The Harmonisation of Interim Measures Granted by the Emergency Arbitrator in the European Union

Interim measures play an important role in protecting parties' rights in international commercial arbitration. The emergency arbitrator mechanism provides a possibility to seek interim measures before the constitution of the arbitral tribunal without going to state courts. The mechanism has been recognized and adopted by various arbitral institutions. However, owing to the lack of unified regulation in this field, the uncertainty and unpredictability remain regarding the mechanism. This article aims to address the necessity and possibility of harmonisation of the interim measures granted by the emergency arbitrator in the European Union (EU). First, it gives a general introduction regarding the interim measures and the emergency arbitrator mechanism. The basic framework of the emergency arbitrator mechanism and the current legislation within the EU regarding interim measures are discussed in the following part. It then explores the necessity and possibility of harmonisation in the emergency arbitrator mechanisms in the EU. Finally, a proposal for such harmonisation is suggested for a more effective international commercial arbitration system in the EU.