THE REVITALIZATION OF THE PERMANENT COURT OF ARBITRATION

Abstract

After decades of virtual inactivity, the PCA's workload has significantly increased since the early eighties. In particular, the last view years have seen significant development. The nature of the PCA's work is diverse. In its capacity as designating authority under the UNCITRAL Rules, it deals with cases of a commercial and sometimes of a mixed state/non-state nature. Where it acts as Registry, the PCA's cases are usually of a mixed nature, and include several investment arbitrations. For the future, additional responsibilities on the basis of the revised UNCITRAL Rules would be a welcome development. A focus on specific niches, such as mass claims, would set the PCA apart from alternative institutes, which would further ensure a continuing role over the next decades.