Tallinn Arbitration Day 2026

At TallinnArbitrationDay on 8 October, we will bring together a panel of leading practitioners to discuss how escalating geopolitical tensions continue to shape international arbitration. Against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, the discussion will examine the challenges facing arbitral proceedings and the enforcement of arbitral awards, including issues arising from measures adopted by Russia and Belarus, the Lugovoy Law, anti-suit injunctions, and sanctions.

Moderator Jan Dunin-Wasowicz, a founding partner at Bennink Dunin-Wasowicz, is a leading expert on EU sanctions and export controls, with extensive experience in cross-border compliance, enforcement and international dispute resolution.

Simona Budreikaitė, Associate Partner at Ellex in Lithuania, advises and represents clients in international arbitration under SCC, ICC, VCCA and UNCITRAL rules, as well as in the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.

Peter Plachy, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at CMS Bratislava, has extensive experience in high-stakes, cross-border disputes and both commercial and investment treaty arbitration before leading arbitral institutions.

Barbara Maucher, Partner at Noerr and a member of its Litigation, Arbitration & ADR practice, focuses on international commercial and investment arbitration and cross-border disputes, particularly in the energy and financial sectors.

Paschalis Paschalidis, Partner at Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes, brings particular expertise at the intersection of EU law and international arbitration, including proceedings concerning sanctions and the enforcement of arbitral awards.

With expertise spanning sanctions, EU law, international arbitration, cross-border litigation and enforcement, this panel is ideally placed to provide valuable insights into the current state of international arbitration in our region.

At TallinnArbitrationDay on 8 October, we will bring together a panel of leading practitioners to discuss how geopolitical developments are reshaping the practice of public international law and international dispute settlement. Drawing on both investor-State and State-to-State perspectives, the discussion will address the challenges arising from an increasingly fragmented international environment and consider how international legal institutions and dispute settlement mechanisms are responding to these shifts.

Moderator: Kerli Veski, Undersecretary for Legal and Consular Affairs at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, will moderate the discussion, drawing on more than 25 years of experience in diplomacy, international relations and public international law.

Levent Herberstein, Senior Legal Counsel & Head of Vienna Office at Permanent Court of Arbitration, offers a unique perspective from one of the world's leading institutions for international dispute resolution.

Prof. Yuliya Chernykh, Professor at the University of Inland Norway, brings more than twenty years of experience in international adjudication as an arbitrator, expert witness, researcher and educator, and currently serves as a member of the ICC Court of Arbitration.

Rostislav Pekař, Partner at Squire Patton Boggs, will contribute insights from his extensive experience in investment arbitration and international dispute resolution, including proceedings under the ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL rules.

Bringing together perspectives from government, international institutions, academia and private practice, this panel promises an engaging discussion on the resilience of public international law and international dispute settlement in a period of profound geopolitical change.

On 8 October, this panel will bring together experts from the defence to discuss the evolving geopolitical and regulatory landscape, cross-border defence projects, dispute prevention and effective dispute resolution.

Pavlo Byelousov, who will take the role of the moderator, is a partner at Bono Legal who specialises in international arbitration and litigation, with extensive experience in defence, investment, commercial and energy disputes. He will bring the dispute-resolution perspective and guide the discussion on practical approaches to preventing and resolving cross-border disputes.

Lauri Kriisa, Head of the Legal Department at the Riigi Infosüsteemi Amet // Estonian Information System Authority (NCSC-EE), brings extensive public-sector experience from RIA and the Kaitseministeerium / Ministry of Defence of Estonia, where he served as Deputy Director of the NATO and EU Department and Director of the Legal Department. He will offer insight into the legal and regulatory challenges surrounding defence and international cooperation.

Kristiina Rebane, Chief Legal Officer at Threod Systems, combines technology law expertise with hands-on experience in the defence-tech sector. She will bring a practical perspective on IP protection, risk management and navigating the legal challenges faced by technology-driven defence companies.

Marko Kaseleht, Senior Vice President for Defence at Nortal, is a defence-industry leader and combat veteran with over 20 years of experience in military service, defence innovation and management. His experience in defence technology, NATO cooperation and multinational projects will provide a first-hand perspective on innovation, partnerships and managing risk in high-stakes environments.