings; conversely, the Secretary General may decrease the arbitrators\u2019 fees by a maximum total of 40 percent, in particular for inefficient conduct of proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> The fees listed in Annex 3 comprise all partial and interim decisions such as awards on jurisdiction, partial awards, decisions on the challenge of experts, orders for conservatory or interim measures, other decisions including additional procedural steps in setting aside proceedings, and procedural orders.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(10)<\/span> A reduction in the amount in dispute shall be taken into consideration in the calculation of the administrative and arbitrators\u2019 fees only if the reduction was made before transmission of the file to the arbitral tribunal.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(11)<\/span> If the proceedings or the arbitrator\u2019s mandate are prematurely terminated, the Secretary General may reduce the administrative and the arbitrators\u2019 fees according to his own discretion in consideration of the stage of the proceedings at the time of termination. If arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules are commenced before, during or after proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the Secretary General may apply this paragraph by analogy for the calculation of the arbitrators\u2019 fees.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(12)<\/span> If proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules are commenced before, during, or after arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the administrative fees of the preceding proceedings shall be deducted from the administrative fees in the subsequently commenced proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_MiscellaneousProvisions\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art45\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(13)<\/span>\u00a0The fees listed in Annex 3 do not include value added tax, which may apply to the arbitrator\u2019s fees. Upon accepting their mandate, those arbitrators whose fees are subject to value added tax shall inform the Secretary General of the<br \/>\nprospective amount of value added tax.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">EXPEDITED PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 45<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The supplementary rules on expedited proceedings apply if the parties have expressly included them in their arbitration agreement or if the parties subsequently agree on their application. Such party agreement on the conduct of expedited proceedings shall occur no later than the submission of the answer to the statement of claim.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Unless the rules on expedited proceedings provide otherwise, the general provisions of the Vienna Rules shall apply with the following deviations:<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The time limit for payment of the advance on costs pursuant to Article 42 shall be reduced to 15 days.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Counterclaims or set-off-claims are admissible only until the expiry of the time limit for submission of the answer to the statement of claim.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Expedited proceedings shall be conducted by a sole arbitrator, unless the parties have agreed on a panel of arbitrators.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> If the dispute is to be decided by a sole arbitrator, the parties shall jointly nominate a sole arbitrator within 15 days of receiving such a request from the Secretary General. If the parties fail to nominate the sole arbitrator within this time limit, the Board shall appoint the sole arbitrator.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Where the dispute is to be decided by a panel of arbitrators, the claimant shall nominate an arbitrator in its statement of claim. The respondent shall nominate an arbitrator within 15 days of receipt of a request from the Secretary General. The arbitrators nominated by the parties shall nominate a chairperson within 15 days of receipt of a request from the Secretary General. If an arbitrator is not nominated within this time period, the Board shall appoint the arbitrator.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall render a final award within six months of transmission of the file, unless the proceedings are prematurely terminated. The Secretary General may extend the time limit pursuant to a reasoned request from the arbitral tribunal or on its own initiative. Exceeding the time limit for the award will not render the arbitration agreement invalid or deprive the arbitral tribunal of its jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> The arbitration shall be administered in such a manner that the arbitral tribunal can render a final award within six months after the transmission of the file. Unless the arbitral tribunal determines otherwise, the following provisions shall apply:<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">9.1<\/span> After the submission of the statement of claim and the answer to the statement of claim, the parties will exchange only one further written submission.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">9.2<\/span> The parties shall make all factual arguments in their written submissions and all written evidence shall be attached to the written submissions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">9.3<\/span> To the extent requested by a party or deemed necessary by the arbitral tribunal, the arbitral tribunal shall hold a single oral hearing, in which all evidence will be taken and all legal issues addressed.<a id=\"Arb_Art46\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">9.4<\/span> No written submissions shall be filed after the oral hearing.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DISCLAIMER AND WAIVER OF IMMUNITY<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 46<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The liability of the arbitrator, the tribunal secretary, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Board and its members, as well as the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and its employees for any act or omission in relation to the arbitration is excluded, unless such act or omission constitutes willful misconduct or gross negligence.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Arb_Art47\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span>\u00a0By agreeing to submit a dispute to arbitration pursuant to the Vienna Rules, a party shall be deemed to have waived any right of immunity from jurisdiction in respect of proceedings relating to the arbitration to which such party might otherwise be entitled. A waiver of immunity relating to the enforcement of an arbitral award must be expressed separately.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ENTRY INTO FORCE AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 47<a id=\"Med_Part_2\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Vienna Rules 2021 entered into force on 1 July 2021 and apply to all proceedings commenced after 30 June 2021. This version of the Vienna Rules 2021 as amended by the resolution of the Extended Presiding Committee of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber dated 27 November 2024, enter into force on 1 January 2025 and apply to all proceedings commenced after the 31 December 2024 (\u201cVienna Rules 2021 in the version of 1 January 2025\u201c).<br \/>\n<a id=\"Part_2\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h1>PART II<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC RULES OF MEDIATION<\/span><\/h1>\n<p>VIENNA MEDIATION RULES | in the version of 1 January 2025<\/p>\n<h4><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AND APPLICABLE VERSION OF THE<br \/>\nVIENNA MEDIATION RULES\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span>Article 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)\u00a0<\/span>The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (\u201cVIAC\u201d) is the Permanent International Arbitration Institution of the Austrian<br \/>\nFederal Economic Chamber<\/span><sup>1<\/sup>. VIAC administers domestic and<br \/>\ninternational arbitrations as well as proceedings pursuant to other alternative dispute resolution methods, if the parties have agreed upon the VIAC Rules of Arbitration (\u201cVienna Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Investment Arbitration (\u201cVienna Investment Arbitration Rules\u201d),<br \/>\nthe VIAC Rules of Investment Mediation (\u201cVienna Investment Mediation Rules\u201d); or if it has been otherwise agreed or foreseen that VIAC should serve as the administering institution.<\/p>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span>Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the Vienna Mediation Rules shall apply in the version in effect at the time of the commencement of the proceedings if the parties, before or after the dispute has arisen, have agreed to submit their dispute to the Vienna Mediation Rules.<\/p>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The Vienna Mediation Rules may be amended by a written agreement of all parties. Following the appointment of the mediator, any amendment is also subject to the mediator\u2019s consent.<\/p>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The Board may refuse to administer proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules if any agreed amendments are<br \/>\nincompatible with the Vienna Mediation Rules.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art2\"><\/a><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> To the extent the Vienna Mediation Rules do not contain any rules on a specific issue and to the extent compatible with the Vienna Mediation Rules, the Vienna Rules shall apply by analogy.<\/p>\n<p><sub><sup>1<\/sup>According to Section 139 paragraph 2 of the Federal Statute on the Economic Chambers 1998 (\u201cWirtschaftskammergesetz 1998\u201d), Federal Law Gazette I No 103\/1998 as amended by Federal Law Gazette I No 27\/2021<\/sub><\/p>\n<h4><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DEFINITIONS \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 2<\/p>\n<p class=\"article\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> In den Wiener Mediationsregeln bezieht sich <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> <strong>proceedings<\/strong> refer to a mediation, any other alternative dispute resolution method chosen by the parties, or a combination of dispute resolution methods that are supported by a third-party neutral and conducted under the Vienna Mediation Rules;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> <strong>third-party neutral<\/strong> refers to a mediator, a conciliator, another neutral or several such neutrals who support the parties in the resolution of their dispute but have no authority to render a binding decision on the parties\u2019 dispute;<br \/>\nhereinafter, the term \u201cmediator\u201d is used as a substitute for all third-party neutrals;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> <strong>party<\/strong> refers to one or more parties who agree or have agreed to submit their dispute to the Vienna Mediation Rules;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.4<\/span> <strong>Board<\/strong>, <strong>Secretary General<\/strong> und <strong>Secretariat<\/strong> shall have the meaning and functions set forth in Articles 2 and 4 of the VIAC Rules of Arbitration (\u201cVienna Rules\u201d).<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art3\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> To the extent the terms used in the Vienna Mediation Rules refer to natural persons, the form chosen shall apply to all genders. In practice, the terms in these rules shall be used in a<br \/>\ngender-specific manner.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> References to \u201cArticles\u201d without further specification relate to the relevant Articles of the Vienna Mediation Rules.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COMMENCING THE PROCEEDINGS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 3<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Proceedings shall be initiated by submitting a request. The proceedings shall commence on the date of receipt of the request by the Secretariat of VIAC or by an Austrian Regional Economic Chamber in hardcopy form or in electronic form (Article 12 paragraph 1 Vienna Rules), in the event of an agreement of the parties to submit their dispute to the Vienna Mediation Rules. Absent such an agreement, the proceedings shall commence on the date on which such agreement was subsequently concluded by the parties.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The request should include the following:<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the full names, addresses, including electronic mail addresses, and other contact details of the parties and any comment on the parties\u2019 nationalities;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> a short description of the facts and the dispute;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> the amount in dispute;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> the full name, address and other contact details of the mediator nominated, or attributes that a mediator to be appointed should have;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> particulars or proposals regarding an agreement of the parties to submit their dispute for<br \/>\nesolution under the Vienna Mediation Rules, in particular as regards<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 60px; padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">i.<\/span>\u00a0 the number of mediators;;<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ii.<\/span> the language(s) to be used in the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art4\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If the request was not submitted jointly by all parties, the Secretary General informs the other parties of the receipt of such request and forwards it for comments within a set time limit.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REGISTRATION FEE <\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 4<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If an agreement between the parties to submit their dispute to the Vienna Mediation Rules already exists, the registration fee shall be paid net of any charges in the amount stipulated in Annex 3 within the time limit set by the Secretary General. Absent such agreement, the registration fee shall be paid only upon subsequent conclusion of such agreement.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The registration fee is non-refundable. The registration fee shall not be deducted from the paying party\u2019s advance on costs.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3) <\/span>If arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules are commenced before, during, or after the proceedings under the Vienna<br \/>\nMediation Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the registration fee of the preceding proceedings shall be credited to the registration fee in the subsequently commenced proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art5\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4) <\/span>The Secretary General may extend the time limit for the payment of the registration fee as appropriate. If payment is not effected within the time limit set, the Secretary General may declare the proceedings terminated.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PLACE OF THE SESSIONS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 5<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art6\"><\/a>Irrespective of any preceding or parallel arbitral proceedings, the mediator shall, in consultation with the parties and after giving due consideration to all the circumstances, determine the place of the mediation session(s). If the mediator deems it appropriate, the mediator may determine a different place for each session.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">LANGUAGE OF THE PROCEEDINGS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 6<a id=\"Med_Art7\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Immediately after transmission of the file (Article 9 paragraph 1), the mediator, after consultation with the parties and giving due consideration to all the circumstances, shall determine the language(s) of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">APPOINTMENT OF THE MEDIATOR\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 7<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Absent an agreement of the parties regarding the identity of the mediator or the manner of appointment, the Secretary<br \/>\nGeneral shall set a time limit and invite the parties to jointly nominate a mediator and indicate his name, address, including electronic mail address, and contact details.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Secretariat may assist the parties in the joint nomination of the mediator in particular by proposing one or more persons<br \/>\nfrom which the parties may jointly nominate one or more mediators. If the parties fail to jointly nominate a mediator, the Board shall appoint the mediator. In so doing, the Board shall give due consideration to the parties\u2019 preferences regarding the<br \/>\nattributes of the mediator.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Prior to the appointment of the mediator by the Board or the confirmation of the nominated mediator, the mediator shall sign<br \/>\nand submit to the Secretary General a declaration confirming his (i) impartiality and independence, (ii) availability, (iii) qualification, (iv) acceptance of office, and (v) submission to the Vienna Mediation Rules. The mediator shall disclose in writing all<br \/>\ncircumstances that could give rise to doubts as to his impartiality or independence or that conflict with the agreement of the parties. This duty of the mediator continues to apply throughout the proceedings. The Secretary General shall forward a copy of these statements to the parties for comment.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span>If there are no doubts as to the impartiality and independence of the mediator and his ability to duly carry out his mandate, the Board shall appoint the mediator or the Secretary General shall confirm the nominated mediator. If deemed necessary by the Secretary General, the Board shall decide whether to confirm a nominated mediator. Prior to the decision of the Board, the Secretary General may request comments from the mediator to<br \/>\nbe confirmed and from the parties. All comments shall be communicated to the parties and the mediator. Upon confirmation, the nominated mediator shall be deemed appointed.<br \/>\n<a id=\"Med_Art8\"><\/a><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> If the confirmation of a mediator is rejected or if the replacement of a mediator becomes necessary, paragraphs 1 to 4<br \/>\nshall apply <em>mutatis mutandis<\/em>.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ADVANCE ON COSTS AND COSTS <\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\"> Article8<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #b40404;\">(1) <\/span>The Secretary General shall determine a preliminary advance on costs for the prospective administrative fees of VIAC, the down payment on the mediator\u2019s fees and the anticipated expenses (such as travel and subsistence costs of the mediator, delivery charges, rent, etc), including any value-added tax. The preliminary advance on costs shall be paid by the parties prior to the transmission of the file to the mediator and within a time limit set by the Secretary General. The prospective administrative fees shall be calculated on the basis of the amount in dispute in accordance with the schedule of fees (Annex 3). The amounts indicated in the schedule of fees (Annex 3) represent the applicable maximum amounts.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (2)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise in writing, the advance on costs shall be borne by the parties in equal shares, and<br \/>\nin case of multiparty mediation, they are shared pro rata. If the advance on costs allocated to one party is not received or is not received in full within the time limit specified, the Secretary General shall inform the other party\/parties. The other party\/ parties is\/are at liberty to bear the outstanding share of the advance on costs. If this share is not paid within the time limit specified, the mediator may suspend the proceedings in whole or in part, or the Secretary General may declare the proceedings terminated (Article 11 paragraph 1.5).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If an additional advance on costs is necessary and determined accordingly by the Secretary General, in particular to cover the mediator\u2019s fees and anticipated expenses, paragraph 2 of this Article shall apply.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Upon termination of the proceedings, the Secretary General shall calculate the administrative fees and the mediator\u2019s fees and<br \/>\nfix these fees together with the expenses. The administrative fees of VIAC shall be fixed at the discretion of the Secretary General, taking the specific circumstances of the case into account, and shall not exceed the maximum amounts indicated in the schedule of fees (Annex 3).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> In fixing the amount in dispute, the Secretary General may deviate from the parties\u2019 determination, if the parties have clearly undervalued it or assigned no value to it.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> The amount of the mediator\u2019s fees shall be calculated according to the actual time spent on the basis of hourly or daily fee rates. The fee rates shall be fixed by the Secretary General at the time of the mediator\u2019s appointment or confirmation following consultation with the mediator and the parties. The Secretary General shall consider the proportionality of the fees and take into account the complexity of the dispute. There shall be no separate<br \/>\nfee arrangements between the parties and the mediator.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the parties shall bear their own costs, including the costs of legal representation.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> If arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules are commenced before, during, or after proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the administrative fees of the preceding proceedings shall be deducted from the administrative fees in the subsequently commenced proceedings.<br \/>\n<a id=\"Med_Art9\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONDUCT OF THE PROCEEDINGS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 9<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span>The Secretary General shall transmit the file to the mediator if:<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> a request in accordance with Article 3 has been submitted;<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> the mediator has been appointed; and<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> the preliminary advance on costs in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 1 has been paid in full.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The mediator shall promptly discuss with the parties the manner in which the proceedings shall be conducted. The mediator shall assist the parties in finding an acceptable and satisfactory solution for their dispute. In conducting the proceedings, the mediator shall be in control of the proceedings while letting himself be guided by the wishes of the parties insofar<br \/>\nas they are in agreement and in line with the purpose of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The proceedings may be conducted in person or by other means. Having due regard to the circumstances of the case and<br \/>\nafter consultation with the parties, the mediator may decide to utilize any technological means as it considers appropriate to conduct proceedings remotely. In any case, the mediator shall seek to maintain fair treatment of the parties.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The parties are free to select their mediation team. The mediator may offer guidance in this respect. Each party shall personally participate in a session with the mediator, or be represented by a duly appointed and authorized person having the authority to settle the dispute. The name, address and function of such persons shall be communicated to all parties and to the mediator in advance of the mediation or without delay. This communication shall also indicate the intended role of such person in the mediation.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Throughout the proceedings, the parties shall act in good faith, fairly and respectfully.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Sessions with the mediator are not public. Only the following individuals shall be permitted to attend:<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #b40404;\">&#8211;<\/span> the mediator;<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> the parties; and<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> persons whose attendance was announced to the mediator and the other party in a timely manner before the respective<br \/>\nsession (paragraph 4 of this Article) and who have signed a written confidentiality agreement in accordance with Article 12.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art10\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> If the mediator considers it appropriate, the mediator may meet with a party in the absence of the other party (<em>caucus<\/em>). The mediator shall keep confidential the information given by one party in the absence of the other party, unless the party giving the information expressly waives such confidentiality vis-\u00e0-vis the other<br \/>\nparty and the mediator agrees to pass on such information.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PARALLEL PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 10<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> In the absence of a deviating agreement between the parties, a party may commence or continue any legal, arbitral or other<br \/>\nproceedings in respect of the same dispute, irrespective of whether proceedings are being conducted under the Vienna Investment Mediation Rules.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If the parties have agreed on mediation excluding parallel proceedings, the following provisions shall apply insofar as the<br \/>\nparties have not agreed otherwise in writing:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> The number of mediators shall be one.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> The mediator shall be jointly nominated by the parties. If the parties do not agree on the mediator, the appointment shall be made by the Board in accordance with Article 7.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> The mediator nominated by the parties or appointed by the Board shall have the appropriate qualifications to perform his function. In case the Board appoints such qualifications shall be deemed to be given if the mediators are listed on the VIAC List of Practitioners in International Mediation and ADR and if the Board has no doubts as to the ability of the mediator to duly carry out his mandate in accordance with the Article 7 paragraph 4.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> The location of the mediation sessions shall be determined by mutual agreement of the parties, otherwise by the mediator in accordance with Article 5.<a id=\"Med_Art11\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> If the dispute is not settled within three months from commencing the proceedings (Article 3) or if the mediation is terminated in accordance with Article 11 (excluding paragraph 1.2), parallel proceedings shall no longer be excluded and the parties may commence any court, arbitral or other proceedings.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">TERMINATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 11<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Proceedings shall be terminated by way of a written confirmation by the Secretary General to the parties and upon occurrence of the earliest of the following circumstances:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> an agreement of the parties to settle the entire dispute;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the notification in writing by any party to the mediator or the Secretary General that it does not wish to continue the proceedings;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> the notification in writing by the mediator to the parties that the proceedings will, in his opinion, not resolve the dispute between them;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.4<\/span> the notification in writing by the mediator to the parties that the proceedings are terminated;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.5<\/span> the notification in writing by the Secretary General regarding the failure<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 60px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">i.<\/span>\u00a0 to appoint a mediator in accordance with Article 7 paragraphs 1 to 4;<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ii.<\/span> to comply with a payment order (Articles 4 and 8) in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art12\"><\/a><a id=\"Med_Art12\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The proceedings may also be terminated in part if one of the grounds for termination listed under paragraph 1 applies to only a part of the dispute.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> In the cases listed under paragraphs 1.1 to 1.4 and paragraph 2, the mediator shall immediately inform the Secretary General of<br \/>\nthe circumstance of the termination.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONFIDENTIALITY, ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND SUBSEQUENT REPRESENTATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 12<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The individuals listed under Article 9 paragraph 6 shall treat as confidential any information that has come to their attention in connection with the proceedings and that would not have come to their attention had the proceedings not taken place.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Any written documents that were obtained during the proceedings and that would otherwise not have been obtained shall not be used in subsequent legal, arbitral or other proceedings. Any statements, views, proposals and admissions made during the proceedings as well as any party\u2019s<br \/>\nwillingness to settle the dispute amicably shall also remain confidential. Regarding any or all of the foregoing, the mediator shall not be called as a witness.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The obligations under paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply if the law governing these proceedings contains mandatory provisions to the contrary or if disclosure is required for the implementation or the enforcement of an agreement for the termination of these proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The fact that the proceedings are taking place, have taken place or will take place shall not be confidential.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art13\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The mediator shall not act as attorney or represent the parties in any other capacity or otherwise advise the parties in legal, arbitral or other proceedings regarding the dispute that constitutes or constituted the subject matter of the proceedings under the Vienna Rules.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DISCLAIMER<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 13<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Med_Art14\"><\/a>The liability of the mediator, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Board and its members, as well as the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and its employees for any act or omission in relation to the proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules is excluded, unless such act or omission constitutes willful misconduct or gross negligence.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ENTRY INTO FORCE AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 14<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Part_3\"><\/a>The Vienna Mediation Rules 2021 entered into force on 1 July<br \/>\n2021 and apply to all proceedings commenced after 30 June 2021. This version of the Vienna Mediation Rules 2021 as amended by the resolution of the Extended Presiding Committee of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber dated 27 November 2024, enter into force on 1 January 2025 and apply to all proceedings commenced after the 31 December 2024 (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules 2021 in the version of 1 January 2025\u201d).<\/p>\n<h1>PART III<br \/>\n<a id=\"Annex_1\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEXES<\/span> TO THE VIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION<sup>1<\/sup><\/h1>\n<p><sub><sup>1<\/sup> The Annexes 1-7 are an integral part of the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and the VIAC Rules of Mediation<\/sub><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 1<br \/>\nMODEL CLAUSES\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ARBITRATION CLAUSE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Where the parties wish to submit a dispute to arbitration in accordance with the Vienna Rules, they may conclude an arbitration clause in the following form:<\/p>\n<p><em>All disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this contract, including disputes relating to its validity, breach, termination or nullity, shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration (Vienna Rules) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber by one or three arbitrators appointed in accordance with the said Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Parties may wish to stipulate the following in the arbitration clause:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> the number of arbitrators (one or three) (Article 17 Vienna Rules);<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> the language(s) to be used in the arbitral proceedings (Article 26 Vienna Rules);<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> the substantive law applicable to the contractual relationship, the substantive law applicable to the arbitration agreement<br \/>\n(Article 27 Vienna Rules), and the rules applicable to the proceedings (Article 28 Vienna Rules);<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> the applicability of the provisions on expedited proceedings (Article 45 Vienna Rules);<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> the scope of the arbitrators\u2019 confidentiality (Article 16 paragraph 2 Vienna Rules) and its extension regarding parties, representatives and experts.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span>\u00a0If the parties wish to conduct <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Arb-Med-Arb proceedings<\/span>, the following addition to the model arbitration clause should be included:<\/p>\n<p><em>Furthermore, the parties agree to jointly consider, after due initiation of the arbitration, to conduct proceedings in accordance with the Mediation Rules of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Vienna Mediation Rules). Settlements that are generated in such proceedings shall be referred to the arbitral tribunal appointed in the arbitration. The arbitral tribunal may render an award on agreed terms reflecting the content of the settlement (Article 37 paragraph 1 Vienna Rules).<\/em><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MEDIATION CLAUSES<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In the event that the parties wish to submit disputes or claims to mediation in accordance with the Vienna Mediation Rules, they may wish to conclude a mediation clause in one of the following forms (The headings do not constitute part of the clause. Words\/blanks in square brackets should be deleted\/completed as appropriate):<\/p>\n<p><strong>Model Clause 1: Mediation Agreement to be Inserted into a Contract<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The parties agree with regard to all disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this contract, including disputes as to its validity, breach, termination or nullity, to conduct mediation proceedings in accordance with the Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC).<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Model Clause 2: Agreement to Refer an Existing Dispute to Mediation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The parties agree with regard to all disputes or claims in connection with the specific dispute described below to conduct mediation proceedings in accordance with the Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC):<\/em> [description of the dispute].<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><br \/>\nSUPPLEMENTARY TERMS TO THE MEDIATION CLAUSES<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">The parties may also wish to stipulate the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>(1) Number of Mediators<br \/>\n(<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>(if more than one mediator is agreed upon)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The number of mediators shall be: [insert number (e.g. two)].<br \/>\nThe rules of appointment apply to each mediator.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>(2) Location of the Mediation Sessions<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The location of the mediation sessions shall be:<br \/>\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 [insert location].<br \/>\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0determined by the mediator.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>(3) Language<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The language(s) to be used in the mediation proceedings is\/are: [insert language(s)].<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>(4) Appointment of the Mediator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The mediator[s] shall be<br \/>\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 [insert name(s)], subject to confirmation by the Secretary General of VIAC or the VIAC Board in accordance with the Vienna Mediation Rules. If they are not confirmed, the appointment shall be made in accordance with the Vienna Mediation Rules.<br \/>\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 jointly nominated by the parties. If the parties do not agree on the mediator[s], the appointment shall be made by the VIAC Board in accordance with the Vienna Mediation Rules.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>(5) Qualifications of the Mediator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The mediator[s] shall have<br \/>\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the appropriate qualifications to perform their function[s].<br \/>\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the appropriate qualifications as well as the following qualifications: [insert qualifications specified by the parties].<br \/>\nIf the VIAC Board appoints, the appropriate qualifications shall be deemed to be given if the mediator[s] are listed on the VIAC List of Practitioners in International Mediation and ADR and the VIAC Board has no doubts as to the ability of the mediator[s] to duly carry out their mandate.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>(6) Supplementary Arbitral Proceedings<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The parties agree that, if one party wishes to resolve their disputes or claims outside of mediation, these shall be finally settled in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration (Vienna Rules) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC) by one or three arbitrators appointed in accordance with these Rules.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>(7) Exclusion of Parallel Proceedings<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The parties agree to first refer any disputes or claims under this agreement to mediation. Only if it has not been resolved by mediation within [insert a time limit (e.g. 90 days up to a maximum of six months)] from commencing the proceedings<br \/>\nas defined in the Vienna Mediation Rules, this dispute or claim may be initiated or continued in court, arbitral, or other proceedings with the exception of proceedings to obtain provisional or protective measures.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MODEL CLAUSE FOR VIAC AS<br \/>\nAPPOINTING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>It is recommended that parties wishing to select VIAC as appointing authority pursuant to Annex 4 insert the following wording in their arbitration \/ mediation clause:<\/p>\n<p><em>The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber shall act as appointing authority in accordance with Annex 4 to the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MODEL CLAUSE FOR VIAC AS ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>It is recommended that parties wishing to select VIAC as administering authority pursuant to Annex 5 insert the following wording in their arbitration \/ mediation clause:<\/p>\n<p><em>The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber shall act as administering authority in accordance with Annex 5 to the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MODEL ARBITRATION CLAUSE FOR DISPUTES<br \/>\nRELATING TO SUCCESSION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Where the deceased wishes to submit a dispute relating to succession to arbitration in accordance with Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules, the deceased may insert into the disposition of property upon death \/ agreement as to succession \/ will an arbitration clause in the following form:<\/p>\n<p><em>All disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this <\/em>[succession \/ disposition of property upon death \/ agreement<br \/>\nas to succession \/ will]<em> of <\/em>[name, surname, date of birth, citizenship,<br \/>\naddress of the deceased]<em>, including disputes relating to the<br \/>\nsuccession, the existence of legacies, the content and validity of the <\/em>[disposition of property upon death \/ agreement as to succession \/<br \/>\nwill]<em>, shall be finally settled under Annex 6 to the Rules of Arbitration<br \/>\n(Vienna Rules) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of<br \/>\nthe Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, by one or three arbitrators<br \/>\nappointed in accordance with the said Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">The deceased may wish to stipulate the following in the arbitration clause:span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> the number of arbtirators (one or three) (Article 17 as amended by Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules);<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> place of arbitration (Article 25 as amended by Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules);<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3<\/span>) the language(s) to be used in the arbitral proceedings (Article 26 as amended by Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules);<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> the applicable law for the dispute relating to succession and the applicable law for the arbitration agreement (according to<br \/>\nArticle 27 paragraph 1 as amended by Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules, the applicable law shall be the law applicable under the conflict-of-law rules at the place of the habitual residence of the deceased at the time of death, or the law that may be chosen thereunder);<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> the scope of the arbitrators\u2019 confidentiality (Article 16 paragraph 2 Vienna Rules) and its extension regarding parties,<br \/>\nrepresentatives and experts.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MODEL ARBITRATION CLAUSE FOR<br \/>\nARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If parties, in particular in the articles of association, wish to agree on an arbitration clause with the intention of extending the binding effect of the arbitral award to shareholders or the company itself, even if they are not named as parties to the arbitration proceedings, they may include the following arbitration clause. The arbitration clause must be included in its entirety:<\/p>\n<p><em>All disputes or claims arising between shareholders, between the company and its shareholders, between the company and its governing bodies or between governing bodies arising out of or in connection with these articles of association, including disputes concerning their validity, breach, termination or nullity, shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration (Vienna Rules) of the International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC) by one or three arbitrators appointed in accordance with said Rules. The place of arbitration shall be Vienna <\/em>[or another place in Austria]<em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> The following special participation rights shall apply to disputes in which the binding effects of the arbitral award are intended to be extended to shareholders or the company itself, even if they are not named as parties to the proceeding, such as in particular disputes concerning shareholder resolutions, as well as disputes concerning their contestability, defectiveness or nullity.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Commencing of the Proceedings<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (1)<\/span> The Secretary General shall transmit the statement of claim to the respondent and the named affected entities in accordance with Article 7 paragraph 4 Vienna Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (2)<\/span> The respondent may in its answer to the statement of claim (Article 8 Vienna Rules), and the named affected entity in its<br \/>\ndeclaration to join (Article 3 Annex 7 Vienna Rules), name additional affected entities who were not named by the claimant, stating their full names and addresses, including electronic mail addresses, and other contact details.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If the company is the respondent, the company shall take every appropriate measure to ensure that all affected entities are included. At the request of the Secretary General the company shall provide<br \/>\ninformation on the measures taken within a time limit set by the Secretary General.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The Secretary General shall proceed pursuant to Article 2 paragraph 3 Annex 7 Vienna Rules if additional affected entities<br \/>\nare named. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Option to Join<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The Secretary General shall request the affected entities to submit a declaration to join within 30 days of receipt of the statement of claim respectively answer to the statement of claim. The Secretary<br \/>\nGeneral shall simultaneously inform the affected entities of their right to information pursuant to Article 8 Annex 7 Vienna Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> If a declaration to join pursuant to Article 2 paragraph 4 Annex 7 Vienna Rules lists additional named entities, the statement of claim and the answer to the statement of claim as well as a copy of the declaration to join naming them shall be transmitted in hardcopy form to the newly named affected entity, with the request to submit a declaration to join within 30 days of receipt in accordance with Article 3 Annex 7 Vienna Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Joinder of Affected Entities<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> By submitting the declaration to join within the set time period, the named affected entity joins the proceedings (\u201cjoined affected entity\u201d). Declarations to join submitted in accordance with Article 3 Annex 7 Vienna Rules shall be transmitted to the parties by the Secretary General.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> If the claimant and the respondent agree, the joined affected entity may join the proceeding as a party on the side of the claimant or the respondent.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> Prior to the transmission of the file (Article 11 Vienna Rules), the Secretary General shall, in electronic form, inform all parties and those named affected entities whose time limit to join has not yet elapsed, of the joining of an affected entity.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(10)<\/span> If a named affected entity does not submit its declaration to join within the set time period, the right to participate in the constitution of the arbitral tribunal shall be deemed waived. The option for the<br \/>\nnamed affected entity to join the proceeding as an intervening party (Article 5 Annex 7 Vienna Rules) shall remain unaffected thereby.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(11)<\/span> If a named affected entity joins the proceeding after the time limit set in Article 3 paragraph 1 Annex 7 Vienna Rules has elapsed, this shall be deemed as (i) consent to the constituted arbitral tribunal, and (ii) acceptance of the proceeding as it stands at the time of joining.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Intervention<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(12)<\/span> Affected entities may join the proceeding as an intervening party at any time until its termination (Article 34 Vienna Rules). The request must contain the information specified in Article 3 paragraph 3.1 Annex 7 Vienna Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(13)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the joinder pursuant to Article 14 paragraphs 1 and 2 Vienna Rules taking into account that the named affected entity has the right to participate in the<br \/>\nproceedings as an intervening party, and that the discretion of the arbitral tribunal is limited in this respect.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(14)<\/span>If the dispute is to be resolved by a sole arbitrator, the parties and the joined affected entities shall jointly nominate a sole arbitrator and indicate the arbitrator\u2019s name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details within 30 days after receiving the Secretary General\u2019s request. If such nomination is not made within this time period, the sole arbitrator shall be appointed by the Board. The last day on which a party or a joined<br \/>\naffected entity received the request shall be the day triggering the commencement of the time limit (Article 12 Vienna Rules).<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(15)<\/span> If the dispute is to be resolved by a panel of arbitrators, the parties and the joined affected entities on claimant\u2019s and<br \/>\nrespondent\u2019s side shall each jointly nominate an arbitrator. Deviating from Article 7 paragraph 2.5 and Article 8 paragraph 2.4 Vienna Rules, the nomination of an arbitrator in the statement of claim or the answer to the statement of claim is a non-binding proposal. The Secretary General shall request the parties and the joined<br \/>\naffected entities on the claimant\u2019s and respondent\u2019s side to jointly nominate an arbitrator within 30 days after receiving the request. The last day on which a party or a joined affected entity received the request shall be the day triggering the commencement of the time limit (Article 12 Vienna Rules). If a joint arbitrator is not nominated within this time period, the Board shall proceed in accordance with<br \/>\nArticle 18 paragraph 4 Vienna Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(16)<\/span> The forwarding of declarations pursuant to Article 16 paragraph 3 and 4 Vienna Rules as provided for in Article 19 paragraph 1 Vienna Rules as well as the possibility to request comments as<br \/>\nprovided for in Article 19 paragraph 2 Vienna Rules also apply to joined affected entities. Joined affected entities may challenge arbitrators pursuant to Article 20 Vienna Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Concentration of Proceedings Through Consolidation<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(17)<\/span> Two or more proceedings concerning the same resolution shall be consolidated by the Board at the request of a party, a joined<br \/>\naffected entity or at the proposal of the Secretary General, applying Article 15 Vienna Rules mutatis mutandis. Deviating from Article 15 paragraph 1.1 Vienna Rules, the consolidation is also admissible even if not all parties and joined affected entities agree.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(18)<\/span> If a request for consolidation is made prior to the confirmation of the nomination or the appointment of an arbitrator, the constitution of the arbitral tribunal shall be governed by Article 6 Annex 7 Vienna Rules. Thereafter, the proceedings shall be consolidated into the proceedings first commenced, unless the parties and joined affected entities agree otherwise. In this case, the Board may revoke arbitrator appointments already made and order the renewed constitution of the arbitral tribunal in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 6 Annex 7 Vienna Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Information on the Status of the Proceedings<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(19)<\/span> Upon request, the arbitral tribunal shall inform the named affected entities of the status of the proceeding by transmitting<br \/>\n(Article 12 paragraph 2 Vienna Rules) the parties\u2019 or intervening parties\u2019 submissions as well as the arbitral tribunals\u2019 decisions and orders.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(20)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may inform affected entities about other aspects of the case file, if they have filed such a request and if the arbitral tribunal considers that this information may be relevant for the affected entities to exercise their right to participate in the proceedings as intervening parties.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><a id=\"Annex_2\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Arbitral Award<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(21)<\/span> The arbitral award shall be transmitted to the parties, the joined affected entities and intervening parties in accordance with Article 36 paragraph 5 Vienna Rules.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 2<br \/>\nINTERNAL RULES OF THE BOARD<sup>1<\/sup><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The meetings of the Board are convened by the President and presided over by him or by a Vice President.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Board shall have a quorum if more than one third of its members are in attendance. Attendance may also be effectuated by participation via telephone or video conferencing as well as via<br \/>\ninternet.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The Board shall decide by simple majority of the members present who are eligible to vote. If there is a tie vote, the presiding<br \/>\nmember shall have a prevailing vote.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If the Vice Presidents are prevented from exercising their duties, the President\u2019s duties shall be assumed by the most senior<br \/>\nmember based on duration of service as Board member. Otherwise, the Vice President with the longest duration of service as Board member shall perform the duties.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Members of the Board who are or were involved in any capacity whatsoever in an arbitration administered by VIAC shall<br \/>\nnot be allowed to be present or to participate in any way in discussions or decisions pertaining to those same proceedings. This shall not impair the existence of a quorum of the Board.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Decisions by resolution by correspondence are permissible. In the latter case, the President shall submit a written proposal to<br \/>\nthe members and set a time limit for the casting of written votes. Articles 2 and 3 of this Annex shall apply by analogy. Each member has the right to request a meeting regarding the written proposal.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> The Board is not obliged to state the reasons on which its decisions are based.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Annex_3\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span><sub><sup>1\u00a0<\/sup>Status as of 1 July 2021<\/sub><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 3<br \/>\nSCHEDULE OF FEES<sup>1<\/sup><strong><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><strong>Registration Fee for Arbitral Proceedings<sup>2<\/sup><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=&#8221;0&#8243; tbl_chead_cell_color=&#8221;#4D4D4D&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=&#8221;center&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; tbl_chead_text_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; max_width=&#8221;400px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Amount in dispute in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;<cell colspan=%222%22>Amount in dispute in EUR<\/cell><br \/>\nfrom<\/p>\n<p>25,001<br \/>\nover 75,000&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Amount in dispute in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;to<br \/>\nto<br \/>\n25,000<br \/>\n75,000<br \/>\n&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;RATE in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;Rate in EUR<\/p>\n<p>500<br \/>\n1,000<br \/>\n1,500&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Administrative Fees for Arbitral Proceedings<\/strong><sup><strong>3<\/strong><\/sup><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=&#8221;0&#8243; tbl_chead_cell_color=&#8221;#4D4D4D&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=&#8221;center&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; tbl_chead_text_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; max_width=&#8221;800px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Amount in dispute in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;<cell colspan=%222%22>Amount in dispute in EUR<\/cell><br \/>\nfrom<\/p>\n<p>25,001<br \/>\n75,001<br \/>\n100,001<br \/>\n200,001<br \/>\n500,001<br \/>\n1,000,001<br \/>\n2,000,001<br \/>\n15,000,001<br \/>\n<cell colspan=%222%22>over 40,000,000<\/cell>&#8221; col_column_max_width=&#8221;0.5fr&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Amount in dispute in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;to<br \/>\nto<br \/>\n25,000<br \/>\n75,000<br \/>\n100,000<br \/>\n200,000<br \/>\n500,000<br \/>\n1,000,000<br \/>\n2,000,000<br \/>\n15,000,000<br \/>\n40,000,000&#8243; col_column_max_width=&#8221;0.5fr&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Rate in EURO&#8221; col_content=&#8221;Rate in EUR<\/p>\n<p>500<br \/>\n1,000<br \/>\n1,500<br \/>\n3,250 + 1.875 % of amt. over 100,000<br \/>\n5,125 + 1.250 % of amt. over 200,000<br \/>\n9,125 + 0.875 % of amt. over 500,000<br \/>\n13,500 + 0.500 % of amt. over 1,000,000<br \/>\n18,500 + 0.150 % of amt. over 2,000,000<br \/>\n38,000 + 0.058 % of amt. over 15,000,000<br \/>\n<cell>52,500 + 0.045 % of amt. over 40,000,000<br \/>\nin total max. 75,000 (52,500 + 22,500)<\/cell>&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Fees for Mediation Proceedings<\/strong><sup><strong>4<\/strong><\/sup><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=&#8221;0&#8243; tbl_chead_cell_color=&#8221;#4D4D4D&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=&#8221;center&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; tbl_chead_text_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; max_width=&#8221;400px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Registration Fee&#8221; col_content=&#8221;Registration Fee<br \/>\nFlat rate&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;EUR<br \/>\n500&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][dvmd_table_maker tbl_column_header_count=&#8221;2&#8243; tbl_row_header_count=&#8221;0&#8243; tbl_chead_cell_color=&#8221;#4D4D4D&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=&#8221;center&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; tbl_chead_text_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; max_width=&#8221;550px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Amount in dispute in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;<cell colspan=%223%22>Administrative Fees<\/cell><br \/>\n<cell colspan=%222%22>Amount in dispute in EUR<\/cell><br \/>\nfrom<\/p>\n<p>500,001<br \/>\n<cell colspan=%222%22>over 5,000,001<\/cell>&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Amount in dispute in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;to<br \/>\nto<br \/>\nto<br \/>\n500,000<br \/>\n5,000,000<br \/>\n&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Tarif in EURO&#8221; col_content=&#8221;Tarif in EURO<br \/>\nMaximum Rate in EUR<\/p>\n<p>2,000<br \/>\n5,000<br \/>\n10,000&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Fees for Sole Arbitrators<sup>5<\/sup><\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=&#8221;0&#8243; tbl_chead_cell_color=&#8221;#4D4D4D&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=&#8221;center&#8221; tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; tbl_chead_text_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; max_width=&#8221;800px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Amount in dispute in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;<cell colspan=%222%22>Amount in dispute in EUR<\/cell><br \/>\nfrom<\/p>\n<p>100,001<br \/>\n200,001<br \/>\n500,001<br \/>\n1,000,001<br \/>\n2,000,001<br \/>\n5,000,001<br \/>\n10,000,001<br \/>\n20,000,001<br \/>\n100,000,001<br \/>\n<cell colspan=%222%22>over 500,000,000<\/cell>&#8221; col_column_max_width=&#8221;0.5fr&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Amount in dispute in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;to<br \/>\nto<br \/>\n100,000<br \/>\n200,000<br \/>\n500,000<br \/>\n1,000,000<br \/>\n2,000,000<br \/>\n5,000,000<br \/>\n10,000,000<br \/>\n20,000,000<br \/>\n100,000,000<br \/>\n500,000,000&#8243; col_column_max_width=&#8221;0.5fr&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=&#8221;Rate in EUR&#8221; col_content=&#8221;Rate in EUR<\/p>\n<p>6 %, minimum fee 3,000<br \/>\n6,000 + 3.00 % of amt. over 100,000<br \/>\n9,000 + 3.10 % of amt. over 200,000<br \/>\n18,300 + 2.30 % of amt. over 500,000<br \/>\n29,800 + 1.10 % of amt. over 1,000,000<br \/>\n40,800 + 0.66 % of amt. over 2,000,000<br \/>\n60,600 + 0.45 % of amt. over 5,000,000<br \/>\n83,100 + 0.21 % of amt. over 10,000,000<br \/>\n104,100 + 0.088 % of amt. over 20,000,000<br \/>\n174,500 + 0.031 % of amt. over 100,000,000<br \/>\n298,500 + 0.01% of amt. over 500,000,000 &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<sup>1<\/sup> See the cost calculator on the <a href=\"de\/schiedsverfahren\/kostenrechner\" target=\"_self\">VIAC website<\/a>.<br \/>\n<sup>2<\/sup> See Article 10 Vienna Rules<br \/>\n<sup>3<\/sup> See Article 44 paragraphs 2 and 4 Vienna Rules<br \/>\n<a id=\"Annex_4\"><\/a><sup>4<\/sup>See Article 4 Vienna Mediation Rules; Article 8 paragraph 1 and 4 Vienna Mediation Rules<br \/>\n<sup>5 <\/sup> See Article 44 paragraphs 2, 4, 8 and 11 Vienna Rules in particular<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 4<br \/>\nVIAC AS APPOINTING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>VIAC may be designated to act as appointing authority in ad hoc proceedings.<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AS APPOINTING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 1<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> VIAC may be designated as appointing authority in accordance with this Annex 4 by contract, law, treaty, agreement of the parties to the dispute or by the Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> VIAC may provide the following services as appointing authority:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> appointment of arbitrators or other third-party neutrals;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> appointment of substitute arbitrators and other third-party neutrals;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> appointment of experts;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> decision on challenges of arbitrators;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> assistance in fixing the fees and expenses of arbitrators and other third-party neutrals as well as review of such fees and expenses;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.6<\/span> advisory comments regarding advances on costs.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #b40404;\">(3)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, when requested to appoint an arbitrator, VIAC will follow the procedure set out<br \/>\nin Articles 16-18 Vienna Rules and, when requested to appoint another third party neutral, the procedure set out in Article 7 Vienna Mediation Rules, respectively.<\/p>\n<p><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> When requested to decide a challenge of an arbitrator, and unless otherwise agreed by the parties, VIAC will follow the challenge procedure set out in Articles 20 et seqq. Vienna Rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REQUEST<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 2<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A request shall be submitted to VIAC in accordance with Article 12 Vienna Rules and must be:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> in writing in one of the languages of correspondence of VIAC (English or German);<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> dated;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> signed by the requesting party\/parties or its\/their duly authorized representative(s). If the request is signed by a representative, it must enclose proof of the authorization,<br \/>\ne.g. a power of attorney or a letter of engagement.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #b40404;\">(2)<\/span> A request shall include the following information:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> a description of the requested type of appointment service as described in Article 1 paragraph 2;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> a description of the nature of the dispute;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> a copy of the statement of claim or other initial written submission, the answer to the statement of claim or any responses thereto from the other party\/parties, as well as any further relevant submissions or correspondence by the parties;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> the dispute resolution clause and the provision designating VIAC as appointing authority;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> the full names, addresses, including electronic mail addresses, and other contact details of the parties and their representatives, and any comment on the parties\u2019 nationalities;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.6<\/span> the name and nationality of any arbitrator \/ third-party neutral \/ expert already appointed, if any, information on the method of appointment, and any declaration made by them;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.7<\/span> language(s) of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 3<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If VIAC is requested to act as appointing authority under this Annex, the requesting party\/parties shall pay a non-refundable fee in the amount of EUR 3,000 for each service requested. A request will be processed only after full payment of this fee.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> In exceptional circumstances, VIAC may deviate from the amounts set out in paragraph 1 of this Article.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DISCLAIMER<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 4<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Annex_5\"><\/a>The liability of the arbitrator, the other third party neutral, the tribunal secretary, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Board and its members, as well as the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and its employees for any act or omission in relation to the proceedings is excluded, unless such act or omission constitutes willful misconduct or gross negligence.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 5<br \/>\nVIAC AS ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>VIAC may be designated to act as administering authority in ad hoc proceedings.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AS ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 1<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> In arbitrations governed by the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules or other ad hoc arbitrations or other ad hoc alternative dispute<br \/>\nresolution proceedings, VIAC acts as administering authority in accordance with this Annex 5 if the parties have agreed that the proceedings shall be administered by VIAC.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> VIAC may provide the following administrative services:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> Support services, including<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">i.<\/span> maintenance of a case file of written communications<br \/>\nand submissions;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ii.<\/span> facilitating communications, with the possibility to opt in for access to the VIAC Platform (\u201cVIAC Portal\u201d);<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">iii.<\/span> arrangements for meetings and hearings:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> assisting in establishing the date, time, and place of meetings and hearings;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 100px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> arranging meeting\/hearing rooms at the premises of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, including technical equipment and logistical support;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 100px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> organizing in-house luncheons and catering services;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 100px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> assisting with further logistical organization, e.g. identifying and engaging court reporters or interpreters;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 100px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">&#8211;<\/span> facilitating entry visas when required;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">iv.<\/span> services with respect to the storage of files, including arbitral awards.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> Administration of costs, including holding deposits from the parties as advances on costs of the proceedings and handling payments to arbitrators and services providers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span>Services as appointing authority as described in Article 1 of Annex 4.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REQUEST<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 2<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A request shall be submitted to VIAC in accordance with Article 12 Vienna Rules and must be:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> in writing in one of the languages of correspondence of VIAC (English or German);<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> dated;\/p><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> signed by the requesting party\/parties or its\/their duly authorized representative(s). If the request is signed by a representative, it must enclose proof of the authorization,<br \/>\ne.g. a power of attorney or a letter of engagement.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Secretary General may require additional information depending on the services requested.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 3<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If VIAC is requested to act as administrative authority under Article 1 of this Annex 5, the requesting party\/parties shall pay<br \/>\na registration fee net of any charges in the amount stipulated in Annex 3. The registration fee is non-refundable and shall not be deducted from the paying party\u2019s advance on costs. A request will be processed only after full payment of the registration fee.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Depending on the administrative services requested, the following administrative fees apply:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span>\u00a0For full administrative services, VIAC charges its standard administrative fees as per Annex 3 depending on the amount in dispute. The amount in dispute shall be calculated based on the cost provisions of the Vienna Rules or Vienna Mediation Rules, depending on the nature of dispute.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2.<\/span>\u00a0For selected administrative services, VIAC reduces its administrative fees accordingly.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span>\u00a0In principle, VIAC\u2019s services as administrative authority are split into three categories. For each category, a third of the standard administrative fees as per Annex 3 will be charged,<br \/>\ndepending on the amount in dispute:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">i.<\/span> support services<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ii.<\/span> services as administrator for costs as described in Article 1 paragraph 2.2 of this Annex 5;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">iii.<\/span> services as appointing authority as described in Article 1 paragraph 2 of Annex 4.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span>\u00a0In any case, the minimum administrative fees are EUR 3,000.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span>\u00a0The advance on costs for the administrative fees must be paid in full before VIAC starts to provide the respective services.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> All advances on costs in an arbitration are subject to the advance on costs provision under the VIAC Rules of Arbitration<br \/>\n(Article 42), or when administrative services are requested in other alternative dispute resolution proceedings, the VIAC Rules of Mediation (Article 8), respectively. All advances on costs may be drawn upon by VIAC at any stage during or after the<br \/>\nproceedings to cover the costs incurred in such proceedings. Funds are disbursed on the order of the arbitral tribunal or, in case of other ad hoc alternative resolution proceedings, the other third-party neutral, only.<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> In exceptional circumstances, VIAC may deviate from the amounts set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DISCLAIMER<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 4<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Annex_6\"><\/a>The liability of the arbitrator, the other third party neutral, the tribunal secretary, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Board and its members, as well as the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and its employees for any act or omission in relation to the proceedings is excluded, unless such act or omission constitutes willful misconduct or gross negligence.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 6<br \/>\nSUPPLEMENTARY RULES FOR DISPUTES RELATING TO SUCCESSION\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The supplementary rules for disputes relating to succession set forth in Annex 6 shall apply if the parties have agreed to their application, or if the application has been foreseen by the deceased in a disposition of property upon death, including an<br \/>\nagreement as to succession, or in any other legal act not based on an agreement of the parties.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AND APPLICABLE VERSION OF THE VIENNA RULES<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article1<\/p>\n<p><em>Paragraph 1 of Article 1 Vienna Rules is <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">supplemented<\/span> by the following :<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">insertion<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (\u201cVIAC\u201d) is the Permanent International Arbitration Institution of the Austrian<br \/>\nFederal Economic Chamber1. VIAC administers domestic and international arbitrations as well as proceedings pursuant to other alternative dispute resolution methods, if the parties have agreed upon the VIAC Rules of Arbitration (\u201cVienna Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of<br \/>\nInvestment Arbitration (\u201cVienna Investment Arbitration Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Investment Mediation (\u201cVienna Investment Mediation Rules\u201d); or if it has been otherwise agreed or foreseen that VIAC should serve as the administering institution. <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">This includes cases where the administration by VIAC has been foreseen by the deceased in a disposition of property upon death, including an agreement as to succession, or in any other legal act not based on an agreement of the parties.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Paragraph 2 of Article 1 Vienna Rules is <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">replaced<\/span>by the following: <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">insertion<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)\u00a0In erbrechtlichen Streitigkeiten finden die Wiener Regeln in der bei der Einleitung des Schiedsverfahrens (Art 7 Abs 1) geltenden Fassung Anwendung, sofern nichts anderes vereinbart oder von Todes wegen verf\u00fcgt wurde.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VERBINDUNG VON SCHIEDSVERFAHREN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 15<\/p>\n<p><em>Absatz 1 des Artikel 15 der Wiener Regeln wird durch <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">folgenden Absatz 1 ersetzt<\/span> und durch <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Absatz 3 erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1) Eine Verbindung zweier oder mehrerer Schiedsverfahren \u00fcber erbrechtliche Streitigkeiten kann auf Antrag einer Partei zugelassen werden, wenn:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span class=\"star\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1 die Parteien der Verbindung zustimmen; oder<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">1.2 derselbe\/dieselben Schiedsrichter benannt oder bestellt wurden; oder<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">1.3 die Anspr\u00fcche in einem rechtlichen oder tats\u00e4chlichen Zusammenhang stehen, und die Parteien der Schiedsverfahren zumindest zum Teil identisch sind;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">und der Schiedsort \u00fcbereinstimmt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Unver\u00e4ndert.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3) (neu) Falls ein Antrag auf Verbindung vor der Best\u00e4tigung der Benennung oder der Bestellung eines Schiedsrichters gestellt und vom Pr\u00e4sidium bewilligt wird, richtet sich die Bildung des Schiedsgerichts nach Art\u00a018. Nach diesem Zeitpunkt werden die Schiedsverfahren in das zuerst anh\u00e4ngig gemachte Schiedsverfahren verbunden, sofern die Parteien nichts anderes vereinbaren. In diesem Fall kann das Pr\u00e4sidium bereits vorgenommene Bestellungen widerrufen und die Neubildung des Schiedsgerichts im Sinne von Art 18 anordnen.<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">SCHIEDSGERICHT &#8211; ALLGEMEINE BESTIMMUNGEN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 16<\/p>\n<p><em>Absatz 1 des Artikel 16 der Wiener Regeln wird <\/em><em>durch die folgenden <span style=\"color: #b40404;\">Einsch\u00fcbe erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Die Parteien <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder der Erblasser<\/span> sind in der Bestimmung der Personen, die sie als Schiedsrichter benennen wollen, frei. Schiedsrichter kann jede gesch\u00e4ftsf\u00e4hige Person sein, soweit die Parteien keine besonderen zus\u00e4tzlichen Qualifikationserfordernisse vereinbart haben <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder der Erblasser solche von Todes wegen verf\u00fcgt hat<\/span>. Die Schiedsrichter stehen mit den Parteien in einem Vertragsverh\u00e4ltnis und haben ihre Leistungen den Parteien zu erbringen.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"article\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BILDUNG DES SCHIEDSGERICHTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 17<\/p>\n<p><em>Die Abs\u00e4tze 1 und 2 des Artikel 17 der Wiener Regeln werden <\/em><em>durch die folgenden <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Einsch\u00fcbe erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Den Parteien <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder dem Erblasser<\/span> steht es frei zu vereinbaren <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder von Todes wegen zu verf\u00fcgen<\/span>, dass das Schiedsverfahren von einem Einzelschiedsrichter oder einem aus drei Schiedsrichtern bestehenden Schiedsrichtersenat zu f\u00fchren ist. Den Parteien oder <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">dem Erblasser<\/span> steht es weiters frei, den Bestellungsmodus f\u00fcr die Schiedsrichter zu vereinbaren <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder von Todes wegen zu verf\u00fcgen<\/span>. Bei Fehlen einer Vereinbarung <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder Verf\u00fcgung von Todes wegen<\/span> kommen die in Abs 2 bis 6 festgelegten Regeln zur Anwendung.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span>\u00a0Liegt eine Vereinbarung <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder Verf\u00fcgung von Todes wegen<\/span> \u00fcber die Anzahl der Schiedsrichter nicht vor, bestimmt das Pr\u00e4sidium, ob der Rechtsstreit von einem Einzelschiedsrichter oder einem aus drei Schiedsrichtern bestehenden Schiedsrichtersenat zu entscheiden ist. Hierbei ber\u00fccksichtigt das Pr\u00e4sidium insbesondere die Schwierigkeit des Falls, die H\u00f6he des Streitwertes und das Interesse der Parteien an einer raschen und kosteng\u00fcnstigen Entscheidung.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">SCHIEDSORT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 25<\/p>\n<p><em>Die Abs\u00e4tze 1 des Artikel 25 der Wiener Regeln wird\u00a0<\/em><em>durch die folgenden <span style=\"color: #b40404;\">Einsch\u00fcbe erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Die Parteien <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder der Erblasser<\/span> k\u00f6nnen den Schiedsort frei bestimmen. Sofern die Parteien nichts anderes vereinbart haben oder vereinbaren <span style=\"color: #bc10525;\">oder von Todes wegen nichts anderes verf\u00fcgt wurde<\/span>, ist der Schiedsort Wien.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VERFAHRENSSPRACHE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 26<\/p>\n<p><em>Artikel 26 der Wiener Regeln wird durch die folgenden <\/em><em><span style=\"color: #bc10525;\">Einsch\u00fcbe erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em><em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Mangels Parteienvereinbarung <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder Verf\u00fcgung von Todes wegen<\/span> hat das Schiedsgericht unverz\u00fcglich nach Fall\u00fcbergabe die Sprache(n) des Verfahrens unter Ber\u00fccksichtigung aller Umst\u00e4nde, einschlie\u00dflich der Sprache des Vertrags <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder der Verf\u00fcgung von Todes wegen<\/span>, zu bestimmen.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANWENDBARES RECHT, BILLIGKEIT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 27<\/p>\n<p><em>Die Abs\u00e4tze 1 und 2 des Artikel 27 der Wiener Regeln werden durch den folgenden<\/em><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> Absatz 1 ersetzt<\/span>:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1) Bei erbrechtlichen Streitigkeiten ist das Recht anzuwenden, das nach dem Kollisionsrecht am Ort des gew\u00f6hnlichen Aufenthaltes des Erblassers im Zeitpunkt seines Todes Anwendung findet oder danach w\u00e4hlbar ist.<\/span><br \/>\n<a id=\"Anhang_7\"><\/a><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2) Entf\u00e4llt<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANHANG 7<br \/>\nERG\u00c4NZENDE REGELN F\u00dcR GESELLSCHAFTSRECHTLICHE STREITIGKEITEN\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Die in diesem Anhang 7 festgelegten Erg\u00e4nzenden Regeln f\u00fcr Gesellschaftsrechtliche Streitigkeiten mit intendierter Wirkungserstreckung sind anzuwenden, wenn die Parteien sich, insbesondere in einer in einem Gesellschaftsvertrag enthaltenen Schiedsklausel, auf die Anwendung der Wiener Regeln geeinigt haben.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANWENDUNGSBEREICH<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 1<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Die in Anhang 7 festgelegten Erg\u00e4nzenden Regeln f\u00fcr Gesellschaftsrechtliche Streitigkeiten finden Anwendung auf gesellschaftsrechtliche Streitigkeiten in denen eine Erstreckung der Wirkungen des Schiedsspruchs auf Gesellschafter oder die Gesellschaft, die nicht als Parteien des Schiedsverfahrens genannt sind, intendiert ist, wie insbesondere Streitigkeiten \u00fcber Beschl\u00fcsse der Gesellschafter, einschlie\u00dflich Streitigkeiten \u00fcber deren Anfechtbarkeit, Mangelhaftigkeit oder Nichtigkeit, sofern nichts anderes vereinbart wurde.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Auf das Schiedsverfahren finden die Wiener Regeln in der bei Beginn des Schiedsverfahrens (Art 7 Abs 1) geltenden Fassung Anwendung.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BENENNUNG DER BETROFFENEN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 2<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Die Schiedsklage hat zus\u00e4tzlich zu den in Art 7 Abs 2 genannten Angaben den vollst\u00e4ndigen Namen samt Anschriften, einschlie\u00dflich E-Mail-Adressen, und Kontaktdaten der Gesellschafter und Personen (\u201ebenannte Betroffenen\u201c) zu enthalten, auf die sich die Wirkungen des Schiedsspruchs kraft Beschaffenheit des streitigen Rechtsverh\u00e4ltnisses oder kraft gesetzlicher Vorschrift erstrecken sollen.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Zus\u00e4tzlich zu Art 12 Abs 1 ist die Schiedsklage samt Beilagen in elektronischer Form und in Papierform in so vielen Exemplaren einzubringen, dass jeder benannte Betroffene ein Exemplar erh\u00e4lt.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Der Generalsekret\u00e4r \u00fcbermittelt dem Beklagten und den benannten Betroffenen die Schiedsklage nach Ma\u00dfgabe des Art 7 Abs 4.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Der Beklagte kann in seiner Klagebeantwortung (Art 8) und der benannte Betroffene in seiner Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung (Art 3 Anhang 7) weitere \u2013 nicht vom Schiedskl\u00e4ger benannte \u2013 Betroffene unter Anf\u00fchrung des vollst\u00e4ndigen Namens samt Anschriften, einschlie\u00dflich E-Mail-Adressen, und Kontaktdaten benennen.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Ist die Gesellschaft Beklagte, so hat sie alle geeigneten Ma\u00dfnahmen zu ergreifen, um die Einbeziehung s\u00e4mtlicher Betroffenen sicherzustellen. Sie hat nach Aufforderung des Generalsekret\u00e4rs, innerhalb einer vom Generalsekret\u00e4r zu setzenden Frist \u00fcber die getroffenen Ma\u00dfnahmen Auskunft zu erteilen.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Die Parteien haben nach Aufforderung des Generalsekret\u00e4rs, innerhalb einer vom Generalsekret\u00e4r zu setzenden Frist, weitere Exemplare der Schiedsklage bzw. Klagebeantwortung in Papierform f\u00fcr nachtr\u00e4glich benannte Betroffene einzubringen. Kommen die Parteien einem diesbez\u00fcglichen Verbesserungsauftrag innerhalb der gesetzten Frist nicht nach, kann der Generalsekret\u00e4r das Verfahren ebenfalls f\u00fcr beendet erkl\u00e4ren (Art 34 Abs 3).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Der Generalsekret\u00e4r hat nach Abs 3 dieses Artikels vorzugehen, wenn weitere Betroffene benannt werden.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BEITRITTSM\u00d6GLICHKEIT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 3<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Der Generalsekret\u00e4r fordert die benannten Betroffenen auf, binnen 30 Tagen nach Erhalt der Schiedsklage bzw. der Klagebeantwortung eine Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung abzugeben. Der Generalsekret\u00e4r weist benannte Betroffene gleichzeitig auf ihre Antragsm\u00f6glichkeiten gem\u00e4\u00df Art 8 Anhang 7 hin.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Die Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung ist beim Sekretariat des VIAC in elektronischer Form einzubringen.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Die Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung hat folgende Angaben zu enthalten:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.1<\/span> den vollst\u00e4ndigen Namen samt Anschriften, einschlie\u00dflich E-Mail-Adressen, und Kontaktdaten sowie etwaige Angaben zur Nationalit\u00e4t des Betroffenen;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.2<\/span> Angaben, ob der Betroffene dem Schiedsverfahren auf Seiten des Kl\u00e4gers oder des Beklagten als Nebenintervenient (Art 5 Anhang 7) beitreten will;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.3<\/span> Angaben, ob der Betroffene dem Schiedsverfahren auf Seiten des Kl\u00e4gers oder des Beklagten als Partei beitreten will.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Sollte die Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung nach Art 2 Abs 4 Annex7weitere benannte Betroffene bekannt machen, so sind dem neu benannten Betroffenen die Schiedsklage und die Klagebeantwortung in Papierform sowie eine Ausfertigung der ihn benennenden Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung mit der Aufforderung zuzustellen binnen 30 Tagen nach Erhalt eine Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung in Sinne dieses Art 3 abzugeben.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BEITRITT DER BETROFFENEN PERSONEN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 4<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Durch fristgerechte Einbringung der Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung tritt der benannte Betroffene dem Verfahren bei (\u201ebeigetretener Betroffener\u201c). Der Generalsekret\u00e4r \u00fcbermittelt die gem\u00e4\u00df Art 3 Anhang 7 eingebrachten Beitrittserkl\u00e4rungen den Parteien.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Mit Zustimmung des Kl\u00e4gers und des Beklagten kann der beitretende Betroffene dem Schiedsverfahren als Partei auf Seiten des Kl\u00e4gers oder des Beklagten beitreten. Hat ein beitretender Betroffener beantragt, als Partei auf Seiten des Kl\u00e4gers oder des Beklagten beizutreten, fordert der Generalsekret\u00e4r, innerhalb einer vom Generalsekret\u00e4r zu setzenden Frist, den Kl\u00e4ger und den Beklagten auf dem Antrag zuzustimmen oder abzulehnen.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Vor Fall\u00fcbergabe (Art 11) informiert der Generalsekret\u00e4r alle Parteien und jene benannten Betroffenen, deren Beitrittsfrist noch nicht abgelaufen ist, \u00fcber den Beitritt eines Betroffenen in elektronischer Form.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Bringt ein benannter Betroffener seine Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung nicht fristgerecht ein, gilt dies als Verzicht auf das Recht, an der Bildung des Schiedsgerichts mitzuwirken. Die M\u00f6glichkeit des benannten Betroffenen, dem Schiedsverfahren als Nebenintervenient (Art 5 Anhang 7) beizutreten bleibt davon unber\u00fchrt.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Tritt ein benannter Betroffener dem Schiedsverfahren nach Ablauf der in Art 3 Abs 1 Anhang 7 genannten Frist als Nebenintervenient bei, so gilt dies als (i) Zustimmung zu dem gebildeten Schiedsgericht und (ii) Annahme des Verfahrens in der Lage, in der es sich im Zeitpunkt des Beitritts befindet.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">NEBENINTERVENTION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 5<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Betroffene k\u00f6nnen dem Schiedsverfahren bis zu dessen Beendigung (Art 34) zu jedem Zeitpunkt als Nebenintervenient beitreten. Der Antrag hat die in Art 3 Abs 3.1 Anhang 7 genannten Angaben zu enthalten.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> \u00dcber die Einbeziehung entscheidet das Schiedsgericht gem\u00e4\u00df Art 14 Abs 1 und 2 mit der Ma\u00dfgabe, dass der benannte Betroffene das Recht hat, als Nebenintervenient am Verfahren teilzunehmen, und das Ermessen des Schiedsgerichts insoweit eingeschr\u00e4nkt ist.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BILDUNG DES SCHIEDSGERICHTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 6<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Ist der Rechtsstreit von einem Einzelschiedsrichter zu entscheiden, werden die Parteien und beigetretenen Betroffenen vom Generalsekret\u00e4r aufgefordert, binnen 30 Tagen ab Zustellung der Aufforderung gemeinsam einen Einzelschiedsrichter zu benennen und dessen Name samt Anschrift, einschlie\u00dflich E-Mail-Adresse, und Kontaktdaten bekannt zu geben. Wird eine solche Benennung nicht fristgerecht vorgenommen, wird der Einzelschiedsrichter vom Pr\u00e4sidium bestellt. F\u00fcr die Fristberechnung ist der Tag ma\u00dfgeblich, an dem die Partei oder der beigetretene Betroffene die Aufforderung als Letzter erhalten hat (Art 12).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Ist der Rechtsstreit von einem Schiedsrichtersenat zu entscheiden, haben die Parteien und beigetretenen Betroffenen auf der Kl\u00e4ger- und der Beklagtenseite jeweils gemeinsam einen Schiedsrichter zu benennen. Abweichend von Art 7 Abs 2.5 und Art 8 Abs 2.4 ist eine Benennung eines Schiedsrichters in der Schiedsklage oder der Klagebeantwortung lediglich ein unverbindlicher Vorschlag. Die Parteien und die gem\u00e4\u00df Art 3 Abs 1 Anhang 7 fristgerecht beigetretenen Betroffenen auf der Kl\u00e4ger- und der Beklagtenseite werden jeweils vom Generalsekret\u00e4r aufgefordert, binnen 30 Tagen ab Zustellung der Aufforderung gemeinsam einen Schiedsrichter zu benennen. F\u00fcr die Fristberechnung ist der Tag ma\u00dfgeblich, an dem die Partei oder der beigetretene Betroffene die Aufforderung als Letzter erhalten hat (Art 12). Wird ein gemeinsamer Schiedsrichter nicht fristgerecht benannt, so hat das Pr\u00e4sidium nach Art 18 Abs 4 vorzugehen.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Die in Art 19 Abs 1 vorgesehene Weiterleitung der Erkl\u00e4rungen gem\u00e4\u00df Art 16 Abs 3 und 4 sowie die in Art 19 Abs 2 erm\u00f6glichte Einholung von Stellungnahmen gilt auch f\u00fcr beigetretene Betroffene. Beigetretene Betroffene k\u00f6nnen die Ablehnung von Schiedsrichtern nach Art 20 geltend machen.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VERFAHRENSKONZENTRATION DURCH VERFAHRENSVERBINDUNG<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 7<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Zwei oder mehrere Schiedsverfahren, die denselben Beschluss zum Gegenstand haben, sind vom Pr\u00e4sidium auf Antrag einer Partei, eines beigetretenen Betroffenen oder auf Vorschlag des Generalsekret\u00e4rs in sinngem\u00e4\u00dfer Anwendung von Art 15 zu verbinden. In Abweichung von Art 15 Abs 1.1. ist die Verbindung auch dann zul\u00e4ssig, wenn nicht alle Parteien und beigetretenen Betroffenen zustimmen.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Falls ein Antrag auf Verbindung vor der Best\u00e4tigung der Benennung oder der Bestellung eines Schiedsrichters gestellt wird, richtet sich die Bildung des Schiedsgerichts nach Art 6 Anhang 7. Nach diesem Zeitpunkt werden die Schiedsverfahren in das zuerst anh\u00e4ngig gemachte Schiedsverfahren verbunden, sofern die Parteien und beigetretenen Betroffenen nichts anderes vereinbaren. In diesem Fall kann das Pr\u00e4sidium bereits vorgenommene Bestellungen widerrufen und die Neubildung des Schiedsgerichts im Sinne des in Art 6 Anhang 7 geregelten Verfahrens anordnen.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">INFORMATIONEN \u00dcBER DEN VERLAUF DES SCHIEDSVERFAHRENS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 8<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Auf Antrag informiert das Schiedsgericht die benannten Betroffenen \u00fcber den Verlauf des Schiedsverfahrens durch \u00dcbermittlung (Art 12 Abs 2) von Schrifts\u00e4tzen der Parteien oder Nebenintervenienten sowie schiedsgerichtlichen Entscheidungen und Verf\u00fcgungen.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Das Schiedsgericht kann Betroffenen, die einen entsprechenden Antrag gestellt haben, \u00fcber sonstige Aktenbestandteile unterrichten, wenn es der Auffassung ist, dass diese Information f\u00fcr die Wahrnehmung des Rechtes eines Betroffenen am Verfahren als Nebenintervenient teilzunehmen ma\u00dfgeblich sein kann.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">SCHIEDSSPRUCH<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 9<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Der Schiedsspruch wird den Parteien, den beigetretenen Betroffenen sowie sonstigen Nebenintervenienten gem\u00e4\u00df Art 36 Abs 5 \u00fcbermittelt.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Die Verpflichtung den Schiedsspruch zu erf\u00fcllen (Art 36 Abs 7) erstreckt sich auch auf alle benannten und gem\u00e4\u00df Art 3 Abs 1 Anhang 7 zur Teilnahme am Schiedsverfahren aufgeforderten Betroffenen, unabh\u00e4ngig von ihrer tats\u00e4chlichen Teilnahme.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">KOSTEN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 10<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> \u00dcbersteigen die Kosten der \u00dcbermittlungen vor Fall\u00fcbergabe, die nach Art 10 eingehobene Einschreibegeb\u00fchr so hat der Kl\u00e4ger die tats\u00e4chlich anfallenden Kosten zu tragen. Der Generalsekret\u00e4r kann hierf\u00fcr jederzeit im freien Ermessen einen Kostenvorschuss zur Deckung der Auslagen f\u00fcr die \u00dcbermittlungen festsetzen (Art 42 Abs 12).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Bei der Berechnung der Verfahrenskosten gem\u00e4\u00df Art 44 Abs 4 sind alle Parteien, beigetretene Betroffene sowie sonstige Nebenintervenienten wie weitere Parteien zu ber\u00fccksichtigen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>VIAC &#8211; Internationale Schiedsinstitution<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>der Wirtschaftskammer \u00d6sterreich<\/strong><br \/>\nWiedner Hauptstra\u00dfe 63, 1045 Wien<\/p>\n<p>T <span class=\"baec5a81-e4d6-4674-97f3-e9220f0136c1\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">+43 (0)5 90 900 4398<\/span><br \/>\nF <span class=\"baec5a81-e4d6-4674-97f3-e9220f0136c1\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">+43 (0)5 90 900 216<\/span><br \/>\nE <a href=\"mailto:office@viac.eu\">office@viac.eu<\/a><br \/>\nW <a href=\"http:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/\">www.viac.eu<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation 2021 Online-VersionRULES OF ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION VIENNA RULES AND VIENNA MEDIATION RULES 2021 in the version of 1 January 2025 Imprint Publisher: Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Wiedner Hauptstra\u00dfe 63, 1045 Vienna Graphics: design:ag Mariahilfer Stra\u00dfe 1c\/2, 1060 Wien, www.designag.at Of the various languages in which the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation were translated, the English and German versions are the only official texts. VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation 2021 3rd edition (January 2025) &nbsp; INDEX PART I VIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 VIAC and Applicable Version of the Vienna Rules Article 2 Board Article 3 Advisory Boards Article 4 Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Secretariat Article 5 Languages of Correspondence Article 6 Definitions COMMENCEMENT OF THE ARBITRATION Article 7 Statement of Claim Article 8 Answer to the Statement of Claim Article 9 Counterclaim Article 10 Registration Fee Article 11 Transmission of File Article 12 Written Communications, Time Limits and Disposal of File Article 13 Representatives Article 13a Third-Party Funding JOINDER OF THIRD PARTIES AND CONSOLIDATION Article 14 Joinder of Third Parties Article 15 Consolidation ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL Article 16 General Provisions Article 17 Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal Article [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_enable_color=\"off\" use_background_color_gradient=\"on\" background_color_gradient_direction=\"90deg\" background_color_gradient_stops=\"#ffffff 0%|#ffffff 17%|rgba(112,112,112,0.3) 17%|rgba(112,112,112,0.3) 100%\" background_color_gradient_overlays_image=\"on\" background_image=\"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/AdobeStock_180711262-scaled.jpeg\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_horizontal_offset=\"0%\" background_vertical_offset=\"67%\" background_blend=\"darken\" custom_padding=\"||174px||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"#ffffff\" max_width=\"45%\" custom_margin=\"215px|auto||0px|false|false\" custom_padding=\"|100px||100px|false|true\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.24.3\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#0B0B0B\" header_font=\"|700|||||||\" header_text_align=\"left\" header_text_color=\"#0B0B0B\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h1>VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation 2021\nOnline-Version<\/h1>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n<h4><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>RULES OF ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIENNA RULES AND VIENNA MEDIATION RULES 2021<\/span>\n\nin the version of 1 January 2025\n\nImprint\nPublisher: Austrian Federal Economic Chamber\nWiedner Hauptstra\u00dfe 63, 1045 Vienna\n\nGraphics: design:ag\nMariahilfer Stra\u00dfe 1c\/2, 1060 Wien, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.designag.at\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.designag.at<\/a>\n\nOf the various languages in which the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation were translated, the English\nand German versions are the only official texts.\n\nVIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation 2021\n3rd edition (January 2025)\n\n&nbsp;\n<h2 align=\"left\"><span><strong><span style=\"color: ##c10525;\">INDEX<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Part_1\">PART I\nVIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION<\/a><\/h3>\n<h3 align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Arb_GeneralProvisions\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art1\">Article 1 VIAC and Applicable Version of the Vienna Rules<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art2\">Article 2 Board<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art3\">Article 3 Advisory Boards<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art4\">Article 4 Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Secretariat<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art5\">Article 5 Languages of Correspondence<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art6\">Article 6 Definitions<\/a>\n<h3 align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Arb_CommencementoftheArbitration\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COMMENCEMENT OF THE ARBITRATION<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art7\">Article 7 Statement of Claim<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art8\">Article 8 Answer to the Statement of Claim<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art9\">Article 9 Counterclaim<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art10\">Article 10 Registration Fee<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art11\">Article 11 Transmission of File<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art12\">Article 12 Written Communications, Time Limits and Disposal of File<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art13\">Article 13 Representatives<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art13a\">Article 13a Third-Party Funding<\/a>\n<h3 align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Arb_JoinderofThirdParties\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JOINDER OF THIRD PARTIES AND CONSOLIDATION<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<p align=\"left\"><a href=\"#Arb_Art14\">Article 14 Joinder of Third Parties<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art15\">Article 15 Consolidation<\/a><\/p>\n\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_ArbitralTribunal\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art16\">Article 16 General Provisions<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art17\">Article 17 Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art18\">Article 18 Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal in Multi-Party Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art19\">Article 19 Confirmation of the Nomination<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art20\">Article 20 Challenge of Arbitrators<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art21\">Article 21 Premature Terminationof the Arbitrator\u2019s Mandate<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art22\">Article 22 Effects of the Premature Termination of the Arbitrator\u2019s Mandate of the Arbitrator\u2019s Mandate<\/a>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_Challenge\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CHALLENGE OF EXPERTS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art23\">Article 23 Challenge of Experts<\/a>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_Jurisdiction\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JURISDICTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art24\">Article 24 Jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal<\/a>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_Proceedings\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art25\">Article 25 Place of Arbitration<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art26\">Article 26 Language of the Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art27\">Article 27 Applicable Law, Amiable Compositeur<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art28\">Article 28 Conduct of the Arbitration<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art29\">Article 29 Establishing the Facts of the Case<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art30\">Article 30 Oral Hearing<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art31\">Article 31 Duty to Object<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art32\">Article 32 Closure of the Proceedings and Time for Rendering the Award<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art33\">Article 33 Interim and Conservatory Measures \/ Security for Costs<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art34\">Article 34 Means of Termination of the Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art35\">Article 35 Decisions of the Arbitral Tribunal<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art36\">Article 36 Arbitral Award<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art37\">Article 37 Award on Agreed Terms and Recorded Settlement<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art38\">Article 38 Decision on Costs<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art39\">Article 39 Correction, Clarification and Supplementation of the Arbitral Award<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art40\">Article 40 Remission to the Arbitral Tribunal<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art41\">Article 41 Article Publication of Awards<\/a>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_Costs\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COSTS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art42\">Article 42 Advance on Costs<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art43\">Article 43 Advance on Costs for Additional Procedural Costs<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art44\">Article 44 Composition and Calculation of the Procedural Costs<\/a>\n<h3><a href=\"#Arb_MiscellaneousProvisions\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art45\">Article 45 Expedited Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art46\">Article 46 Disclaimer and Waiver of Immunity<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Arb_Art47\">Article 47 Entry into Force and Transitional Provision<\/a>\n<h3><a href=\"#Part_2\">PART II\nVIAC RULES OF MEDIATION<\/a><\/h3>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art1\">Article 1 VIAC and Applicable Version of the Vienna Mediation Rules<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art2\">Article 2 Definitions<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art3\">Article 3 Commencing the Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art4\">Article 4 Registration Fee<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art5\">Article 5 Place of the Sessions<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art6\">Article 6 Language of the Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art7\">Article 7 Appointment of the Mediator<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art8\">Article 8 Advance on Costs and Costs<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art9\">Article 9 Conduct of the Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art10\">Article 10 Parallel Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art11\">Article 11 Termination of the Proceedings<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art12\">Article 12 Confidentiality, Admissibility of Evidence and Subsequent Representation<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art13\">Article 13 Disclaimer<\/a>\n<a href=\"#Med_Art14\">Article 14 Entry into Force and Transitional Provision<\/a>\n<h3><a href=\"#Teil_III\">PART III\nANNEXES TO THE VIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION<\/a><\/h3>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_1\">ANNEX 1 MODEL CLAUSES<\/a><\/span>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_2\">ANNEX 2 INTERNAL RULES OF THE BOARD<\/a><\/span>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_3\">ANNEX 3 SCHEDULE OF FEES<\/a><\/span>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_4\">ANNEX 4 VIAC AS APPOINTING AUTHORITY<\/a><\/span>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_5\">ANNEX 5 VIAC AS ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY<\/a><\/span>\n<a id=\"Part_1\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_6\">ANNEX 6 SUPPLEMENTARY RULES FOR DISPUTES RELATING TO SUCCESSION<\/a><\/span>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a href=\"#Annex_7\">ANNEX 7 SUPPLEMENTARY RULES FOR CORPORATE DISPUTES<\/a><\/span>\n\n_____________________________________________________________\n<h1><span>PART I\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<a id=\"Arb_GeneralProvisions\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art1\"><\/a>\nVIENNA RULES | in the version of 1 January 2025<span>\n<\/span>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span class=\"c-red\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AND APPLICABLE VERSION OF THE VIENNA RULES<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 1<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1) <\/span>The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (\u201cVIAC\u201d) is the Permanent International Arbitration Institution of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber1. VIAC administers domestic and international arbitrations as well as proceedings pursuant to other alternative dispute resolution methods, if the parties have agreed upon the VIAC Rules of Arbitration (\u201cVienna Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Investment Arbitration (\u201cVienna Investment Arbitration Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Investment Mediation (\u201cVienna Investment Mediation Rules\u201d); or if it has been otherwise agreed or foreseen that VIAC should serve as the administering institution.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the Vienna Rules shall apply in the version in effect at the time of the commencement of the arbitration (Article 7 paragraph 1), if the parties, before or after the dispute has arisen have agreed to submit their dispute to the Vienna Rules.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art2\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The Board may refuse to administer proceedings if the arbitration agreement deviates fundamentally from and is incompatible with the Vienna Rules.\n\n<sub><sup>1<\/sup> According to Section 139 paragraph 2 of the Federal Statute on the Economic Chambers 1998 (\u201cWirtschaftskammergesetz 1998\u201d), Federal Law Gazette I No 103\/1998 as amended by Federal Law Gazette I No 27\/2021<\/sub>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BOARD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 2<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The Board of VIAC shall consist of a minimum of five members. The members of the Board shall be appointed for a term of up to five years by the Extended Presiding Committee of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber upon recommendation by the President of VIAC. Members may be appointed for consecutive terms.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2) <\/span>The members of the Board shall elect from among their number a President and up to two Vice Presidents. In the event the President is prevented from performing his duties, such duties shall be assumed by a Vice President in accordance with the Internal Rules of the Board (Annex 2).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Members of the Board, who are or were involved in an arbitration administered by VIAC in any capacity whatsoever, may not be present at, or participate in any way in deliberations or decisions pertaining to those proceedings. This shall not impair the existence of a quorum of the Board.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The members of the Board shall perform their duties to the best of their knowledge and ability and in performing their duties they shall be independent and not be bound by any instructions.\u00a0 They have the duty to keep confidential all information acquired in the course of their duties. <a id=\"Arb_Art3\"><\/a>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The Board may establish and amend its own Internal Rules (Annex 2).\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ADVISORY BOARDS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 3<a id=\"Arb_Art4\"><\/a><\/p>\nThe Board may establish Advisory Boards that assist the Board in an advisory capacity. Advisory Boards consist of arbitration and\/or mediation experts who may be invited by the Board.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">SECRETARY GENERAL, DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL\nAND SECRETARIAT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 4<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Upon recommendation of the Board of VIAC, the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General of VIAC shall be appointed by the Extended Presiding Committee of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber for a term of up to five years. The Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General may be appointed for consecutive terms. Upon expiration of the term, if no renewal of the appointment has been made, the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General shall remain in office until a new appointment has been made.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Secretariat manages the administrative matters of VIAC under the direction of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General except for matters which are reserved to the Board. If a Deputy Secretary General has been appointed, the Deputy Secretary General may render decisions that fall within the competence of the Secretary General if the Secretary General is unable to perform his duties, or with authorization by the Secretary General.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Members of the Secretariat, who are or were involved in an arbitration administered by VIAC in any capacity whatsoever, may not be present at, or participate in any way in deliberations or decisions pertaining to those proceedings.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General shall perform their duties to the best of their knowledge and ability and shall not be bound by any instructions. They have the duty to keep confidential all information acquired in the course of their duties.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art5\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> If the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General become unable to exercise their duties, the Board members shall appoint from their number a member to perform the relevant duties. For as long as the appointee serves as Secretary General, the membership of the appointee in the Board shall be suspended.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">LANGUAGES OF CORRESPONDENCE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 5<a id=\"Arb_Art6\"><\/a><\/p>\nThe correspondence of the parties with the Board and Secretariat shall be in German or English.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DEFINITIONS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 6<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> In the Vienna Rules\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> <strong>party<\/strong> or <strong>parties<\/strong> refer to one or more claimants, respondents or one or more third parties joined to the arbitration in a statement of claim;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> <strong>claimant<\/strong> refers to one or more claimants;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> <strong>respondent<\/strong> refers to one or more respondents;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.4<\/span> <strong>third party<\/strong> refers to one or more third parties who are neither a claimant nor respondent in the pending arbitration and whose joinder to this arbitration has been requested;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.5<\/span> <strong>arbitral tribunal <\/strong>refers to a sole arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.6<\/span> <strong>arbitrator<\/strong> refers to one or more arbitrators;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.7<\/span> <strong>co-arbitrator<\/strong> refers to any member of a panel of arbitrators except its chairperson;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.8<\/span> <strong>award<\/strong> refers to any final, partial or interim award;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.9<\/span> <strong>third-party funding<\/strong> refers to any agreement entered into with a natural or legal person who is not a party to the proceedings or a party representative (Article 13), to fund or provide any other material support to a party, directly or indirectly financing part or all of the costs of the proceedings either through a donation or a grant, or in exchange for remuneration or reimbursement that is wholly or partially dependent upon the outcome of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_CommencementoftheArbitration\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> To the extent the terms used in the Vienna Rules refer to natural persons, the form chosen shall apply to all genders. In practice, the terms in these rules shall be used in a gender-specific manner.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art7\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> References to \u201cArticles\u201d without further specification relate to the relevant articles of the Vienna Rules.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COMMENCEMENT OF THE ARBITRATION<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">STATEMENT OF CLAIM<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 7<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The arbitral proceedings shall be initiated by submitting a statement of claim. The proceedings shall commence on the date of receipt of the statement of claim by the Secretariat of VIAC or by an Austrian Regional Economic Chamber in hardcopy form or in electronic form (Article 12 paragraph 1); hereby, the proceedings become pending. The Secretariat informs the other parties of the receipt of the statement of claim.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The statement of claim shall contain the following information:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the full names, addresses, including electronic mail addresses, and other contact details of the parties and any comment on the parties\u2019 nationalities;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> a statement of the facts and a specific request for relief;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> the monetary value of each individual claim at the time of submission of the statement of claim if the relief requested is not exclusively for a specific sum of money;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> particulars regarding the number of arbitrators in accordance with Article 17;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> the nomination of an arbitrator if the dispute shall be decided by a panel of three arbitrators, or a request that the arbitrator be appointed by the Board; and<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.6<\/span> particulars regarding the arbitration agreement and its content.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3) <\/span>If the statement of claim does not comply with paragraph 2 of this Article, or if a copy of the statement of claim or the exhibits is missing (Article 12 paragraph 1), the Secretary General may request that the claimant remedy the defect within a time-period set by the Secretary General. If the claimant complies with the order to remedy the defect within the set deadline, the statement of claim shall be deemed to have been submitted on the date on which it was first received. If the claimant does not comply with the order to remedy the defect within the set deadline, the Secretary General may declare the proceedings terminated (Article 34 paragraph 3). This shall not prevent the claimant from raising the same claims at a later time in another proceeding.<a id=\"Arb_Art8\"><\/a>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The Secretary General shall transmit the statement of claim to the respondent if no order to remedy pursuant to paragraph 3 of this Article was issued or if the claimant complied with such an order.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANSWER TO THE STATEMENT OF CLAIM<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 8<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The Secretary General shall request the respondent to submit to the Secretariat an answer to the statement of claim (Article 12 paragraph 3) within a period of 30 days upon receipt of the statement of claim.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2) <\/span>The answer to the statement of claim shall contain the following information:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the full name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details of the respondent and any comment on the parties\u2019 nationalities;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> comments on the request for relief and the facts upon which the statement of claim is based, as well as the respondent\u2019s specific request for relief;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> particulars regarding the number of arbitrators in accordance with Article 17; and<a id=\"Arb_Art9\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> the nomination of an arbitrator if the dispute shall be decided by a panel of three arbitrators, or a request that the arbitrator be appointed by the Board.<\/p>\n\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COUNTERCLAIM<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 9<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Claims by the respondent against the claimant may be raised as counterclaims in the same proceedings.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Articles 7, 10 and 11 apply to counterclaims.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may return the counterclaim to the Secretariat to be addressed in separate proceedings if:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.1<\/span> the parties are not identical; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.2<\/span> a counterclaim submitted after the answer to the statement of claim would result in a substantial delay in the main proceedings.<a id=\"Arb_Art10\"><\/a><\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall give the claimant the opportunity to submit an answer to an admitted counterclaim. Article 8 applies to an answer to the counterclaim.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REGISTRATION FEE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 10<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The claimant shall pay the registration fee net of any charges in the amount stipulated in Annex 3 within the time limit set by the Secretary General. Likewise, in the case of joinder of a third party\n(Article 14), the requesting party shall pay a registration fee.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If there are more than two parties to the arbitration, the registration fee shall be increased by 10 percent for each additional party, up to a maximum increase of 50 percent.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The registration fee is non-refundable. The registration fee shall not be deducted from the paying party\u2019s advance on costs.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The statement of claim and any request for joinder of a third party shall be sent to the other parties only after full payment of the registration fee. The Secretary General may grant a reasonable extension of the time period for payment of the registration fee. If payment is not effected by the deadline, the Secretary General may declare the proceedings terminated (Article 34 paragraph 3). This shall not prevent the claimant from raising the same claims at a later time in another proceeding.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art11\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> If proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules are commenced before, during or after arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the registration fee of the preceding proceedings shall be credited to the registration fee in the subsequently commenced proceedings.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">TRANSMISSION OF FILE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 11<\/p>\nThe Secretary General shall transmit the file to the arbitral tribunal if:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span>\u00a0the Secretariat has received the statement of claim (counterclaim) in accordance with the requirements of Article 7; and\n<a id=\"Arb_Art12\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span>\u00a0all members of the arbitral tribunal have been appointed; and\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span>\u00a0the advance on costs pursuant to Article 42 has been paid in full.<\/p>\n\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS, TIME LIMITS AND DISPOSAL OF FILE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 12<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A statement of claim, including exhibits, shall be submitted in electronic form and in hardcopy form in the number of copies necessary to provide each party with a copy.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> After transmission of the file to the arbitral tribunal, all written communications and exhibits shall be sent to each party and each arbitrator in the manner stipulated by the arbitral tribunal. The Secretariat shall receive all written communications between the arbitral tribunal and the parties in electronic form.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span>Written communications shall be sent in hardcopy form by registered mail, letter with confirmation of receipt, courier service, or in electronic form, or by any other means of communication that provides a record of sending.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Written communications shall be sent to the address of the addressee for whom it is intended, as last notified. Once a party has appointed a representative, the written communication shall be sent to the representative\u2019s address, as last notified.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Written communications shall be deemed to have been received on the day\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">5.1<\/span> the addressee has actually received the written communication; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">5.2<\/span> receipt can be presumed, if the written communication was sent in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> If a statement of claim against multiple respondents cannot be transmitted to all respondents, upon request of the claimant the arbitration shall proceed only against those respondents that received the statement of claim. Upon request of the claimant the statement of claim against the remaining respondents shall be addressed in a separate proceeding.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Time limits shall start to run on the day following the day of receipt (paragraph 5) of the respective written communication triggering the commencement of the time limit. If this day is an official holiday or a non-business day at the place of receipt, the time limit shall start to run on the next business day. Official holidays or non-business days falling during a time period shall not interrupt the continuation or extend the time limit. If the last day of the time limit is an official holiday or a non-business day at the place of receipt, the time limit shall end on the next business day.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art13\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> A time limit relating to any written communication is satisfied if it is sent in the manner stipulated in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article on the last day of the time limit. Time limits may be extended where sufficient grounds for such extension are considered to exist.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> After termination of the proceedings (Article 34), the Secretariat may dispose of the entire file of a case, with the exception of decisions (Article 35).\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REPRESENTATIVES<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 13<\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art13a\"><\/a>In the proceedings before the arbitral tribunal, the parties may be represented or advised by persons of their choice. The Secretary General or the arbitral tribunal may at any time request evidence that the representative has the authority to represent the party.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">THIRD-PARTY FUNDING<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 13a<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A party shall disclose the existence of any third-party funding and the identity of the third-party funder in its statement of claim or its answer to the statement of claim, or immediately upon concluding a third-party funding arrangement.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_JoinderofThirdParties\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art14\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If a party discloses third-party funding prior to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal, the Secretary General shall inform any arbitrator nominated for appointment or already appointed of such disclosure for purposes of completing the arbitrator declaration (Article 16 paragraph 3).\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JOINDER OF THIRD PARTIES AND CONSOLIDATION<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JOINDER OF THIRD PARTIES<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 14<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The joinder of a third party in an arbitration, as well as the manner of such joinder, shall be decided by the arbitral tribunal upon the request of a party or a third party after hearing all parties and the third party to be joined as well as after considering all relevant circumstances.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The request for joinder shall contain the following information:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the full name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details of the third party;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> the grounds upon which the request for joinder is based; and<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> the requested manner of joinder of the third party.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #b40404;\">(3)<\/span> If a request for joinder of a third party is made with a statement of claim,\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.1<\/span> it shall be submitted to the Secretariat. The provisions of Article 7 et seqq shall apply by analogy. The Secretary General shall transmit the statement of claim to the third party to be joined as well as to the other parties for comments;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.2<\/span> the third party may participate in the constitution of the arbitral tribunal pursuant to Article 18 if no arbitrator has yet been appointed; and<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a id=\"Arb_Art15\"><\/a>3.3<\/span> the arbitral tribunal shall return the statement of claim with a request for joinder of a third party to the Secretariat to be treated in separate proceedings, if the arbitral tribunal refuses, in accordance with paragraph 1, to grant a request for joinder of a third party made with a statement of claim. In this case, the Board may revoke any confirmed nomination or appointment of arbitrators and order the renewed constitution of the arbitral tribunal or arbitral tribunals in accordance with Article 17 et seqq, if the third party participated in the constitution of the arbitral tribunal in accordance with paragraph 3.2.<\/p>\n\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONSOLIDATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 15<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Upon a party\u2019s request, two or more arbitral proceedings may\nbe consolidated if:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> the parties agree to the consolidation; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the same arbitrator(s) was\/were nominated or appointed;<\/p>\nand the place of arbitration is the same.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_ArbitralTribunal\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art16\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Board shall decide on a request for consolidation after hearing the parties and the arbitrators already appointed. The Board shall consider all relevant circumstances in its decision, including the compatibility of the arbitration agreements and the respective stage of the arbitral proceedings.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">GENERAL PROVISIONS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 16<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The parties shall be free to designate the persons they wish to nominate as arbitrators. Any person with full legal capacity may act as arbitrator, provided the parties have not agreed upon any particular additional qualification requirements. The arbitrators have a contractual relationship with the parties and shall render their services to the parties.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitrators shall perform their mandate independently of the parties, impartially and to the best of their knowledge and ability, and shall not be bound by any instruction. They have the duty to keep confidential all information acquired in the course of their duties.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> A person who intends to accept an appointment as an arbitrator shall, before his appointment, sign and submit to the Secretary General a declaration in the form made available by VIAC confirming his (i) impartiality and independence; (ii) availability; (iii) qualification; (iv) acceptance of office; and (v) submission to the Vienna Rules.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> An arbitrator shall disclose by written declaration all circumstances that could give rise to doubts as to his impartiality, independence or availability or that conflict with the agreement of the parties. The duty to immediately disclose such circumstances continues to apply throughout the arbitration.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art17\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Members of the Board may be nominated as arbitrators by the parties or co-arbitrators, but shall not be appointed as arbitrators by the Board.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> The conduct of any or all arbitrators (Article 28 paragraph 1) may be taken into consideration by the Secretary General in determining the arbitrators\u2019 fees (Article 44 paragraphs 2, 8 and 11).\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONSTITUTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 17<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The parties may agree whether the arbitral proceedings will be conducted by a sole arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators. The parties may also agree on the manner of appointment of the arbitrators. In the absence of an agreement, paragraphs 2 to 6 of this Article shall apply.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Absent agreement on the number of arbitrators, the Board shall determine whether the dispute will be decided by a sole arbitrator or by a panel of three arbitrators. In so doing, the Board shall take into consideration the complexity of the case, the amount in dispute, and the parties\u2019 interest in an expeditious and cost-efficient decision.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If the dispute is to be resolved by a sole arbitrator, the parties shall jointly nominate a sole arbitrator and indicate the arbitrator\u2019s name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details within 30 days after receiving the Secretary General\u2019s request. If such nomination is not made within this time period, the sole arbitrator shall be appointed by the Board.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If the dispute is to be resolved by a panel of arbitrators, each party shall nominate an arbitrator (the claimant in the statement of claim and the respondent in the answer to the statement of claim). If a party fails to do so, the Secretary General shall request that party to submit the name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details of its nominee within 30 days after receiving the request. If such nomination is not made within this time period, that arbitrator shall be appointed by the Board.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art18\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5<\/span>) If the dispute is to be resolved by a panel of arbitrators, the co-arbitrators shall jointly nominate a chairperson and indicate his name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details within 30 days after receiving the Secretary General\u2019s request. If such nomination is not made within this time period, the chairperson shall be appointed by the Board.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> The parties are bound by their nomination of arbitrator once the nominated arbitrator has been confirmed by the Secretary General or the Board (Article 19).\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONSTITUTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL IN MULTI-PARTY PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 18<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The constitution of the arbitral tribunal in multi-party proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Article 17, with the following additional provisions:\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If the dispute is to be resolved by a panel of arbitrators, the side of claimant and the side of respondent shall each jointly nominate an arbitrator.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Participation of a party in the joint nomination of an arbitrator shall not constitute consent to multi-party arbitration. If the admissibility of a multi-party arbitration is disputed, the arbitral tribunal shall decide thereon upon request after hearing all parties as well as after considering all relevant circumstances.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art19\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article a joint arbitrator is not nominated within the set time period, the Board shall appoint the arbitrator for the defaulting party\/parties. In exceptional cases, after granting the parties the opportunity to comment, the Board may revoke appointments already made and appoint new co-arbitrators or all arbitrators.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONFIRMATION OF THE NOMINATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 19<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> After an arbitrator has been nominated, the Secretary General shall obtain the arbitrator\u2019s declarations pursuant to Article 16 paragraphs 3 and 4. The Secretary General shall forward a copy of these statements to the parties. The Secretary General shall confirm the nominated arbitrator if no doubts exist as to the impartiality and independence of the arbitrator and the ability to carry out the mandate. The Secretary General shall inform the Board of such confirmation at the subsequent meeting of the Board.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If deemed necessary by the Secretary General, the Board shall decide whether to confirm a nominated arbitrator. Prior to the decision of the Board, the Secretary General may request comments from the arbitrator to be confirmed and from the parties. All comments shall be communicated to the parties and the arbitrator.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Upon confirmation, the nominated arbitrator shall be deemed appointed.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art20\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If the Secretary General or the Board refuses to confirm a nominated arbitrator, the Secretary General shall request the party\/parties entitled to nominate the arbitrator, or the co-arbitrators to nominate a different arbitrator or chairperson within 30 days. Articles 16 to 18 shall apply by analogy. If the Secretary General or the Board refuses to confirm the newly nominated arbitrator, the right to nominate shall lapse and the Board shall appoint the arbitrator.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CHALLENGE OF ARBITRATORS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 20<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> After his appointment, an arbitrator may be challenged only if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to his impartiality or independence, or if the arbitrator does not fulfil the qualifications agreed by the parties. A party may challenge the arbitrator whom it nominated, or in whose nomination it has participated, only for reasons of which the party became aware after the nomination or its participation in the nomination.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> A party\u2019s challenge of an appointed arbitrator shall be submitted to the Secretariat within 15 days from the date the party making the challenge became aware of the grounds for the challenge. The challenge shall specify the grounds for the challenge and include corroborating materials to substantiate the challenge.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If the challenged arbitrator does not resign, the Board shall rule on the challenge. Before the Board makes a decision, the Secretary General shall request comments from the challenged arbitrator and the other party\/parties. The Secretary General may also request comments from other persons. All comments shall be communicated to the parties and the arbitrators.<a id=\"Arb_Art21\"><\/a>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal, including the challenged arbitrator, may continue the arbitration while the challenge is pending. The arbitral tribunal may not issue an award until after the Board has ruled on the challenge.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PREMATURE TERMINATION OF THE ARBITRATOR\u2019S MANDATE\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 21<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The mandate of an arbitrator terminates prematurely if:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> the parties so agree; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the arbitrator resigns; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> the arbitrator dies; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.4<\/span> the arbitrator was successfully challenged; or<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.5<\/span> the arbitrator is removed from office by the Board.<\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art22\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Either party may request that an arbitrator be removed from office if the arbitrator is prevented from performing his duties more than temporarily or otherwise fails to perform his duties, including also the duty to proceed without any undue delay. The party shall submit the request to the Secretariat. If it is apparent to the Board that any incapacity is not merely temporary, or that the arbitrator is not performing his duties, the Board may remove an arbitrator from office even without a party\u2019s request. The Board shall decide on the removal after granting the parties and the affected arbitrator the opportunity to comment.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">EFFECTS OF THE PREMATURE TERMINATION OF THE ARBITRATOR\u2019S MANDATE\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 22<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If an arbitrator\u2019s mandate terminates prematurely (Article 21), the arbitrator shall be replaced. The appointment of a substitute arbitrator shall be made in accordance with the appointment procedure agreed by the parties. Absent any such agreement, the Secretary General shall request that\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> the parties, in the case of a sole arbitrator; or,<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the remaining co-arbitrators, in the case of the chairperson of a tribunal; or,<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> the nominating party or the party on whose behalf the arbitrator was appointed, when the arbitrator was nominated by a party or was appointed on behalf of a party;<\/p>\nnominate a substitute arbitrator within 30 days \u2013 in the cases addressed by paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2 of this Article jointly \u2013 and indicate the nominee\u2019s name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details. Articles 16 to 18 apply by analogy. If such nomination is not made within this time period, the Board shall appoint the substitute arbitrator. If a substitute arbitrator is successfully challenged (Article 21 paragraph 1.4), the right to nominate a substitute arbitrator shall lapse and the Board shall appoint the substitute arbitrator.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Challenge\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If an arbitrator\u2019s mandate terminates prematurely pursuant to Article 21, the new arbitral tribunal shall determine, after requesting comments from the parties, whether and to what extent previous stages of the arbitration shall be repeated.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art23\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The cost implications of the premature termination of the arbitrator\u2019s mandate and of the appointment of a substitute arbitrator shall be based on Article 42 paragraph 12 and Article 44 paragraph 11.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CHALLENGE OF EXPERTS<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CHALLENGE OF EXPERTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 23<a id=\"Arb_Jurisdiction\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art24\"><\/a><\/p>\nArticle 20 paragraphs 1 and 2 shall apply by analogy to the challenge of experts appointed by the arbitral tribunal. The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the challenge.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JURISDICTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">JURISDICTION OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 24<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A plea that the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction shall be raised no later than the first pleading on the merits. A party is not precluded from raising such an objection by the fact that it has nominated an arbitrator pursuant to Article 17 or has participated in the nomination of an arbitrator pursuant to Article 18. An objection that the arbitral tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority shall be raised as soon as the matter alleged to exceed the scope of its authority is raised during the arbitration. A later objection shall be barred in both cases; however, if the arbitral tribunal considers the delay to be sufficiently excused, it may admit a later objection.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Proceedings\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art25\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide on its own jurisdiction. The decision on jurisdiction may be made together with the decision on the merits or in a separate award. Where the arbitral tribunal declines jurisdiction, it shall, upon the request of one of the parties, decide on the parties\u2019 cost obligations.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PLACE OF ARBITRATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 25<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><a id=\"Arb_Art26\"><\/a>(1)<\/span> The parties are free to agree on the place of arbitration. Absent party agreement, the place of arbitration shall be Vienna.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may deliberate or take procedural actions at any location it deems appropriate, without thereby resulting in a change of the place of arbitration.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">LANGUAGE OF THE PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 26<a id=\"Arb_Art27\"><\/a><\/p>\nAbsent party agreement on the language(s) of the arbitration, immediately after transmission of the file, the arbitral tribunal shall determine the language(s) having due regard to all circumstances, including the language of the contract.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">APPLICABLE LAW, AMIABLE COMPOSITEUR<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 27<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide the dispute in accordance with the law or rules of law agreed upon by the parties. Unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise, any agreement as to a given national law or national legal system shall be construed as a direct reference to that national substantive law and not to the national conflict-of-laws rules.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art28\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If the parties have not determined the applicable law or rules of law, the arbitral tribunal shall apply the applicable law or rules of law which it considers appropriate.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide <em>ex aequo et bono<\/em> or as <em>amiable compositeur<\/em>\u00a0only in cases where the parties have expressly authorized it to do so.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONDUCT OF THE ARBITRATION\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 28<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall conduct the arbitration in accordance with the Vienna Rules and the agreement of the parties in an efficient and cost-effective manner, but otherwise at its own discretion. The arbitral tribunal shall treat the parties fairly. The parties shall be granted the right to be heard at every stage of the proceedings.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art29\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Upon prior notice, the arbitral tribunal may inter alia consider pleadings, the submission of evidence, and requests for the taking of evidence to be admissible only up to a certain point in time of the proceedings.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> At any stage of the proceedings, the arbitral tribunal is entitled to facilitate the parties\u2019 endeavors to reach a settlement.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ESTABLISHING THE FACTS OF THE CASE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 29<\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art30\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If the arbitral tribunal considers it necessary, it may on its own initiative collect evidence, question parties or witnesses, request the parties to submit evidence, and call experts. Article 43 shall apply if costs are incurred as a result of the taking of evidence and, in particular, the appointment of experts.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitration shall proceed notwithstanding the failure of any party to participate.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ORAL HEARING\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 30<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the arbitral tribunal shall decide whether the proceedings should be conducted orally or in writing. If the parties have not excluded an oral hearing, upon any party\u2019s request the arbitral tribunal shall hold such a hearing at an appropriate stage of the proceedings. Having due regard to the views of the parties and the specific circumstances of the case, the arbitral tribunal may decide to hold an oral hearing in person or by other means. The parties shall in any case have the opportunity to acknowledge and comment on the requests and pleadings of the other parties and on the result of the evidentiary proceedings.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art31\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The date of the oral hearing shall be fixed by the sole arbitrator or the chairperson. Hearings shall not be open to the public. The sole arbitrator or the chairperson shall prepare and sign minutes of the hearing, which shall contain at a minimum a summary of the hearing and its results.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DUTY TO OBJECT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 31<\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art32\"><\/a>If a party has knowledge of a violation by the arbitral tribunal of a provision of the Vienna Rules or other provisions applicable to the proceedings, it shall immediately file an objection with the arbitral tribunal, failing which the party shall be deemed to have waived its right to object.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CLOSURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND TIME FOR RENDERING THE AWARD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 32<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> As soon as the arbitral tribunal is convinced that the parties have had sufficient opportunity to make submissions and to offer evidence, the arbitral tribunal shall declare the proceedings closed as to the matters to be decided in the award. The arbitral tribunal may reopen the proceedings at any time.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art33\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)\u00a0<\/span>The award shall be rendered no later than three months after the last hearing concerning matters to be decided in an award or the filing of the last authorized submission concerning such matters, whatever is the later. The Secretary General may extend the time limit pursuant to a reasoned request from the arbitral tribunal or on its own initiative. Exceeding the time limit for the award will not render the arbitration agreement invalid or deprive the arbitral tribunal of its jurisdiction.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">INTERIM AND CONSERVATORY MEASURES \/ SECURITY FOR COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 33<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, as soon as the file has been transmitted to the arbitral tribunal (Article 11), the arbitral tribunal may, at the request of a party, order interim or conservatory measures against another party as well as amend, suspend or revoke any such measures. The other parties shall be heard before the arbitral tribunal renders any decision on interim or conservatory measures. The arbitral tribunal may require any party to provide appropriate security in connection with such a measure. The parties shall comply with such orders, irrespective of whether they are enforceable before national courts.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Any orders for interim or conservatory measures pursuant to this Article shall be in writing. In an arbitration with more than one arbitrator, the signature of the chairperson shall suffice. If the chairperson is hindered from acting, the signature of another arbitrator shall suffice, provided the arbitrator signing the order records the reasons for the absence of the chairperson\u2019s signature.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, orders for interim or conservatory measures shall state the reasons upon which they are based. The order shall identify the date on which it was issued and the place of arbitration.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Orders for interim and conservatory measures shall be retained in the same manner as awards (Article 36 paragraph 5).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The provisions of paragraphs 1 to 4 of this Article do not prevent the parties from applying to any competent national authority for interim or conservatory measures. A request to a national authority to order such measures or to enforce such measures already ordered by the arbitral tribunal shall not constitute an infringement or waiver of the arbitration agreement and shall not affect the powers of the arbitral tribunal. The parties shall immediately inform the Secretariat and the arbitral tribunal of any such request as well as of all measures ordered by the national authority.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may, at the request of a party, order any party asserting a claim or counterclaim to provide security for costs, if the requesting party shows cause that the recoverability of a potential claim for costs is, with a sufficient degree of probability, at risk. When deciding on a request for security for costs, the arbitral tribunal shall give all parties the opportunity to present their views.<a id=\"Arb_Art34\"><\/a>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> If a party fails to comply with an order by the arbitral tribunal for security for costs, the arbitral tribunal may, upon request, suspend in whole or in part, or terminate the proceedings (Article 34 paragraph 2.4).\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MEANS OF TERMINATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 34<\/p>\n<p class=\"article\"><span>Arbitral proceedings are terminated:<\/span><\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> by the rendering of the final award (Articles 36 and 37 paragraph 1); or\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> by an order of the arbitral tribunal, if\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the claimant withdraws its statement of claim, unless the respondent objects and a legitimate interest of the respondent in obtaining a final resolution of the dispute exists;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> the parties agree to the termination of the arbitration and communicate this agreement to the arbitral tribunal and to the Secretary General;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> the continuation of the proceedings has become impossible, in particular because the parties to the arbitration do not pursue the arbitration further despite a written order from the arbitral tribunal, which refers to the possibility of terminating the arbitration;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> a party fails to comply with an order by the arbitral tribunal for security for costs (Article 33 paragraph 7); or<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> by a declaration of the Secretary General\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.1<\/span> for failure to comply with an order to remedy (Article 7 paragraph 3) or a payment order (Article 10 paragraph 4 and Article 42 paragraphs 11 and 12);<a id=\"Arb_Art35\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.2<\/span> in case of paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3 if the file has not yet been transmitted to the arbitral tribunal.<\/p>\n\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DECISIONS OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 35<\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art36\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (1) <\/span>Every award and every other decision of the arbitral tribunal requires a majority ruling of its panel members. If the arbitrators cannot form a majority, the chairperson shall decide.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The chairperson may decide questions of procedure alone if so authorized by the co-arbitrators.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ARBITRAL AWARD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 36<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (1)<\/span> Awards shall be in writing. Awards shall state the reasons on which they are based unless all parties have agreed in writing or in the oral hearing that the award may exclude the reasons.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The award shall identify the date on which it was issued and the place of arbitration (Article 25).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> All original copies of an award shall be signed by all arbitrators. The signature of the majority of the arbitrators shall suffice if the award states that one of the arbitrators refused to sign or was prevented from signing by an impediment that could not be overcome within a reasonable period of time. If the award is a majority award and not a unanimous award, this shall be stated upon request of the dissenting arbitrator.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> All original copies of the award shall be signed by the Secretary General and bear the VIAC stamp, which shall confirm that it is an award of VIAC, rendered and signed by one or more arbitrators appointed under the Vienna Rules.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The Secretary General shall transmit the award to the parties in hardcopy form. If it is not possible or feasible to send the award in hardcopy form within a reasonable time, or if the parties so agree, the Secretariat may send a copy of the award in electronic form. In this case a copy of the award in hardcopy form may be sent at a later stage. Article 12 paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 apply. The Secretariat shall retain an original copy of the award and the documentation of proof of sending.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art37\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Upon request of a party, the sole arbitrator or chairperson (or in case he is prevented from acting, another arbitrator) or, in case they are prevented from doing so, the Secretary General shall confirm that the award is final and binding on all original copies.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> By agreeing to the Vienna Rules, the parties undertake to comply with the terms of the award.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">AWARD ON AGREED TERMS AND RECORDED SETTLEMENT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 37<\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art38\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Upon request of the parties, the arbitral tribunal may render an award (Article 36) on agreed terms reflecting the content of a settlement which they have reached.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The parties may request that the content of a settlement which they have reached be recorded by the arbitral tribunal. In this case, the proceedings are terminated in accordance with Article 34 paragraph 2.2.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DECISION ON COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 38<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> When the proceedings are terminated, upon request of a party, the arbitral tribunal shall set forth, in the final award or by separate award, the costs of the arbitration as determined by the Secretary General pursuant to Article 44 paragraph 1.1 and determine the amount of the appropriate costs of the parties pursuant to Article 44 paragraph 1.2, as well as other additional expenses pursuant to Article 44 paragraph 1.3.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art39\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall also establish who will bear the costs of the proceedings or the apportionment of these costs. Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the arbitral tribunal shall decide on the allocation of costs according to its own discretion. The conduct of any or all parties as well as their representatives (Article 13), and in particular their contribution to the conduct of efficient and cost-effective proceedings, may be taken into consideration by the arbitral tribunal in its decision on costs according to this Article.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 and 2, upon request by a party, the arbitral tribunal may at any stage during the arbitral proceedings make decisions on costs pursuant to Article 44 paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 and order payment.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CORRECTION, CLARIFICATION AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE ARBITRAL AWARD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 39<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Within 30 days of receipt of the award, any party may file the following applications with the Secretariat for the arbitral tribunal:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> to correct any computational, typographical, printing or similar errors in the award;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> to clarify specific parts of the award;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> to render an additional award on claims made in the arbitration but not resolved in the award.<\/p>\n<span> <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide on such an application. The other parties shall be heard before the arbitral tribunal makes its decision. The arbitral tribunal shall set a time limit for comments, which should not exceed 30 days. The Secretary General may determine an advance on costs to cover additional expenses and fees of the arbitral tribunal and administrative fees (Article 42 paragraph 12). The additional arbitrators\u2019 fees and additional administrative fees are determined by the Secretary General according to his own discretion.<\/span>\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art40\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Upon its own initiative, the arbitral tribunal may issue\ncorrections pursuant to paragraph 1.1 or supplementations pursuant to paragraph 1.3 of this Article within 30 days of the date of the award.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Article 36 applies to the supplementation of the award. Corrections and clarifications shall be issued in the form of an addendum and shall constitute an integral part of the arbitral\naward.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REMISSION TO THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 40<\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art41\"><\/a>When a national court remits proceedings to the arbitral tribunal, the provisions of the Vienna Rules on the arbitral proceedings shall apply by analogy. The Secretary General and the Board may take any measures necessary to enable the arbitral tribunal to comply with the requirements of the remission. The Secretary General may determine an advance on costs to cover additional expenses and fees of the arbitral tribunal and administrative fees\n(Article 42 paragraph 12). The additional arbitrators\u2019 fees and additional administrative fees are determined by the Secretary General according to his own discretion.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PUBLICATION OF AWARDS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 41<a id=\"Arb_Costs\"><\/a><\/p>\n<a id=\"Arb_Art42\"><\/a>The Board and the Secretary General may publish anonymized summaries or extracts of awards in legal journals or VIAC\u2019s own publications, unless a party has objected to publication within 30 days upon receipt of the award.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COSTS<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ADVANCE ON COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 42<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The Secretary General shall fix the advance on costs for VIAC\u2019s prospective administrative fees, the prospective arbitrators\u2019 fees and the prospective expenses, including any applicable value-added tax, separately for claims and counterclaims.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2) <\/span>Claims raised by way of set-off (Article 44 paragraph 6) shall \u2013 for the purpose of calculating the advance on costs \u2013 be treated as separate claims to the extent that these claims may require the arbitral tribunal to consider additional matters.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> For requests for joinder (Article 14), the Secretary General may fix separate advances on costs (paragraph 1) having regard to the circumstances of the case.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The advance on costs shall be paid in equal shares by the parties prior to the transmission of the file to the arbitral tribunal within 30 days upon receipt of the request for payment.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> In multi-party proceedings, one half of the advance on costs shall be paid jointly by the claimants and one half jointly by the respondents, unless otherwise determined by the Secretary General having regard to the circumstances of the case.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Where counterclaims or claims by way of set-off are submitted and separate advances on costs are fixed, the Secretary General may decide that each party shall pay the advance on costs corresponding to its claims.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Where the Secretary General has previously fixed advances on costs pursuant to paragraph 1 to 3, these shall be replaced by the advances fixed pursuant to paragraphs 5 and 6 and the amount of any advance paid previously by any party shall be credited towards its share of advances as determined by the Secretary General pursuant to paragraphs 5 and 6.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> By agreeing to the Vienna Rules, the parties mutually undertake to bear their respective share of the advance on costs pursuant to this Article.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> If the advance on costs allocated to one party is not received or is not received in full within the time limit specified, the Secretary General shall inform the other party\/parties and request\npayment of the outstanding amount within 30 days upon receipt of the request. This shall not affect the obligation of the nonpaying party to bear its share of the advance on costs pursuant to this Article.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(10)<\/span> If a party fails to fulfil its share of the payment obligations pursuant to this Article, and if the other party\/parties pay(s) the respective share pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Article, upon the paying party\u2019s\/parties\u2019 request and to the extent it finds that it has jurisdiction over the dispute the arbitral tribunal may order the non-paying party, by an award or other appropriate form, to reimburse the paying party\/parties for the share accruing on it\/them. This shall not affect the arbitral tribunal\u2019s authority and obligation to determine the final allocation of costs pursuant to Article 38.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(11)<\/span> In principle, the arbitral tribunal shall only address the claims or counterclaims, for which the advance on costs has been paid in full. If a payment is not made within the deadline set by the Secretary General, the arbitral tribunal may suspend the arbitral proceedings in whole or in part, or the Secretary General may terminate the arbitral proceedings (Article 34 paragraph 3) with respect to the relevant claims. This shall not prevent the parties from raising the same claims at a later time in another proceeding.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art43\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(12)<\/span> If an additional advance on costs is necessary and determined accordingly by the Secretary General, the procedure as outlined in paragraphs 1 to 11 of this Article shall apply. Until payment of the additional advance on costs, in principle, the arbitral tribunal shall not address the claims that led to the increase or additional advance on costs. If a payment is not made within the deadline set by the Secretary General, the arbitral tribunal may suspend the arbitral proceedings in whole or in part, or the Secretary General may terminate the arbitral proceedings (Article 34 paragraph 3).\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ADVANCE ON COSTS FOR\nADDITIONAL PROCEDURAL COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 43<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If the arbitral tribunal considers necessary certain procedural steps that would have cost implications, such as the appointment of experts, interpreters, or translators, a verbatim transcript of the proceedings, a site visit, or relocation of the hearing, then the arbitral tribunal shall notify the Secretary General and arrange for these prospective costs to be covered.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may undertake the procedural steps provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article only once the prospective costs are sufficiently covered.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art44\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide which consequences for the proceedings shall arise, if any, from a failure to pay a required advance on costs pursuant to this Article.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> All orders related to the procedural steps mentioned in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be undertaken by the arbitral tribunal for and on the account of the parties.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COMPOSITION AND CALCULATION OF THE PROCEDURAL COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 44<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The costs of the arbitration consist of:\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> the administrative fees of VIAC, the arbitrators\u2019 fees and the reasonable expenses (such as arbitrators\u2019 or tribunal secretary\u2019s travel and subsistence costs, costs for sending of communications, rent, court reporter fees), including any applicable value-added tax; as well as<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the parties\u2019 costs, i.e. the reasonable expenses of the parties for their legal representation; and<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> other expenses related to the arbitration, in particular those listed in Article 43 paragraph 1.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Secretary General shall calculate the administrative fees and the arbitrators\u2019 fees on the basis of the schedule of fees (Annex 3) according to the amount in dispute and determine these fees together with the expenses at the end of the proceedings (paragraph 1.1 of this Article). Prior to termination of the arbitral proceedings, the Secretary General may make payments on account to the arbitrators in consideration of the stage of the proceedings. The arbitral tribunal shall determine and fix the costs and other expenses outlined in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 of this Article in the award (Article 38).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> In fixing the amount in dispute, the Secretary General may deviate from the parties\u2019 determination if the parties have made only a partial claim or if a party has clearly undervalued its claim or assigned no value to it.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If more than two parties are involved in an arbitration, the amount of administrative fees and arbitrators\u2019 fees listed in Annex 3 shall be increased by 10 percent for each additional party, up to a maximum increase of 50 percent. This increased amount will then be the basis for a further increase or decrease according to paragraph 8 of this Article.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> For counterclaims (Article 9), the Secretary General shall calculate and determine the administrative fees and arbitrators\u2019 fees separately.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> For claims raised by way of set-off against the principal claims, the Secretary General may calculate and determine the administrative and arbitrators\u2019 fees separately to the extent that these claims have required the arbitral tribunal to consider additional matters.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> For requests for joinder of third parties (Article 14), the Secretary General may calculate and determine the administrative fees and arbitrators\u2019 fees separately, having regard to the circumstances of the case.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> The arbitrators\u2019 fees listed in Annex 3 apply to sole arbitrators. The total fee for a panel of arbitrators is two-and-a-half times the rate of a sole arbitrator. The Secretary General may increase the arbitrators\u2019 fees according to his own discretion by a maximum total of 40 percent vis-\u00e0-vis the schedule of fees (Annex 3), in particular for especially complex cases or for especially efficient conduct of proceedings; conversely, the Secretary General may decrease the arbitrators\u2019 fees by a maximum total of 40 percent, in particular for inefficient conduct of proceedings.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> The fees listed in Annex 3 comprise all partial and interim decisions such as awards on jurisdiction, partial awards, decisions on the challenge of experts, orders for conservatory or interim measures, other decisions including additional procedural steps in setting aside proceedings, and procedural orders.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(10)<\/span> A reduction in the amount in dispute shall be taken into consideration in the calculation of the administrative and arbitrators\u2019 fees only if the reduction was made before transmission of the file to the arbitral tribunal.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(11)<\/span> If the proceedings or the arbitrator\u2019s mandate are prematurely terminated, the Secretary General may reduce the administrative and the arbitrators\u2019 fees according to his own discretion in consideration of the stage of the proceedings at the time of termination. If arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules are commenced before, during or after proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the Secretary General may apply this paragraph by analogy for the calculation of the arbitrators\u2019 fees.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(12)<\/span> If proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules are commenced before, during, or after arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the administrative fees of the preceding proceedings shall be deducted from the administrative fees in the subsequently commenced proceedings.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_MiscellaneousProvisions\"><\/a><a id=\"Arb_Art45\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(13)<\/span>\u00a0The fees listed in Annex 3 do not include value added tax, which may apply to the arbitrator\u2019s fees. Upon accepting their mandate, those arbitrators whose fees are subject to value added tax shall inform the Secretary General of the\nprospective amount of value added tax.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">EXPEDITED PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 45<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The supplementary rules on expedited proceedings apply if the parties have expressly included them in their arbitration agreement or if the parties subsequently agree on their application. Such party agreement on the conduct of expedited proceedings shall occur no later than the submission of the answer to the statement of claim.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Unless the rules on expedited proceedings provide otherwise, the general provisions of the Vienna Rules shall apply with the following deviations:\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The time limit for payment of the advance on costs pursuant to Article 42 shall be reduced to 15 days.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Counterclaims or set-off-claims are admissible only until the expiry of the time limit for submission of the answer to the statement of claim.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Expedited proceedings shall be conducted by a sole arbitrator, unless the parties have agreed on a panel of arbitrators.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> If the dispute is to be decided by a sole arbitrator, the parties shall jointly nominate a sole arbitrator within 15 days of receiving such a request from the Secretary General. If the parties fail to nominate the sole arbitrator within this time limit, the Board shall appoint the sole arbitrator.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Where the dispute is to be decided by a panel of arbitrators, the claimant shall nominate an arbitrator in its statement of claim. The respondent shall nominate an arbitrator within 15 days of receipt of a request from the Secretary General. The arbitrators nominated by the parties shall nominate a chairperson within 15 days of receipt of a request from the Secretary General. If an arbitrator is not nominated within this time period, the Board shall appoint the arbitrator.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall render a final award within six months of transmission of the file, unless the proceedings are prematurely terminated. The Secretary General may extend the time limit pursuant to a reasoned request from the arbitral tribunal or on its own initiative. Exceeding the time limit for the award will not render the arbitration agreement invalid or deprive the arbitral tribunal of its jurisdiction.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> The arbitration shall be administered in such a manner that the arbitral tribunal can render a final award within six months after the transmission of the file. Unless the arbitral tribunal determines otherwise, the following provisions shall apply:\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">9.1<\/span> After the submission of the statement of claim and the answer to the statement of claim, the parties will exchange only one further written submission.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">9.2<\/span> The parties shall make all factual arguments in their written submissions and all written evidence shall be attached to the written submissions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">9.3<\/span> To the extent requested by a party or deemed necessary by the arbitral tribunal, the arbitral tribunal shall hold a single oral hearing, in which all evidence will be taken and all legal issues addressed.<a id=\"Arb_Art46\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">9.4<\/span> No written submissions shall be filed after the oral hearing.<\/p>\n\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DISCLAIMER AND WAIVER OF IMMUNITY<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 46<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The liability of the arbitrator, the tribunal secretary, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Board and its members, as well as the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and its employees for any act or omission in relation to the arbitration is excluded, unless such act or omission constitutes willful misconduct or gross negligence.\n\n<a id=\"Arb_Art47\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span>\u00a0By agreeing to submit a dispute to arbitration pursuant to the Vienna Rules, a party shall be deemed to have waived any right of immunity from jurisdiction in respect of proceedings relating to the arbitration to which such party might otherwise be entitled. A waiver of immunity relating to the enforcement of an arbitral award must be expressed separately.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ENTRY INTO FORCE AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 47<a id=\"Med_Part_2\"><\/a><\/p>\nThe Vienna Rules 2021 entered into force on 1 July 2021 and apply to all proceedings commenced after 30 June 2021. This version of the Vienna Rules 2021 as amended by the resolution of the Extended Presiding Committee of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber dated 27 November 2024, enter into force on 1 January 2025 and apply to all proceedings commenced after the 31 December 2024 (\u201cVienna Rules 2021 in the version of 1 January 2025\u201c).\n<a id=\"Part_2\"><\/a>\n<h1>PART II\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC RULES OF MEDIATION<\/span><\/h1>\nVIENNA MEDIATION RULES | in the version of 1 January 2025\n<h4><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AND APPLICABLE VERSION OF THE\nVIENNA MEDIATION RULES\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<span>Article 1<\/span>\n\n<span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)\u00a0<\/span>The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (\u201cVIAC\u201d) is the Permanent International Arbitration Institution of the Austrian\nFederal Economic Chamber<\/span><sup>1<\/sup>. VIAC administers domestic and\ninternational arbitrations as well as proceedings pursuant to other alternative dispute resolution methods, if the parties have agreed upon the VIAC Rules of Arbitration (\u201cVienna Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Investment Arbitration (\u201cVienna Investment Arbitration Rules\u201d),\nthe VIAC Rules of Investment Mediation (\u201cVienna Investment Mediation Rules\u201d); or if it has been otherwise agreed or foreseen that VIAC should serve as the administering institution.\n\n<span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span>Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the Vienna Mediation Rules shall apply in the version in effect at the time of the commencement of the proceedings if the parties, before or after the dispute has arisen, have agreed to submit their dispute to the Vienna Mediation Rules.\n\n<span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The Vienna Mediation Rules may be amended by a written agreement of all parties. Following the appointment of the mediator, any amendment is also subject to the mediator\u2019s consent.\n\n<span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The Board may refuse to administer proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules if any agreed amendments are\nincompatible with the Vienna Mediation Rules.\n\n<a id=\"Med_Art2\"><\/a><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> To the extent the Vienna Mediation Rules do not contain any rules on a specific issue and to the extent compatible with the Vienna Mediation Rules, the Vienna Rules shall apply by analogy.\n\n<sub><sup>1<\/sup>According to Section 139 paragraph 2 of the Federal Statute on the Economic Chambers 1998 (\u201cWirtschaftskammergesetz 1998\u201d), Federal Law Gazette I No 103\/1998 as amended by Federal Law Gazette I No 27\/2021<\/sub>\n<h4><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DEFINITIONS \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 2<\/p>\n<p class=\"article\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> In den Wiener Mediationsregeln bezieht sich <\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> <strong>proceedings<\/strong> refer to a mediation, any other alternative dispute resolution method chosen by the parties, or a combination of dispute resolution methods that are supported by a third-party neutral and conducted under the Vienna Mediation Rules;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> <strong>third-party neutral<\/strong> refers to a mediator, a conciliator, another neutral or several such neutrals who support the parties in the resolution of their dispute but have no authority to render a binding decision on the parties\u2019 dispute;\nhereinafter, the term \u201cmediator\u201d is used as a substitute for all third-party neutrals;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> <strong>party<\/strong> refers to one or more parties who agree or have agreed to submit their dispute to the Vienna Mediation Rules;<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.4<\/span> <strong>Board<\/strong>, <strong>Secretary General<\/strong> und <strong>Secretariat<\/strong> shall have the meaning and functions set forth in Articles 2 and 4 of the VIAC Rules of Arbitration (\u201cVienna Rules\u201d).\n\n<a id=\"Med_Art3\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> To the extent the terms used in the Vienna Mediation Rules refer to natural persons, the form chosen shall apply to all genders. In practice, the terms in these rules shall be used in a\ngender-specific manner.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> References to \u201cArticles\u201d without further specification relate to the relevant Articles of the Vienna Mediation Rules.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COMMENCING THE PROCEEDINGS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 3<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Proceedings shall be initiated by submitting a request. The proceedings shall commence on the date of receipt of the request by the Secretariat of VIAC or by an Austrian Regional Economic Chamber in hardcopy form or in electronic form (Article 12 paragraph 1 Vienna Rules), in the event of an agreement of the parties to submit their dispute to the Vienna Mediation Rules. Absent such an agreement, the proceedings shall commence on the date on which such agreement was subsequently concluded by the parties.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The request should include the following:\n<p style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> the full names, addresses, including electronic mail addresses, and other contact details of the parties and any comment on the parties\u2019 nationalities;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> a short description of the facts and the dispute;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> the amount in dispute;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> the full name, address and other contact details of the mediator nominated, or attributes that a mediator to be appointed should have;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> particulars or proposals regarding an agreement of the parties to submit their dispute for\nesolution under the Vienna Mediation Rules, in particular as regards<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 60px; padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">i.<\/span>\u00a0 the number of mediators;;\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ii.<\/span> the language(s) to be used in the proceedings.<\/p>\n<a id=\"Med_Art4\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If the request was not submitted jointly by all parties, the Secretary General informs the other parties of the receipt of such request and forwards it for comments within a set time limit.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REGISTRATION FEE <\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 4<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If an agreement between the parties to submit their dispute to the Vienna Mediation Rules already exists, the registration fee shall be paid net of any charges in the amount stipulated in Annex 3 within the time limit set by the Secretary General. Absent such agreement, the registration fee shall be paid only upon subsequent conclusion of such agreement.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The registration fee is non-refundable. The registration fee shall not be deducted from the paying party\u2019s advance on costs.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3) <\/span>If arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules are commenced before, during, or after the proceedings under the Vienna\nMediation Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the registration fee of the preceding proceedings shall be credited to the registration fee in the subsequently commenced proceedings.\n\n<a id=\"Med_Art5\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4) <\/span>The Secretary General may extend the time limit for the payment of the registration fee as appropriate. If payment is not effected within the time limit set, the Secretary General may declare the proceedings terminated.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PLACE OF THE SESSIONS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 5<\/p>\n<a id=\"Med_Art6\"><\/a>Irrespective of any preceding or parallel arbitral proceedings, the mediator shall, in consultation with the parties and after giving due consideration to all the circumstances, determine the place of the mediation session(s). If the mediator deems it appropriate, the mediator may determine a different place for each session.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">LANGUAGE OF THE PROCEEDINGS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 6<a id=\"Med_Art7\"><\/a><\/p>\nImmediately after transmission of the file (Article 9 paragraph 1), the mediator, after consultation with the parties and giving due consideration to all the circumstances, shall determine the language(s) of the proceedings.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">APPOINTMENT OF THE MEDIATOR\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 7<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Absent an agreement of the parties regarding the identity of the mediator or the manner of appointment, the Secretary\nGeneral shall set a time limit and invite the parties to jointly nominate a mediator and indicate his name, address, including electronic mail address, and contact details.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Secretariat may assist the parties in the joint nomination of the mediator in particular by proposing one or more persons\nfrom which the parties may jointly nominate one or more mediators. If the parties fail to jointly nominate a mediator, the Board shall appoint the mediator. In so doing, the Board shall give due consideration to the parties\u2019 preferences regarding the\nattributes of the mediator.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Prior to the appointment of the mediator by the Board or the confirmation of the nominated mediator, the mediator shall sign\nand submit to the Secretary General a declaration confirming his (i) impartiality and independence, (ii) availability, (iii) qualification, (iv) acceptance of office, and (v) submission to the Vienna Mediation Rules. The mediator shall disclose in writing all\ncircumstances that could give rise to doubts as to his impartiality or independence or that conflict with the agreement of the parties. This duty of the mediator continues to apply throughout the proceedings. The Secretary General shall forward a copy of these statements to the parties for comment.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span>If there are no doubts as to the impartiality and independence of the mediator and his ability to duly carry out his mandate, the Board shall appoint the mediator or the Secretary General shall confirm the nominated mediator. If deemed necessary by the Secretary General, the Board shall decide whether to confirm a nominated mediator. Prior to the decision of the Board, the Secretary General may request comments from the mediator to\nbe confirmed and from the parties. All comments shall be communicated to the parties and the mediator. Upon confirmation, the nominated mediator shall be deemed appointed.\n<a id=\"Med_Art8\"><\/a>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> If the confirmation of a mediator is rejected or if the replacement of a mediator becomes necessary, paragraphs 1 to 4\nshall apply <em>mutatis mutandis<\/em>.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ADVANCE ON COSTS AND COSTS <\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\"> Article8<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #b40404;\">(1) <\/span>The Secretary General shall determine a preliminary advance on costs for the prospective administrative fees of VIAC, the down payment on the mediator\u2019s fees and the anticipated expenses (such as travel and subsistence costs of the mediator, delivery charges, rent, etc), including any value-added tax. The preliminary advance on costs shall be paid by the parties prior to the transmission of the file to the mediator and within a time limit set by the Secretary General. The prospective administrative fees shall be calculated on the basis of the amount in dispute in accordance with the schedule of fees (Annex 3). The amounts indicated in the schedule of fees (Annex 3) represent the applicable maximum amounts.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (2)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise in writing, the advance on costs shall be borne by the parties in equal shares, and\nin case of multiparty mediation, they are shared pro rata. If the advance on costs allocated to one party is not received or is not received in full within the time limit specified, the Secretary General shall inform the other party\/parties. The other party\/ parties is\/are at liberty to bear the outstanding share of the advance on costs. If this share is not paid within the time limit specified, the mediator may suspend the proceedings in whole or in part, or the Secretary General may declare the proceedings terminated (Article 11 paragraph 1.5).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If an additional advance on costs is necessary and determined accordingly by the Secretary General, in particular to cover the mediator\u2019s fees and anticipated expenses, paragraph 2 of this Article shall apply.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Upon termination of the proceedings, the Secretary General shall calculate the administrative fees and the mediator\u2019s fees and\nfix these fees together with the expenses. The administrative fees of VIAC shall be fixed at the discretion of the Secretary General, taking the specific circumstances of the case into account, and shall not exceed the maximum amounts indicated in the schedule of fees (Annex 3).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> In fixing the amount in dispute, the Secretary General may deviate from the parties\u2019 determination, if the parties have clearly undervalued it or assigned no value to it.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> The amount of the mediator\u2019s fees shall be calculated according to the actual time spent on the basis of hourly or daily fee rates. The fee rates shall be fixed by the Secretary General at the time of the mediator\u2019s appointment or confirmation following consultation with the mediator and the parties. The Secretary General shall consider the proportionality of the fees and take into account the complexity of the dispute. There shall be no separate\nfee arrangements between the parties and the mediator.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the parties shall bear their own costs, including the costs of legal representation.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> If arbitral proceedings under the Vienna Rules are commenced before, during, or after proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules between the same parties and concerning the same subject matter, the administrative fees of the preceding proceedings shall be deducted from the administrative fees in the subsequently commenced proceedings.\n<a id=\"Med_Art9\"><\/a>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONDUCT OF THE PROCEEDINGS\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 9<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span>The Secretary General shall transmit the file to the mediator if:\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> a request in accordance with Article 3 has been submitted;\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> the mediator has been appointed; and\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> the preliminary advance on costs in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 1 has been paid in full.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The mediator shall promptly discuss with the parties the manner in which the proceedings shall be conducted. The mediator shall assist the parties in finding an acceptable and satisfactory solution for their dispute. In conducting the proceedings, the mediator shall be in control of the proceedings while letting himself be guided by the wishes of the parties insofar\nas they are in agreement and in line with the purpose of the proceedings.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The proceedings may be conducted in person or by other means. Having due regard to the circumstances of the case and\nafter consultation with the parties, the mediator may decide to utilize any technological means as it considers appropriate to conduct proceedings remotely. In any case, the mediator shall seek to maintain fair treatment of the parties.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The parties are free to select their mediation team. The mediator may offer guidance in this respect. Each party shall personally participate in a session with the mediator, or be represented by a duly appointed and authorized person having the authority to settle the dispute. The name, address and function of such persons shall be communicated to all parties and to the mediator in advance of the mediation or without delay. This communication shall also indicate the intended role of such person in the mediation.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Throughout the proceedings, the parties shall act in good faith, fairly and respectfully.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Sessions with the mediator are not public. Only the following individuals shall be permitted to attend:\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #b40404;\">-<\/span> the mediator;\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> the parties; and\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> persons whose attendance was announced to the mediator and the other party in a timely manner before the respective\nsession (paragraph 4 of this Article) and who have signed a written confidentiality agreement in accordance with Article 12.<\/p>\n<a id=\"Med_Art10\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> If the mediator considers it appropriate, the mediator may meet with a party in the absence of the other party (<em>caucus<\/em>). The mediator shall keep confidential the information given by one party in the absence of the other party, unless the party giving the information expressly waives such confidentiality vis-\u00e0-vis the other\nparty and the mediator agrees to pass on such information.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">PARALLEL PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 10<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> In the absence of a deviating agreement between the parties, a party may commence or continue any legal, arbitral or other\nproceedings in respect of the same dispute, irrespective of whether proceedings are being conducted under the Vienna Investment Mediation Rules.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> If the parties have agreed on mediation excluding parallel proceedings, the following provisions shall apply insofar as the\nparties have not agreed otherwise in writing:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> The number of mediators shall be one.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> The mediator shall be jointly nominated by the parties. If the parties do not agree on the mediator, the appointment shall be made by the Board in accordance with Article 7.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> The mediator nominated by the parties or appointed by the Board shall have the appropriate qualifications to perform his function. In case the Board appoints such qualifications shall be deemed to be given if the mediators are listed on the VIAC List of Practitioners in International Mediation and ADR and if the Board has no doubts as to the ability of the mediator to duly carry out his mandate in accordance with the Article 7 paragraph 4.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> The location of the mediation sessions shall be determined by mutual agreement of the parties, otherwise by the mediator in accordance with Article 5.<a id=\"Med_Art11\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> If the dispute is not settled within three months from commencing the proceedings (Article 3) or if the mediation is terminated in accordance with Article 11 (excluding paragraph 1.2), parallel proceedings shall no longer be excluded and the parties may commence any court, arbitral or other proceedings.<\/p>\n\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">TERMINATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 11<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Proceedings shall be terminated by way of a written confirmation by the Secretary General to the parties and upon occurrence of the earliest of the following circumstances:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> an agreement of the parties to settle the entire dispute;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> the notification in writing by any party to the mediator or the Secretary General that it does not wish to continue the proceedings;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> the notification in writing by the mediator to the parties that the proceedings will, in his opinion, not resolve the dispute between them;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.4<\/span> the notification in writing by the mediator to the parties that the proceedings are terminated;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.5<\/span> the notification in writing by the Secretary General regarding the failure<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 60px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">i.<\/span>\u00a0 to appoint a mediator in accordance with Article 7 paragraphs 1 to 4;\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ii.<\/span> to comply with a payment order (Articles 4 and 8) in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<a id=\"Med_Art12\"><\/a><a id=\"Med_Art12\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The proceedings may also be terminated in part if one of the grounds for termination listed under paragraph 1 applies to only a part of the dispute.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> In the cases listed under paragraphs 1.1 to 1.4 and paragraph 2, the mediator shall immediately inform the Secretary General of\nthe circumstance of the termination.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">CONFIDENTIALITY, ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND SUBSEQUENT REPRESENTATION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 12<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The individuals listed under Article 9 paragraph 6 shall treat as confidential any information that has come to their attention in connection with the proceedings and that would not have come to their attention had the proceedings not taken place.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Any written documents that were obtained during the proceedings and that would otherwise not have been obtained shall not be used in subsequent legal, arbitral or other proceedings. Any statements, views, proposals and admissions made during the proceedings as well as any party\u2019s\nwillingness to settle the dispute amicably shall also remain confidential. Regarding any or all of the foregoing, the mediator shall not be called as a witness.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The obligations under paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply if the law governing these proceedings contains mandatory provisions to the contrary or if disclosure is required for the implementation or the enforcement of an agreement for the termination of these proceedings.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The fact that the proceedings are taking place, have taken place or will take place shall not be confidential.\n\n<a id=\"Med_Art13\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The mediator shall not act as attorney or represent the parties in any other capacity or otherwise advise the parties in legal, arbitral or other proceedings regarding the dispute that constitutes or constituted the subject matter of the proceedings under the Vienna Rules.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DISCLAIMER<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 13<\/p>\n<a id=\"Med_Art14\"><\/a>The liability of the mediator, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Board and its members, as well as the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and its employees for any act or omission in relation to the proceedings under the Vienna Mediation Rules is excluded, unless such act or omission constitutes willful misconduct or gross negligence.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ENTRY INTO FORCE AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 14<\/p>\n<a id=\"Part_3\"><\/a>The Vienna Mediation Rules 2021 entered into force on 1 July\n2021 and apply to all proceedings commenced after 30 June 2021. This version of the Vienna Mediation Rules 2021 as amended by the resolution of the Extended Presiding Committee of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber dated 27 November 2024, enter into force on 1 January 2025 and apply to all proceedings commenced after the 31 December 2024 (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules 2021 in the version of 1 January 2025\u201d).\n<h1>PART III\n<a id=\"Annex_1\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEXES<\/span> TO THE VIAC RULES OF ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION<sup>1<\/sup><\/h1>\n<sub><sup>1<\/sup> The Annexes 1-7 are an integral part of the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and the VIAC Rules of Mediation<\/sub>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 1\nMODEL CLAUSES\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ARBITRATION CLAUSE<\/span><\/h4>\nWhere the parties wish to submit a dispute to arbitration in accordance with the Vienna Rules, they may conclude an arbitration clause in the following form:\n\n<em>All disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this contract, including disputes relating to its validity, breach, termination or nullity, shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration (Vienna Rules) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber by one or three arbitrators appointed in accordance with the said Rules.<\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Parties may wish to stipulate the following in the arbitration clause:<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> the number of arbitrators (one or three) (Article 17 Vienna Rules);\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> the language(s) to be used in the arbitral proceedings (Article 26 Vienna Rules);\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> the substantive law applicable to the contractual relationship, the substantive law applicable to the arbitration agreement\n(Article 27 Vienna Rules), and the rules applicable to the proceedings (Article 28 Vienna Rules);\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> the applicability of the provisions on expedited proceedings (Article 45 Vienna Rules);\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> the scope of the arbitrators\u2019 confidentiality (Article 16 paragraph 2 Vienna Rules) and its extension regarding parties, representatives and experts.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span>\u00a0If the parties wish to conduct <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Arb-Med-Arb proceedings<\/span>, the following addition to the model arbitration clause should be included:\n\n<em>Furthermore, the parties agree to jointly consider, after due initiation of the arbitration, to conduct proceedings in accordance with the Mediation Rules of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Vienna Mediation Rules). Settlements that are generated in such proceedings shall be referred to the arbitral tribunal appointed in the arbitration. The arbitral tribunal may render an award on agreed terms reflecting the content of the settlement (Article 37 paragraph 1 Vienna Rules).<\/em>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MEDIATION CLAUSES<\/span><\/h4>\nIn the event that the parties wish to submit disputes or claims to mediation in accordance with the Vienna Mediation Rules, they may wish to conclude a mediation clause in one of the following forms (The headings do not constitute part of the clause. Words\/blanks in square brackets should be deleted\/completed as appropriate):\n\n<strong>Model Clause 1: Mediation Agreement to be Inserted into a Contract<\/strong>\n\n<em>The parties agree with regard to all disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this contract, including disputes as to its validity, breach, termination or nullity, to conduct mediation proceedings in accordance with the Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC).<\/em>\n\n<strong>Model Clause 2: Agreement to Refer an Existing Dispute to Mediation<\/strong>\n\n<em>The parties agree with regard to all disputes or claims in connection with the specific dispute described below to conduct mediation proceedings in accordance with the Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC):<\/em> [description of the dispute].\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">\nSUPPLEMENTARY TERMS TO THE MEDIATION CLAUSES<\/span><\/h4>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">The parties may also wish to stipulate the following:<\/span>\n\n<strong><em>(1) Number of Mediators\n(<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>(if more than one mediator is agreed upon)<\/em><\/strong>\n\nThe number of mediators shall be: [insert number (e.g. two)].\nThe rules of appointment apply to each mediator.\n\n<strong><em>(2) Location of the Mediation Sessions<\/em><\/strong>\n\nThe location of the mediation sessions shall be:\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 [insert location].\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0determined by the mediator.\n\n<strong><em>(3) Language<\/em><\/strong>\n\nThe language(s) to be used in the mediation proceedings is\/are: [insert language(s)].\n\n<strong><em>(4) Appointment of the Mediator<\/em><\/strong>\n\nThe mediator[s] shall be\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 [insert name(s)], subject to confirmation by the Secretary General of VIAC or the VIAC Board in accordance with the Vienna Mediation Rules. If they are not confirmed, the appointment shall be made in accordance with the Vienna Mediation Rules.\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 jointly nominated by the parties. If the parties do not agree on the mediator[s], the appointment shall be made by the VIAC Board in accordance with the Vienna Mediation Rules.\n\n<strong><em>(5) Qualifications of the Mediator<\/em><\/strong>\n\nThe mediator[s] shall have\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the appropriate qualifications to perform their function[s].\n\u25a1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the appropriate qualifications as well as the following qualifications: [insert qualifications specified by the parties].\nIf the VIAC Board appoints, the appropriate qualifications shall be deemed to be given if the mediator[s] are listed on the VIAC List of Practitioners in International Mediation and ADR and the VIAC Board has no doubts as to the ability of the mediator[s] to duly carry out their mandate.\n\n<strong><em>(6) Supplementary Arbitral Proceedings<\/em><\/strong>\n\nThe parties agree that, if one party wishes to resolve their disputes or claims outside of mediation, these shall be finally settled in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration (Vienna Rules) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC) by one or three arbitrators appointed in accordance with these Rules.\n\n<strong><em>(7) Exclusion of Parallel Proceedings<\/em><\/strong>\n\nThe parties agree to first refer any disputes or claims under this agreement to mediation. Only if it has not been resolved by mediation within [insert a time limit (e.g. 90 days up to a maximum of six months)] from commencing the proceedings\nas defined in the Vienna Mediation Rules, this dispute or claim may be initiated or continued in court, arbitral, or other proceedings with the exception of proceedings to obtain provisional or protective measures.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MODEL CLAUSE FOR VIAC AS\nAPPOINTING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h4>\nIt is recommended that parties wishing to select VIAC as appointing authority pursuant to Annex 4 insert the following wording in their arbitration \/ mediation clause:\n\n<em>The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber shall act as appointing authority in accordance with Annex 4 to the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation.<\/em>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MODEL CLAUSE FOR VIAC AS ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h4>\nIt is recommended that parties wishing to select VIAC as administering authority pursuant to Annex 5 insert the following wording in their arbitration \/ mediation clause:\n\n<em>The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber shall act as administering authority in accordance with Annex 5 to the VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation.<\/em>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MODEL ARBITRATION CLAUSE FOR DISPUTES\nRELATING TO SUCCESSION<\/span><\/h4>\nWhere the deceased wishes to submit a dispute relating to succession to arbitration in accordance with Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules, the deceased may insert into the disposition of property upon death \/ agreement as to succession \/ will an arbitration clause in the following form:\n\n<em>All disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this <\/em>[succession \/ disposition of property upon death \/ agreement\nas to succession \/ will]<em> of <\/em>[name, surname, date of birth, citizenship,\naddress of the deceased]<em>, including disputes relating to the\nsuccession, the existence of legacies, the content and validity of the <\/em>[disposition of property upon death \/ agreement as to succession \/\nwill]<em>, shall be finally settled under Annex 6 to the Rules of Arbitration\n(Vienna Rules) of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC) of\nthe Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, by one or three arbitrators\nappointed in accordance with the said Rules.<\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">The deceased may wish to stipulate the following in the arbitration clause:span>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> the number of arbtirators (one or three) (Article 17 as amended by Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules);\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> place of arbitration (Article 25 as amended by Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules);\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3<\/span>) the language(s) to be used in the arbitral proceedings (Article 26 as amended by Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules);\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> the applicable law for the dispute relating to succession and the applicable law for the arbitration agreement (according to\nArticle 27 paragraph 1 as amended by Annex 6 to the Vienna Rules, the applicable law shall be the law applicable under the conflict-of-law rules at the place of the habitual residence of the deceased at the time of death, or the law that may be chosen thereunder);\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> the scope of the arbitrators\u2019 confidentiality (Article 16 paragraph 2 Vienna Rules) and its extension regarding parties,\nrepresentatives and experts.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">MODEL ARBITRATION CLAUSE FOR\nARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION<\/span><\/h4>\nIf parties, in particular in the articles of association, wish to agree on an arbitration clause with the intention of extending the binding effect of the arbitral award to shareholders or the company itself, even if they are not named as parties to the arbitration proceedings, they may include the following arbitration clause. The arbitration clause must be included in its entirety:\n\n<em>All disputes or claims arising between shareholders, between the company and its shareholders, between the company and its governing bodies or between governing bodies arising out of or in connection with these articles of association, including disputes concerning their validity, breach, termination or nullity, shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration (Vienna Rules) of the International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC) by one or three arbitrators appointed in accordance with said Rules. The place of arbitration shall be Vienna <\/em>[or another place in Austria]<em>.<\/em>\n\n<em> The following special participation rights shall apply to disputes in which the binding effects of the arbitral award are intended to be extended to shareholders or the company itself, even if they are not named as parties to the proceeding, such as in particular disputes concerning shareholder resolutions, as well as disputes concerning their contestability, defectiveness or nullity.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Commencing of the Proceedings<\/span><\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (1)<\/span> The Secretary General shall transmit the statement of claim to the respondent and the named affected entities in accordance with Article 7 paragraph 4 Vienna Rules.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> (2)<\/span> The respondent may in its answer to the statement of claim (Article 8 Vienna Rules), and the named affected entity in its\ndeclaration to join (Article 3 Annex 7 Vienna Rules), name additional affected entities who were not named by the claimant, stating their full names and addresses, including electronic mail addresses, and other contact details.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> If the company is the respondent, the company shall take every appropriate measure to ensure that all affected entities are included. At the request of the Secretary General the company shall provide\ninformation on the measures taken within a time limit set by the Secretary General.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> The Secretary General shall proceed pursuant to Article 2 paragraph 3 Annex 7 Vienna Rules if additional affected entities\nare named. <\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Option to Join<\/span><\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> The Secretary General shall request the affected entities to submit a declaration to join within 30 days of receipt of the statement of claim respectively answer to the statement of claim. The Secretary\nGeneral shall simultaneously inform the affected entities of their right to information pursuant to Article 8 Annex 7 Vienna Rules.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> If a declaration to join pursuant to Article 2 paragraph 4 Annex 7 Vienna Rules lists additional named entities, the statement of claim and the answer to the statement of claim as well as a copy of the declaration to join naming them shall be transmitted in hardcopy form to the newly named affected entity, with the request to submit a declaration to join within 30 days of receipt in accordance with Article 3 Annex 7 Vienna Rules.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Joinder of Affected Entities<\/span><\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> By submitting the declaration to join within the set time period, the named affected entity joins the proceedings (\u201cjoined affected entity\u201d). Declarations to join submitted in accordance with Article 3 Annex 7 Vienna Rules shall be transmitted to the parties by the Secretary General.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(8)<\/span> If the claimant and the respondent agree, the joined affected entity may join the proceeding as a party on the side of the claimant or the respondent.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(9)<\/span> Prior to the transmission of the file (Article 11 Vienna Rules), the Secretary General shall, in electronic form, inform all parties and those named affected entities whose time limit to join has not yet elapsed, of the joining of an affected entity.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(10)<\/span> If a named affected entity does not submit its declaration to join within the set time period, the right to participate in the constitution of the arbitral tribunal shall be deemed waived. The option for the\nnamed affected entity to join the proceeding as an intervening party (Article 5 Annex 7 Vienna Rules) shall remain unaffected thereby.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(11)<\/span> If a named affected entity joins the proceeding after the time limit set in Article 3 paragraph 1 Annex 7 Vienna Rules has elapsed, this shall be deemed as (i) consent to the constituted arbitral tribunal, and (ii) acceptance of the proceeding as it stands at the time of joining.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Intervention<\/span><\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(12)<\/span> Affected entities may join the proceeding as an intervening party at any time until its termination (Article 34 Vienna Rules). The request must contain the information specified in Article 3 paragraph 3.1 Annex 7 Vienna Rules.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(13)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the joinder pursuant to Article 14 paragraphs 1 and 2 Vienna Rules taking into account that the named affected entity has the right to participate in the\nproceedings as an intervening party, and that the discretion of the arbitral tribunal is limited in this respect.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal<\/span><\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(14)<\/span>If the dispute is to be resolved by a sole arbitrator, the parties and the joined affected entities shall jointly nominate a sole arbitrator and indicate the arbitrator\u2019s name, address, including electronic mail address, and other contact details within 30 days after receiving the Secretary General\u2019s request. If such nomination is not made within this time period, the sole arbitrator shall be appointed by the Board. The last day on which a party or a joined\naffected entity received the request shall be the day triggering the commencement of the time limit (Article 12 Vienna Rules).<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(15)<\/span> If the dispute is to be resolved by a panel of arbitrators, the parties and the joined affected entities on claimant\u2019s and\nrespondent\u2019s side shall each jointly nominate an arbitrator. Deviating from Article 7 paragraph 2.5 and Article 8 paragraph 2.4 Vienna Rules, the nomination of an arbitrator in the statement of claim or the answer to the statement of claim is a non-binding proposal. The Secretary General shall request the parties and the joined\naffected entities on the claimant\u2019s and respondent\u2019s side to jointly nominate an arbitrator within 30 days after receiving the request. The last day on which a party or a joined affected entity received the request shall be the day triggering the commencement of the time limit (Article 12 Vienna Rules). If a joint arbitrator is not nominated within this time period, the Board shall proceed in accordance with\nArticle 18 paragraph 4 Vienna Rules.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(16)<\/span> The forwarding of declarations pursuant to Article 16 paragraph 3 and 4 Vienna Rules as provided for in Article 19 paragraph 1 Vienna Rules as well as the possibility to request comments as\nprovided for in Article 19 paragraph 2 Vienna Rules also apply to joined affected entities. Joined affected entities may challenge arbitrators pursuant to Article 20 Vienna Rules.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Concentration of Proceedings Through Consolidation<\/span><\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(17)<\/span> Two or more proceedings concerning the same resolution shall be consolidated by the Board at the request of a party, a joined\naffected entity or at the proposal of the Secretary General, applying Article 15 Vienna Rules mutatis mutandis. Deviating from Article 15 paragraph 1.1 Vienna Rules, the consolidation is also admissible even if not all parties and joined affected entities agree.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(18)<\/span> If a request for consolidation is made prior to the confirmation of the nomination or the appointment of an arbitrator, the constitution of the arbitral tribunal shall be governed by Article 6 Annex 7 Vienna Rules. Thereafter, the proceedings shall be consolidated into the proceedings first commenced, unless the parties and joined affected entities agree otherwise. In this case, the Board may revoke arbitrator appointments already made and order the renewed constitution of the arbitral tribunal in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 6 Annex 7 Vienna Rules.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Information on the Status of the Proceedings<\/span><\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(19)<\/span> Upon request, the arbitral tribunal shall inform the named affected entities of the status of the proceeding by transmitting\n(Article 12 paragraph 2 Vienna Rules) the parties\u2019 or intervening parties\u2019 submissions as well as the arbitral tribunals\u2019 decisions and orders.<\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(20)<\/span> The arbitral tribunal may inform affected entities about other aspects of the case file, if they have filed such a request and if the arbitral tribunal considers that this information may be relevant for the affected entities to exercise their right to participate in the proceedings as intervening parties.<\/em>\n\n<em><a id=\"Annex_2\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Arbitral Award<\/span><\/em>\n\n<em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(21)<\/span> The arbitral award shall be transmitted to the parties, the joined affected entities and intervening parties in accordance with Article 36 paragraph 5 Vienna Rules.<\/em>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 2\nINTERNAL RULES OF THE BOARD<sup>1<\/sup><\/span><\/h2>\n<span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The meetings of the Board are convened by the President and presided over by him or by a Vice President.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Board shall have a quorum if more than one third of its members are in attendance. Attendance may also be effectuated by participation via telephone or video conferencing as well as via\ninternet.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> The Board shall decide by simple majority of the members present who are eligible to vote. If there is a tie vote, the presiding\nmember shall have a prevailing vote.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> If the Vice Presidents are prevented from exercising their duties, the President\u2019s duties shall be assumed by the most senior\nmember based on duration of service as Board member. Otherwise, the Vice President with the longest duration of service as Board member shall perform the duties.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Members of the Board who are or were involved in any capacity whatsoever in an arbitration administered by VIAC shall\nnot be allowed to be present or to participate in any way in discussions or decisions pertaining to those same proceedings. This shall not impair the existence of a quorum of the Board.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Decisions by resolution by correspondence are permissible. In the latter case, the President shall submit a written proposal to\nthe members and set a time limit for the casting of written votes. Articles 2 and 3 of this Annex shall apply by analogy. Each member has the right to request a meeting regarding the written proposal.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> The Board is not obliged to state the reasons on which its decisions are based.\n\n<a id=\"Annex_3\"><\/a>\n\n<span><sub><sup>1\u00a0<\/sup>Status as of 1 July 2021<\/sub><\/span>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 3\nSCHEDULE OF FEES<sup>1<\/sup><strong><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><strong>Registration Fee for Arbitral Proceedings<sup>2<\/sup><\/strong><\/h4>\n[\/et_pb_text][dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=\"0\" tbl_chead_cell_color=\"#4D4D4D\" tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=\"center\" tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" tbl_chead_text_font=\"|700|||||||\" max_width=\"400px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Amount in dispute in EUR\" col_content=\"<cell colspan=%222%22>Amount in dispute in EUR<\/cell>\nfrom\n\n25,001\nover 75,000\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Amount in dispute in EUR\" col_content=\"to\nto\n25,000\n75,000\n\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"RATE in EUR\" col_content=\"Rate in EUR\n\n500\n1,000\n1,500\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_margin=\"||0px|||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n<h4><strong>Administrative Fees for Arbitral Proceedings<\/strong><sup><strong>3<\/strong><\/sup><\/h4>\n[\/et_pb_text][dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=\"0\" tbl_chead_cell_color=\"#4D4D4D\" tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=\"center\" tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" tbl_chead_text_font=\"|700|||||||\" max_width=\"800px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Amount in dispute in EUR\" col_content=\"<cell colspan=%222%22>Amount in dispute in EUR<\/cell>\nfrom\n\n25,001\n75,001\n100,001\n200,001\n500,001\n1,000,001\n2,000,001\n15,000,001\n<cell colspan=%222%22>over 40,000,000<\/cell>\" col_column_max_width=\"0.5fr\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Amount in dispute in EUR\" col_content=\"to\nto\n25,000\n75,000\n100,000\n200,000\n500,000\n1,000,000\n2,000,000\n15,000,000\n40,000,000\" col_column_max_width=\"0.5fr\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Rate in EURO\" col_content=\"Rate in EUR\n\n500\n1,000\n1,500\n3,250 + 1.875 % of amt. over 100,000\n5,125 + 1.250 % of amt. over 200,000\n9,125 + 0.875 % of amt. over 500,000\n13,500 + 0.500 % of amt. over 1,000,000\n18,500 + 0.150 % of amt. over 2,000,000\n38,000 + 0.058 % of amt. over 15,000,000\n<cell>52,500 + 0.045 % of amt. over 40,000,000\nin total max. 75,000 (52,500 + 22,500)<\/cell>\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n<h4><strong>Fees for Mediation Proceedings<\/strong><sup><strong>4<\/strong><\/sup><\/h4>\n[\/et_pb_text][dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=\"0\" tbl_chead_cell_color=\"#4D4D4D\" tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=\"center\" tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" tbl_chead_text_font=\"|700|||||||\" max_width=\"400px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Registration Fee\" col_content=\"Registration Fee\nFlat rate\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"EUR\" col_content=\"EUR\n500\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][dvmd_table_maker tbl_column_header_count=\"2\" tbl_row_header_count=\"0\" tbl_chead_cell_color=\"#4D4D4D\" tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=\"center\" tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" tbl_chead_text_font=\"|700|||||||\" max_width=\"550px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Amount in dispute in EUR\" col_content=\"<cell colspan=%223%22>Administrative Fees<\/cell>\n<cell colspan=%222%22>Amount in dispute in EUR<\/cell>\nfrom\n\n500,001\n<cell colspan=%222%22>over 5,000,001<\/cell>\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Amount in dispute in EUR\" col_content=\"to\nto\nto\n500,000\n5,000,000\n\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Tarif in EURO\" col_content=\"Tarif in EURO\nMaximum Rate in EUR\n\n2,000\n5,000\n10,000\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n<h4>Fees for Sole Arbitrators<sup>5<\/sup><\/h4>\n[\/et_pb_text][dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=\"0\" tbl_chead_cell_color=\"#4D4D4D\" tbl_chead_cell_align_horz=\"center\" tbl_chead_cell_align_vert=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" tbl_chead_text_font=\"|700|||||||\" max_width=\"800px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Amount in dispute in EUR\" col_content=\"<cell colspan=%222%22>Amount in dispute in EUR<\/cell>\nfrom\n\n100,001\n200,001\n500,001\n1,000,001\n2,000,001\n5,000,001\n10,000,001\n20,000,001\n100,000,001\n<cell colspan=%222%22>over 500,000,000<\/cell>\" col_column_max_width=\"0.5fr\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Amount in dispute in EUR\" col_content=\"to\nto\n100,000\n200,000\n500,000\n1,000,000\n2,000,000\n5,000,000\n10,000,000\n20,000,000\n100,000,000\n500,000,000\" col_column_max_width=\"0.5fr\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_label=\"Rate in EUR\" col_content=\"Rate in EUR\n\n6 %, minimum fee 3,000\n6,000 + 3.00 % of amt. over 100,000\n9,000 + 3.10 % of amt. over 200,000\n18,300 + 2.30 % of amt. over 500,000\n29,800 + 1.10 % of amt. over 1,000,000\n40,800 + 0.66 % of amt. over 2,000,000\n60,600 + 0.45 % of amt. over 5,000,000\n83,100 + 0.21 % of amt. over 10,000,000\n104,100 + 0.088 % of amt. over 20,000,000\n174,500 + 0.031 % of amt. over 100,000,000\n298,500 + 0.01% of amt. over 500,000,000 \" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/dvmd_table_maker_item][\/dvmd_table_maker][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<sup>1<\/sup> See the cost calculator on the <a href=\"de\/schiedsverfahren\/kostenrechner\" target=\"_self\">VIAC website<\/a>.\n<sup>2<\/sup> See Article 10 Vienna Rules\n<sup>3<\/sup> See Article 44 paragraphs 2 and 4 Vienna Rules\n<a id=\"Annex_4\"><\/a><sup>4<\/sup>See Article 4 Vienna Mediation Rules; Article 8 paragraph 1 and 4 Vienna Mediation Rules\n<sup>5 <\/sup> See Article 44 paragraphs 2, 4, 8 and 11 Vienna Rules in particular\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 4\nVIAC AS APPOINTING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h2>\nVIAC may be designated to act as appointing authority in ad hoc proceedings.<span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><\/span>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AS APPOINTING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 1<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> VIAC may be designated as appointing authority in accordance with this Annex 4 by contract, law, treaty, agreement of the parties to the dispute or by the Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> VIAC may provide the following services as appointing authority:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> appointment of arbitrators or other third-party neutrals;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> appointment of substitute arbitrators and other third-party neutrals;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> appointment of experts;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> decision on challenges of arbitrators;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> assistance in fixing the fees and expenses of arbitrators and other third-party neutrals as well as review of such fees and expenses;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.6<\/span> advisory comments regarding advances on costs.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #b40404;\">(3)<\/span> Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, when requested to appoint an arbitrator, VIAC will follow the procedure set out\nin Articles 16-18 Vienna Rules and, when requested to appoint another third party neutral, the procedure set out in Article 7 Vienna Mediation Rules, respectively.\n\n<span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> When requested to decide a challenge of an arbitrator, and unless otherwise agreed by the parties, VIAC will follow the challenge procedure set out in Articles 20 et seqq. Vienna Rules.<\/span>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REQUEST<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 2<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A request shall be submitted to VIAC in accordance with Article 12 Vienna Rules and must be:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> in writing in one of the languages of correspondence of VIAC (English or German);<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> dated;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> signed by the requesting party\/parties or its\/their duly authorized representative(s). If the request is signed by a representative, it must enclose proof of the authorization,\ne.g. a power of attorney or a letter of engagement.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #b40404;\">(2)<\/span> A request shall include the following information:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> a description of the requested type of appointment service as described in Article 1 paragraph 2;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> a description of the nature of the dispute;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span> a copy of the statement of claim or other initial written submission, the answer to the statement of claim or any responses thereto from the other party\/parties, as well as any further relevant submissions or correspondence by the parties;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span> the dispute resolution clause and the provision designating VIAC as appointing authority;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.5<\/span> the full names, addresses, including electronic mail addresses, and other contact details of the parties and their representatives, and any comment on the parties\u2019 nationalities;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.6<\/span> the name and nationality of any arbitrator \/ third-party neutral \/ expert already appointed, if any, information on the method of appointment, and any declaration made by them;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.7<\/span> language(s) of the proceedings.<\/p>\n\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 3<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If VIAC is requested to act as appointing authority under this Annex, the requesting party\/parties shall pay a non-refundable fee in the amount of EUR 3,000 for each service requested. A request will be processed only after full payment of this fee.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> In exceptional circumstances, VIAC may deviate from the amounts set out in paragraph 1 of this Article.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DISCLAIMER<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 4<\/p>\n<a id=\"Annex_5\"><\/a>The liability of the arbitrator, the other third party neutral, the tribunal secretary, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Board and its members, as well as the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and its employees for any act or omission in relation to the proceedings is excluded, unless such act or omission constitutes willful misconduct or gross negligence.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 5\nVIAC AS ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h2>\nVIAC may be designated to act as administering authority in ad hoc proceedings.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AS ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 1<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> In arbitrations governed by the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules or other ad hoc arbitrations or other ad hoc alternative dispute\nresolution proceedings, VIAC acts as administering authority in accordance with this Annex 5 if the parties have agreed that the proceedings shall be administered by VIAC.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> VIAC may provide the following administrative services:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span> Support services, including<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">i.<\/span> maintenance of a case file of written communications\nand submissions;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ii.<\/span> facilitating communications, with the possibility to opt in for access to the VIAC Platform (\u201cVIAC Portal\u201d);<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">iii.<\/span> arrangements for meetings and hearings:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> assisting in establishing the date, time, and place of meetings and hearings;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 100px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> arranging meeting\/hearing rooms at the premises of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, including technical equipment and logistical support;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 100px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> organizing in-house luncheons and catering services;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 100px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> assisting with further logistical organization, e.g. identifying and engaging court reporters or interpreters;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 100px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">-<\/span> facilitating entry visas when required;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">iv.<\/span> services with respect to the storage of files, including arbitral awards.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2<\/span> Administration of costs, including holding deposits from the parties as advances on costs of the proceedings and handling payments to arbitrators and services providers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span>Services as appointing authority as described in Article 1 of Annex 4.<\/p>\n\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">REQUEST<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 2<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> A request shall be submitted to VIAC in accordance with Article 12 Vienna Rules and must be:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1<\/span> in writing in one of the languages of correspondence of VIAC (English or German);<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.2<\/span> dated;\/p><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.3<\/span> signed by the requesting party\/parties or its\/their duly authorized representative(s). If the request is signed by a representative, it must enclose proof of the authorization,\ne.g. a power of attorney or a letter of engagement.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> The Secretary General may require additional information depending on the services requested.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">COSTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 3<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> If VIAC is requested to act as administrative authority under Article 1 of this Annex 5, the requesting party\/parties shall pay\na registration fee net of any charges in the amount stipulated in Annex 3. The registration fee is non-refundable and shall not be deducted from the paying party\u2019s advance on costs. A request will be processed only after full payment of the registration fee.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Depending on the administrative services requested, the following administrative fees apply:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.1<\/span>\u00a0For full administrative services, VIAC charges its standard administrative fees as per Annex 3 depending on the amount in dispute. The amount in dispute shall be calculated based on the cost provisions of the Vienna Rules or Vienna Mediation Rules, depending on the nature of dispute.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.2.<\/span>\u00a0For selected administrative services, VIAC reduces its administrative fees accordingly.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.3<\/span>\u00a0In principle, VIAC\u2019s services as administrative authority are split into three categories. For each category, a third of the standard administrative fees as per Annex 3 will be charged,\ndepending on the amount in dispute:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">i.<\/span> support services<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ii.<\/span> services as administrator for costs as described in Article 1 paragraph 2.2 of this Annex 5;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">iii.<\/span> services as appointing authority as described in Article 1 paragraph 2 of Annex 4.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">2.4<\/span>\u00a0In any case, the minimum administrative fees are EUR 3,000.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span>\u00a0The advance on costs for the administrative fees must be paid in full before VIAC starts to provide the respective services.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> All advances on costs in an arbitration are subject to the advance on costs provision under the VIAC Rules of Arbitration\n(Article 42), or when administrative services are requested in other alternative dispute resolution proceedings, the VIAC Rules of Mediation (Article 8), respectively. All advances on costs may be drawn upon by VIAC at any stage during or after the\nproceedings to cover the costs incurred in such proceedings. Funds are disbursed on the order of the arbitral tribunal or, in case of other ad hoc alternative resolution proceedings, the other third-party neutral, only.\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> In exceptional circumstances, VIAC may deviate from the amounts set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">DISCLAIMER<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article 4<\/p>\n<a id=\"Annex_6\"><\/a>The liability of the arbitrator, the other third party neutral, the tribunal secretary, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Board and its members, as well as the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and its employees for any act or omission in relation to the proceedings is excluded, unless such act or omission constitutes willful misconduct or gross negligence.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANNEX 6\nSUPPLEMENTARY RULES FOR DISPUTES RELATING TO SUCCESSION\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nThe supplementary rules for disputes relating to succession set forth in Annex 6 shall apply if the parties have agreed to their application, or if the application has been foreseen by the deceased in a disposition of property upon death, including an\nagreement as to succession, or in any other legal act not based on an agreement of the parties.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VIAC AND APPLICABLE VERSION OF THE VIENNA RULES<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Article1<\/p>\n<em>Paragraph 1 of Article 1 Vienna Rules is <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">supplemented<\/span> by the following :<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">insertion<\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> The Vienna International Arbitral Centre (\u201cVIAC\u201d) is the Permanent International Arbitration Institution of the Austrian\nFederal Economic Chamber1. VIAC administers domestic and international arbitrations as well as proceedings pursuant to other alternative dispute resolution methods, if the parties have agreed upon the VIAC Rules of Arbitration (\u201cVienna Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Mediation (\u201cVienna Mediation Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of\nInvestment Arbitration (\u201cVienna Investment Arbitration Rules\u201d), the VIAC Rules of Investment Mediation (\u201cVienna Investment Mediation Rules\u201d); or if it has been otherwise agreed or foreseen that VIAC should serve as the administering institution. <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">This includes cases where the administration by VIAC has been foreseen by the deceased in a disposition of property upon death, including an agreement as to succession, or in any other legal act not based on an agreement of the parties.<\/span>\n\n<em>Paragraph 2 of Article 1 Vienna Rules is <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">replaced<\/span>by the following: <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">insertion<\/span><\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)\u00a0In erbrechtlichen Streitigkeiten finden die Wiener Regeln in der bei der Einleitung des Schiedsverfahrens (Art 7 Abs 1) geltenden Fassung Anwendung, sofern nichts anderes vereinbart oder von Todes wegen verf\u00fcgt wurde.<\/span>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VERBINDUNG VON SCHIEDSVERFAHREN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 15<\/p>\n<em>Absatz 1 des Artikel 15 der Wiener Regeln wird durch <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">folgenden Absatz 1 ersetzt<\/span> und durch <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Absatz 3 erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1) Eine Verbindung zweier oder mehrerer Schiedsverfahren \u00fcber erbrechtliche Streitigkeiten kann auf Antrag einer Partei zugelassen werden, wenn:<\/span>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span class=\"star\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">1.1 die Parteien der Verbindung zustimmen; oder<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">1.2 derselbe\/dieselben Schiedsrichter benannt oder bestellt wurden; oder<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">1.3 die Anspr\u00fcche in einem rechtlichen oder tats\u00e4chlichen Zusammenhang stehen, und die Parteien der Schiedsverfahren zumindest zum Teil identisch sind;<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">und der Schiedsort \u00fcbereinstimmt.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Unver\u00e4ndert.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3) (neu) Falls ein Antrag auf Verbindung vor der Best\u00e4tigung der Benennung oder der Bestellung eines Schiedsrichters gestellt und vom Pr\u00e4sidium bewilligt wird, richtet sich die Bildung des Schiedsgerichts nach Art\u00a018. Nach diesem Zeitpunkt werden die Schiedsverfahren in das zuerst anh\u00e4ngig gemachte Schiedsverfahren verbunden, sofern die Parteien nichts anderes vereinbaren. In diesem Fall kann das Pr\u00e4sidium bereits vorgenommene Bestellungen widerrufen und die Neubildung des Schiedsgerichts im Sinne von Art 18 anordnen.\n<\/span><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"><\/span>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">SCHIEDSGERICHT - ALLGEMEINE BESTIMMUNGEN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 16<\/p>\n<em>Absatz 1 des Artikel 16 der Wiener Regeln wird <\/em><em>durch die folgenden <span style=\"color: #b40404;\">Einsch\u00fcbe erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Die Parteien <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder der Erblasser<\/span> sind in der Bestimmung der Personen, die sie als Schiedsrichter benennen wollen, frei. Schiedsrichter kann jede gesch\u00e4ftsf\u00e4hige Person sein, soweit die Parteien keine besonderen zus\u00e4tzlichen Qualifikationserfordernisse vereinbart haben <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder der Erblasser solche von Todes wegen verf\u00fcgt hat<\/span>. Die Schiedsrichter stehen mit den Parteien in einem Vertragsverh\u00e4ltnis und haben ihre Leistungen den Parteien zu erbringen.\n<h4 class=\"article\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BILDUNG DES SCHIEDSGERICHTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 17<\/p>\n<em>Die Abs\u00e4tze 1 und 2 des Artikel 17 der Wiener Regeln werden <\/em><em>durch die folgenden <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">Einsch\u00fcbe erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Den Parteien <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder dem Erblasser<\/span> steht es frei zu vereinbaren <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder von Todes wegen zu verf\u00fcgen<\/span>, dass das Schiedsverfahren von einem Einzelschiedsrichter oder einem aus drei Schiedsrichtern bestehenden Schiedsrichtersenat zu f\u00fchren ist. Den Parteien oder <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">dem Erblasser<\/span> steht es weiters frei, den Bestellungsmodus f\u00fcr die Schiedsrichter zu vereinbaren <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder von Todes wegen zu verf\u00fcgen<\/span>. Bei Fehlen einer Vereinbarung <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder Verf\u00fcgung von Todes wegen<\/span> kommen die in Abs 2 bis 6 festgelegten Regeln zur Anwendung.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span>\u00a0Liegt eine Vereinbarung <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder Verf\u00fcgung von Todes wegen<\/span> \u00fcber die Anzahl der Schiedsrichter nicht vor, bestimmt das Pr\u00e4sidium, ob der Rechtsstreit von einem Einzelschiedsrichter oder einem aus drei Schiedsrichtern bestehenden Schiedsrichtersenat zu entscheiden ist. Hierbei ber\u00fccksichtigt das Pr\u00e4sidium insbesondere die Schwierigkeit des Falls, die H\u00f6he des Streitwertes und das Interesse der Parteien an einer raschen und kosteng\u00fcnstigen Entscheidung.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">SCHIEDSORT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 25<\/p>\n<em>Die Abs\u00e4tze 1 des Artikel 25 der Wiener Regeln wird\u00a0<\/em><em>durch die folgenden <span style=\"color: #b40404;\">Einsch\u00fcbe erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Die Parteien <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder der Erblasser<\/span> k\u00f6nnen den Schiedsort frei bestimmen. Sofern die Parteien nichts anderes vereinbart haben oder vereinbaren <span style=\"color: #bc10525;\">oder von Todes wegen nichts anderes verf\u00fcgt wurde<\/span>, ist der Schiedsort Wien.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VERFAHRENSSPRACHE<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 26<\/p>\n<em>Artikel 26 der Wiener Regeln wird durch die folgenden <\/em><em><span style=\"color: #bc10525;\">Einsch\u00fcbe erg\u00e4nzt<\/span>:<\/em><em>\n<\/em>\n\nMangels Parteienvereinbarung <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder Verf\u00fcgung von Todes wegen<\/span> hat das Schiedsgericht unverz\u00fcglich nach Fall\u00fcbergabe die Sprache(n) des Verfahrens unter Ber\u00fccksichtigung aller Umst\u00e4nde, einschlie\u00dflich der Sprache des Vertrags <span style=\"color: #c10525;\">oder der Verf\u00fcgung von Todes wegen<\/span>, zu bestimmen.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANWENDBARES RECHT, BILLIGKEIT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 27<\/p>\n<em>Die Abs\u00e4tze 1 und 2 des Artikel 27 der Wiener Regeln werden durch den folgenden<\/em><em><span style=\"color: #c10525;\"> Absatz 1 ersetzt<\/span>:<\/em>\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1) Bei erbrechtlichen Streitigkeiten ist das Recht anzuwenden, das nach dem Kollisionsrecht am Ort des gew\u00f6hnlichen Aufenthaltes des Erblassers im Zeitpunkt seines Todes Anwendung findet oder danach w\u00e4hlbar ist.<\/span>\n<a id=\"Anhang_7\"><\/a>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2) Entf\u00e4llt<\/span>.\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANHANG 7\nERG\u00c4NZENDE REGELN F\u00dcR GESELLSCHAFTSRECHTLICHE STREITIGKEITEN\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nDie in diesem Anhang 7 festgelegten Erg\u00e4nzenden Regeln f\u00fcr Gesellschaftsrechtliche Streitigkeiten mit intendierter Wirkungserstreckung sind anzuwenden, wenn die Parteien sich, insbesondere in einer in einem Gesellschaftsvertrag enthaltenen Schiedsklausel, auf die Anwendung der Wiener Regeln geeinigt haben.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">ANWENDUNGSBEREICH<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 1<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Die in Anhang 7 festgelegten Erg\u00e4nzenden Regeln f\u00fcr Gesellschaftsrechtliche Streitigkeiten finden Anwendung auf gesellschaftsrechtliche Streitigkeiten in denen eine Erstreckung der Wirkungen des Schiedsspruchs auf Gesellschafter oder die Gesellschaft, die nicht als Parteien des Schiedsverfahrens genannt sind, intendiert ist, wie insbesondere Streitigkeiten \u00fcber Beschl\u00fcsse der Gesellschafter, einschlie\u00dflich Streitigkeiten \u00fcber deren Anfechtbarkeit, Mangelhaftigkeit oder Nichtigkeit, sofern nichts anderes vereinbart wurde.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Auf das Schiedsverfahren finden die Wiener Regeln in der bei Beginn des Schiedsverfahrens (Art 7 Abs 1) geltenden Fassung Anwendung.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BENENNUNG DER BETROFFENEN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 2<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Die Schiedsklage hat zus\u00e4tzlich zu den in Art 7 Abs 2 genannten Angaben den vollst\u00e4ndigen Namen samt Anschriften, einschlie\u00dflich E-Mail-Adressen, und Kontaktdaten der Gesellschafter und Personen (\u201ebenannte Betroffenen\u201c) zu enthalten, auf die sich die Wirkungen des Schiedsspruchs kraft Beschaffenheit des streitigen Rechtsverh\u00e4ltnisses oder kraft gesetzlicher Vorschrift erstrecken sollen.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Zus\u00e4tzlich zu Art 12 Abs 1 ist die Schiedsklage samt Beilagen in elektronischer Form und in Papierform in so vielen Exemplaren einzubringen, dass jeder benannte Betroffene ein Exemplar erh\u00e4lt.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Der Generalsekret\u00e4r \u00fcbermittelt dem Beklagten und den benannten Betroffenen die Schiedsklage nach Ma\u00dfgabe des Art 7 Abs 4.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Der Beklagte kann in seiner Klagebeantwortung (Art 8) und der benannte Betroffene in seiner Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung (Art 3 Anhang 7) weitere \u2013 nicht vom Schiedskl\u00e4ger benannte \u2013 Betroffene unter Anf\u00fchrung des vollst\u00e4ndigen Namens samt Anschriften, einschlie\u00dflich E-Mail-Adressen, und Kontaktdaten benennen.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Ist die Gesellschaft Beklagte, so hat sie alle geeigneten Ma\u00dfnahmen zu ergreifen, um die Einbeziehung s\u00e4mtlicher Betroffenen sicherzustellen. Sie hat nach Aufforderung des Generalsekret\u00e4rs, innerhalb einer vom Generalsekret\u00e4r zu setzenden Frist \u00fcber die getroffenen Ma\u00dfnahmen Auskunft zu erteilen.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(6)<\/span> Die Parteien haben nach Aufforderung des Generalsekret\u00e4rs, innerhalb einer vom Generalsekret\u00e4r zu setzenden Frist, weitere Exemplare der Schiedsklage bzw. Klagebeantwortung in Papierform f\u00fcr nachtr\u00e4glich benannte Betroffene einzubringen. Kommen die Parteien einem diesbez\u00fcglichen Verbesserungsauftrag innerhalb der gesetzten Frist nicht nach, kann der Generalsekret\u00e4r das Verfahren ebenfalls f\u00fcr beendet erkl\u00e4ren (Art 34 Abs 3).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(7)<\/span> Der Generalsekret\u00e4r hat nach Abs 3 dieses Artikels vorzugehen, wenn weitere Betroffene benannt werden.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BEITRITTSM\u00d6GLICHKEIT<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 3<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Der Generalsekret\u00e4r fordert die benannten Betroffenen auf, binnen 30 Tagen nach Erhalt der Schiedsklage bzw. der Klagebeantwortung eine Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung abzugeben. Der Generalsekret\u00e4r weist benannte Betroffene gleichzeitig auf ihre Antragsm\u00f6glichkeiten gem\u00e4\u00df Art 8 Anhang 7 hin.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Die Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung ist beim Sekretariat des VIAC in elektronischer Form einzubringen.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Die Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung hat folgende Angaben zu enthalten:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.1<\/span> den vollst\u00e4ndigen Namen samt Anschriften, einschlie\u00dflich E-Mail-Adressen, und Kontaktdaten sowie etwaige Angaben zur Nationalit\u00e4t des Betroffenen;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.2<\/span> Angaben, ob der Betroffene dem Schiedsverfahren auf Seiten des Kl\u00e4gers oder des Beklagten als Nebenintervenient (Art 5 Anhang 7) beitreten will;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">3.3<\/span> Angaben, ob der Betroffene dem Schiedsverfahren auf Seiten des Kl\u00e4gers oder des Beklagten als Partei beitreten will.<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Sollte die Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung nach Art 2 Abs 4 Annex7weitere benannte Betroffene bekannt machen, so sind dem neu benannten Betroffenen die Schiedsklage und die Klagebeantwortung in Papierform sowie eine Ausfertigung der ihn benennenden Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung mit der Aufforderung zuzustellen binnen 30 Tagen nach Erhalt eine Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung in Sinne dieses Art 3 abzugeben.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BEITRITT DER BETROFFENEN PERSONEN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 4<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Durch fristgerechte Einbringung der Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung tritt der benannte Betroffene dem Verfahren bei (\u201ebeigetretener Betroffener\u201c). Der Generalsekret\u00e4r \u00fcbermittelt die gem\u00e4\u00df Art 3 Anhang 7 eingebrachten Beitrittserkl\u00e4rungen den Parteien.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Mit Zustimmung des Kl\u00e4gers und des Beklagten kann der beitretende Betroffene dem Schiedsverfahren als Partei auf Seiten des Kl\u00e4gers oder des Beklagten beitreten. Hat ein beitretender Betroffener beantragt, als Partei auf Seiten des Kl\u00e4gers oder des Beklagten beizutreten, fordert der Generalsekret\u00e4r, innerhalb einer vom Generalsekret\u00e4r zu setzenden Frist, den Kl\u00e4ger und den Beklagten auf dem Antrag zuzustimmen oder abzulehnen.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Vor Fall\u00fcbergabe (Art 11) informiert der Generalsekret\u00e4r alle Parteien und jene benannten Betroffenen, deren Beitrittsfrist noch nicht abgelaufen ist, \u00fcber den Beitritt eines Betroffenen in elektronischer Form.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(4)<\/span> Bringt ein benannter Betroffener seine Beitrittserkl\u00e4rung nicht fristgerecht ein, gilt dies als Verzicht auf das Recht, an der Bildung des Schiedsgerichts mitzuwirken. Die M\u00f6glichkeit des benannten Betroffenen, dem Schiedsverfahren als Nebenintervenient (Art 5 Anhang 7) beizutreten bleibt davon unber\u00fchrt.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(5)<\/span> Tritt ein benannter Betroffener dem Schiedsverfahren nach Ablauf der in Art 3 Abs 1 Anhang 7 genannten Frist als Nebenintervenient bei, so gilt dies als (i) Zustimmung zu dem gebildeten Schiedsgericht und (ii) Annahme des Verfahrens in der Lage, in der es sich im Zeitpunkt des Beitritts befindet.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">NEBENINTERVENTION<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 5<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Betroffene k\u00f6nnen dem Schiedsverfahren bis zu dessen Beendigung (Art 34) zu jedem Zeitpunkt als Nebenintervenient beitreten. Der Antrag hat die in Art 3 Abs 3.1 Anhang 7 genannten Angaben zu enthalten.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> \u00dcber die Einbeziehung entscheidet das Schiedsgericht gem\u00e4\u00df Art 14 Abs 1 und 2 mit der Ma\u00dfgabe, dass der benannte Betroffene das Recht hat, als Nebenintervenient am Verfahren teilzunehmen, und das Ermessen des Schiedsgerichts insoweit eingeschr\u00e4nkt ist.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">BILDUNG DES SCHIEDSGERICHTS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 6<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Ist der Rechtsstreit von einem Einzelschiedsrichter zu entscheiden, werden die Parteien und beigetretenen Betroffenen vom Generalsekret\u00e4r aufgefordert, binnen 30 Tagen ab Zustellung der Aufforderung gemeinsam einen Einzelschiedsrichter zu benennen und dessen Name samt Anschrift, einschlie\u00dflich E-Mail-Adresse, und Kontaktdaten bekannt zu geben. Wird eine solche Benennung nicht fristgerecht vorgenommen, wird der Einzelschiedsrichter vom Pr\u00e4sidium bestellt. F\u00fcr die Fristberechnung ist der Tag ma\u00dfgeblich, an dem die Partei oder der beigetretene Betroffene die Aufforderung als Letzter erhalten hat (Art 12).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Ist der Rechtsstreit von einem Schiedsrichtersenat zu entscheiden, haben die Parteien und beigetretenen Betroffenen auf der Kl\u00e4ger- und der Beklagtenseite jeweils gemeinsam einen Schiedsrichter zu benennen. Abweichend von Art 7 Abs 2.5 und Art 8 Abs 2.4 ist eine Benennung eines Schiedsrichters in der Schiedsklage oder der Klagebeantwortung lediglich ein unverbindlicher Vorschlag. Die Parteien und die gem\u00e4\u00df Art 3 Abs 1 Anhang 7 fristgerecht beigetretenen Betroffenen auf der Kl\u00e4ger- und der Beklagtenseite werden jeweils vom Generalsekret\u00e4r aufgefordert, binnen 30 Tagen ab Zustellung der Aufforderung gemeinsam einen Schiedsrichter zu benennen. F\u00fcr die Fristberechnung ist der Tag ma\u00dfgeblich, an dem die Partei oder der beigetretene Betroffene die Aufforderung als Letzter erhalten hat (Art 12). Wird ein gemeinsamer Schiedsrichter nicht fristgerecht benannt, so hat das Pr\u00e4sidium nach Art 18 Abs 4 vorzugehen.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(3)<\/span> Die in Art 19 Abs 1 vorgesehene Weiterleitung der Erkl\u00e4rungen gem\u00e4\u00df Art 16 Abs 3 und 4 sowie die in Art 19 Abs 2 erm\u00f6glichte Einholung von Stellungnahmen gilt auch f\u00fcr beigetretene Betroffene. Beigetretene Betroffene k\u00f6nnen die Ablehnung von Schiedsrichtern nach Art 20 geltend machen.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">VERFAHRENSKONZENTRATION DURCH VERFAHRENSVERBINDUNG<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 7<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Zwei oder mehrere Schiedsverfahren, die denselben Beschluss zum Gegenstand haben, sind vom Pr\u00e4sidium auf Antrag einer Partei, eines beigetretenen Betroffenen oder auf Vorschlag des Generalsekret\u00e4rs in sinngem\u00e4\u00dfer Anwendung von Art 15 zu verbinden. In Abweichung von Art 15 Abs 1.1. ist die Verbindung auch dann zul\u00e4ssig, wenn nicht alle Parteien und beigetretenen Betroffenen zustimmen.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Falls ein Antrag auf Verbindung vor der Best\u00e4tigung der Benennung oder der Bestellung eines Schiedsrichters gestellt wird, richtet sich die Bildung des Schiedsgerichts nach Art 6 Anhang 7. Nach diesem Zeitpunkt werden die Schiedsverfahren in das zuerst anh\u00e4ngig gemachte Schiedsverfahren verbunden, sofern die Parteien und beigetretenen Betroffenen nichts anderes vereinbaren. In diesem Fall kann das Pr\u00e4sidium bereits vorgenommene Bestellungen widerrufen und die Neubildung des Schiedsgerichts im Sinne des in Art 6 Anhang 7 geregelten Verfahrens anordnen.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">INFORMATIONEN \u00dcBER DEN VERLAUF DES SCHIEDSVERFAHRENS<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 8<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Auf Antrag informiert das Schiedsgericht die benannten Betroffenen \u00fcber den Verlauf des Schiedsverfahrens durch \u00dcbermittlung (Art 12 Abs 2) von Schrifts\u00e4tzen der Parteien oder Nebenintervenienten sowie schiedsgerichtlichen Entscheidungen und Verf\u00fcgungen.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Das Schiedsgericht kann Betroffenen, die einen entsprechenden Antrag gestellt haben, \u00fcber sonstige Aktenbestandteile unterrichten, wenn es der Auffassung ist, dass diese Information f\u00fcr die Wahrnehmung des Rechtes eines Betroffenen am Verfahren als Nebenintervenient teilzunehmen ma\u00dfgeblich sein kann.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">SCHIEDSSPRUCH<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 9<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> Der Schiedsspruch wird den Parteien, den beigetretenen Betroffenen sowie sonstigen Nebenintervenienten gem\u00e4\u00df Art 36 Abs 5 \u00fcbermittelt.\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Die Verpflichtung den Schiedsspruch zu erf\u00fcllen (Art 36 Abs 7) erstreckt sich auch auf alle benannten und gem\u00e4\u00df Art 3 Abs 1 Anhang 7 zur Teilnahme am Schiedsverfahren aufgeforderten Betroffenen, unabh\u00e4ngig von ihrer tats\u00e4chlichen Teilnahme.\n<h4><span style=\"color: #c10525;\">KOSTEN<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"article\">Artikel 10<\/p>\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(1)<\/span> \u00dcbersteigen die Kosten der \u00dcbermittlungen vor Fall\u00fcbergabe, die nach Art 10 eingehobene Einschreibegeb\u00fchr so hat der Kl\u00e4ger die tats\u00e4chlich anfallenden Kosten zu tragen. Der Generalsekret\u00e4r kann hierf\u00fcr jederzeit im freien Ermessen einen Kostenvorschuss zur Deckung der Auslagen f\u00fcr die \u00dcbermittlungen festsetzen (Art 42 Abs 12).\n\n<span style=\"color: #c10525;\">(2)<\/span> Bei der Berechnung der Verfahrenskosten gem\u00e4\u00df Art 44 Abs 4 sind alle Parteien, beigetretene Betroffene sowie sonstige Nebenintervenienten wie weitere Parteien zu ber\u00fccksichtigen.\n\n<strong>VIAC - Internationale Schiedsinstitution<\/strong>\n<strong>der Wirtschaftskammer \u00d6sterreich<\/strong>\nWiedner Hauptstra\u00dfe 63, 1045 Wien\n\nT <span class=\"baec5a81-e4d6-4674-97f3-e9220f0136c1\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">+43 (0)5 90 900 4398<\/span>\nF <span class=\"baec5a81-e4d6-4674-97f3-e9220f0136c1\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">+43 (0)5 90 900 216<\/span>\nE <a href=\"mailto:office@viac.eu\">office@viac.eu<\/a>\nW <a href=\"http:\/\/www.viac.eu\/\">www.viac.eu<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4597","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4597","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4597"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4597\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11675,"href":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4597\/revisions\/11675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.viac.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4597"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}