The new Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Arbitration Rules 2015 came into force on 1 December 2015. Unlike their predecessor, the new rules apply to both international and domestic arbitration (rather than only applying to arbitration in England, Wales or Northern Ireland) and are based on the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules 2010, with some modifications (for more information on the rules, see Legal update, CIArb launches new arbitration rules and announces collaboration with KLRCA).

On 26 November 2015, an informal working group chaired by the Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA) held a discussion on the concept of a Global Arbitration Ethics Council. Attendees discussed the practical impact that issues of counsel ethics can have on arbitral proceedings in international arbitration, focusing on whether there is a need for an international structure that is separate and distinct not only from arbitral tribunals and institutions but also national bar councils. No agreement was reached on the proposal for a Global Arbitration Ethics Council but participants agreed to continue discussions with further meetings to be organised.

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) was finalised this week, during a visit by Vietnam's President Truong Tan Sang to Brussels. Notably, Vietnam has agreed to the EU's new approach to investment protection with a permanent tribunal rather than ad-hoc arbitration panels. EVFTA is the first trade deal that the EU has signed with a developing country.

Charlotta Falkman, partner at Gernandt & Danielsson law firm, has been elected as a new member of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce Arbitration (SCC) Board of Directors from 1 January 2016.