Bernardo M. Cremades, Jr.

IntroductionThis Practice Note is a guide to arbitration proceedings administered by the International and Ibero-American Arbitration Center of Madrid (‘CIIAM’ or the ‘Center’) (formerly CIAM-CIAR) under its arbitration rules in force since 1 January 2024 (the Arbitration Rules). The focus lies on the expedited and emergency mechanisms available for international disputes involving Spain, their activation criteria, procedural deadlines, and practical handling to secure enforceability.Abbreviated procedureThe abbreviated procedure is designed to resolve minor disputes through a streamlined process that preserves the right of defence. It is regulated by Article 53 of the Arbitration Rules.Scope of application and activationThe abbreviated procedure is automatically activated for disputes whose total amount (claim and, if applicable, counterclaim) does not exceed €1 million. However, the parties may exclude it by express agreement, or the Center may decide not to apply it if a party raises a reasoned objection and it is considered inappropriate given the circumstances

IntroductionThis Practice Note is a guide to arbitration proceedings administered by the International and Ibero-American Arbitration Center of Madrid (‘CIIAM’ or the ‘Center’) (formerly CIAM-CIAR) under its arbitration rules in force since 1 January 2024 (the Arbitration Rules). In particular, it examines how awards are rendered, how costs are determined and allocated, and how proceedings may be terminated.Time limit for rendering awardsThe Arbitration Rules establish time limits that balance reasonable predictability with necessary flexibility. The Arbitration Rules distinguish between ordinary proceedings and fast-track alternatives (‘abbreviated procedure’ and ‘highly expedited procedure’). The Center monitors compliance with deadlines, and arbitrators’ performance in this regard may affect both extension requests and fee determinations (Arts 4.5, 49.1, and institutional guidance on award scrutiny).In ordinary proceedings, unless the parties agree otherwise, arbitrators must render awards on the claims within three months following the hearing or the last substantive submission. Cost submissions are not considered substantive for purposes of calculating

IntroductionThis Practice Note is a guide to arbitration proceedings administered by the International and Ibero-American Arbitration Center of Madrid (‘CIIAM’ or the ‘Center’) (formerly CIAM-CIAR) under its arbitration rules in force since 1 January 2024 (the Arbitration Rules). The analysis focuses on the key steps to initiate and structure a CIIAM arbitration: from the request for arbitration and appointment of arbitrators to the requirements for independence, challenge, the potential appointment of an arbitral secretary, and the rules on default and continuation of proceedings.Request for arbitration and answerThe CIIAM arbitration proceedings shall begin with the filing of the request for arbitration with the Center, which may be submitted by email to the following address: solicitudes@ciiam.org. This submission activates the case file, provides the essential information and, where applicable, designates the claimant’s co-arbitrator in the case of a three-member tribunal. The Arbitration Rules specify both the minimum content and the mandatory annexes:•the minimum content

IntroductionThis Practice Note is a guide to arbitration proceedings administered by the International and Ibero-American Arbitration Center of Madrid (‘CIIAM’ or the ‘Center’) (formerly CIAM-CIAR) under its arbitration rules in force since 1 January 2024 (the Arbitration Rules). The Practice Note addresses procedural management aspects ranging from seat and language to presentation of evidence, interim measures, third-party funding, and multi-party and multi-contract arbitrations.Seat and language of arbitrationThe Arbitration Rules allow the seat of arbitration to be fixed anywhere and, in the absence of agreement in this regard, the Center shall determine it considering the circumstances of the case and after consulting the parties (Art 23.1). The choice of seat is crucial, as it determines the procedural law and judicial control over the award. Madrid benefits from pro-arbitration courts and a developed arbitration infrastructure. Act 60/2003 of 23 December on Arbitration, together with the case law of the Constitutional Court, especially following its 2021 judgment in

IntroductionThis Practice Note is a guide to arbitration proceedings administered by the International and Ibero-American Arbitration Center of Madrid (‘CIIAM’ or the ‘Center’) (formerly CIAM-CIAR) under its arbitration rules in force since 1 January 2024 (the Arbitration Rules). The Center has historically been known as ‘CIAM’ (Madrid International Arbitration Centre) and, subsequently, as ‘CIAM-CIAR’ following its integration with the Ibero-American Arbitration Center. The current denomination of CIIAM was adopted by the Center in January 2026. Thus, the official documents available on the Center's website, depending on the document and language, refer to it in the various forms indicated. See: LNB News 21/01/2026 30. The Center is one of the most innovative arbitral institutions in the Ibero-American landscape, and its Arbitration Rules incorporate international best practices adapted to the needs of modern commerce.Institutional background and scope of CIIAMCIIAM was incorporated as a service of the Madrid International Arbitration Association, pursuant to Art 1.1 of

This Practice Note sets out how to enforce an arbitral award in Spain. It covers recognition and enforcement of domestic and foreign awards including the application of relevant international conventions.