Development of mediation in Lithuania

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Alternatyvus ginčo sprendimas; Mediacija; Raida; Tarpininkavimas; Teismas; Alternative dispute resolution; Court; Development; Judge; Mediation.

ENAlternative dispute resolution gains more and more recognition in the modern society. Priority of amicable settlement of disputes and development of workable means facilitating such settlement is stressed to be one of mayor aims of the European Union as well as the Council of Europe in dispute resolution field. Such priority emerges for several reasons. Probably the most important are the possibility for restoration of good relationship between disputants, the saving on costs, the promotion of more sensitive culture of dispute resolution, the easement of social tensions in the society and the alleviation of the heavy burden of courts' caseload. Mediation plays the key role here being the most effective method to facilitate settlement when direct negotiation does not work. Nevertheless augmentation of mediation throughout Europe is not processing a boosting speed. There are various impediments. Recent findings based on the research performed by the Council of Europe1 unveiled the most obstructive ones on the European cross-national scale. They are worth to mention here: - lack of awareness of mediation, - still relatively high cost to the users, - financial imbalances, - disparities in training and qualifications of mediators, - disparities in the scope and guarantees of confidentiality under essential matters. In individual countries upspring and impact of those obstacles is different. Observations on various countries experience, their successes and failures provide valuable material relevant not only for these countries, but also for the specific region. Below it is presented observations on the evolvement of mediation in Lithuania, the country where mediation is just starting to root. Let us start with history.

• Mediation as an alternative means to the business dispute resolution / Eva Trinkūnienė, Vaidotas Trinkūnas. Business and management. 2022, 12, p. 946-952.
• Teisminė mediacija Lietuvoje. Quo vadis? / Natalija Kaminskienė. Socialinis darbas. 2010, t. 9, Nr. 1, p. 54-63.