Arbitration proceedings and sanctions: How do we resolve arbitration proceedings where the parties’ performance is impeded by sanctions?

How do issues of ordre public and arbitrability arise in disputes where the parties’ ability to perform their obligations is affected by EU sanctions? Does the seat of the arbitration play a role, and if so, what role? What significance does the existence of EU sanctions have on courts’ assessments of arbitral awards and on the enforcement of arbitral awards? These and other questions will be discussed by four speakers in a panel discussion organised in cooperation with YAS and SCC.

The panel discussion will be held in English and will be followed by a reception and a light dinner.

Panel participants:

Dr. Paschalis Paschalidis, Counsel in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group at Arendt in Luxembourg, and former referendaire at the Court of Justice of the European Union. Paschalidis has acted as counsel in both commercial arbitration proceedings and investment disputes, as well as in cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union. He also has many years of experience working at the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Ginta Ahrel, Partner at Westerberg & Partners, Chair of the SAA and member of the SCC’s board. Ginta acts as counsel in court disputes and arbitration proceedings, and is regularly appointed as an arbitrator. Ginta has extensive experience of handling disputes involving sanctions-related issues, both as counsel and as an arbitrator.

Malin Högberg, specialist in sanctions, regulatory issues and maritime law at Werks. Malin was previously Chair of the International Group of P&I Clubs’ Sanctions Committee.

Daniel Bjurbom, Senior Associate in Dispute Resolution and Sanctions & Trade Compliance at Roschier. Daniel has extensive experience in Russia-related matters and regularly advises on compliance with sanctions regulations.

The panel will be moderated by David Sandberg, Partner at Mannheimer Swartling. David’s experience covers disputes in a wide range of areas, including disputes where the parties’ performance is affected by sanctions. He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings under a number of institutional arbitration rules, as well as before both Swedish courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Time: 23 October 2025, 17:00 to 20:00 p.m.

Location: Mannheimer Swartling, Norrlandsgatan 21, Stockholm

The event will begin at 17:00 with drinks and light refreshments. The panel discussion will begin at 17:30.

RSVP by 16 October 2025.

We look forward to seeing you there!