Policy Brief on International Investment Law Reform and Parallel Proceedings

Author(s): 
Publication Date: 
2025
Pages: 
6
Item Reference: 
PB-2025-06
Publication Place: 
Bruges
Publication Language: 
EN
Policy Brief Type: 
Abstract: 
  • Parallel proceedings in investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) create legal uncertainty, increase costs, and undermine the legitimacy of the system.
  • The decentralized nature of international investment law, with over 2,500 treaties, allows investors to pursue multiple claims in different forums.
  • Key challenges include conflicting rulings, prolonged dispute resolution, and the risk of forum shopping by investors.
  • Proposed reforms include treaty harmonization, a multilateral investment court, and stronger procedural rules to prevent duplicate claims.
  • An incremental approach—starting with treaty harmonization and diplomatic engagement—can help establish a more predictable and fair dispute resolution system.