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< Back Martje de Vries Lentsch De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek Arbitrator Biography Martje is a partner in De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek's International Arbitration & Litigation practice. She is widely known for her expertise in commercial arbitration and complex cross-border litigation, notably in the field of energy, where she advises clients on critical strategic matters and has represented these companies in a range of arbitrations and court cases. She has 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. This includes in-house experience gathered during a secondment to Shell's litigation department in Houston and her role as litigator at the Houston office of Haynes & Boone. Clients value Martje as an accomplished practitioner who can advise on both legal and economic issues in highly complex disputes. She also manages highly political and sensitive disputes and negotiations, managing numerous stakeholders and interests. Martje's expertise also includes disputes related to joint ventures and collaboration agreements, and issues related to recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and annulment of arbitral awards as well as related attachment proceedings. As a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (ICC), Martje actively participates in the Court’s judicial supervision of ICC arbitrations, including the appointment of arbitrators, decisions on challenges against arbitrators, and the scrutiny and approval of ICC arbitral awards. In addition, Martje is an executive board member of the Dutch Arbitration Association and included in the Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI) and the Shanghai Arbitration Commission’s (SAC) panels of arbitrators. Martje has been included in GAR's latest edition of its '45 under 45' – a guide to the leading younger practitioners in international arbitration. Martje’s recent work includes advising and representing: an international energy company in various gas price review arbitrations under long-term gas sales agreements under the ICC and UNCITRAL rules in English and German; an international energy company in three ICC arbitrations under New York law arising out of long-term LNG purchase contracts; energy companies in a variety of arbitration and litigation matters related to the accelerated shut-in of and damage claims in relation to the Groningen gas field; a commercial airport in legal proceedings on a large construction project; Shell before the Dutch courts in a case under Nigerian law brought by four Nigerian farmers and environmental organisation Milieudefensie related to oil spills in Nigeria, and the successful mediation between the parties Contact Details Netherlands +31 20 577 1384 martje.devrieslentsch@debrauw.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Dutch, English Specialisation Joint Ventures, Energy, Commercial, Collaboration Agreements, Enforcement and Annulment of Arbitral Awards Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

< Back Marieke Witkamp Marieke Witkamp LLC Arbitrator Biography Marieke Witkamp FCIArb is a Houston based international arbitrator with an LLM in Dutch and US Law and a Texas bar license. She also holds the CIArb Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration. Marieke has a unique professional background. She is originally trained as a commercial judge in the Netherlands and became an international commercial and arbitration lawyer after moving abroad to the United States and the Middle East. She dealt with ICC arbitrations as counsel in Qatar and worked as in-house counsel in the Dutch energy industry and the sports & entertainment industry of Qatar. She is therefore familiar with every perspective when it comes to dealing with disputes: as the court, as counsel and as the client. Working on 3 continents has also given her a proper understanding of the different expectations that parties may have in cross-border disputes. Marieke’s areas of expertise are maritime, insurance, construction, energy law and post M&A disputes but she is comfortable with almost any contractual dispute that comes up. As a judge she had to deal with anything that entered her docket - she is trained to familiarize herself with new types of commercial conflicts and legal issues in a short time. Marieke’s significant experience as an arbitrator includes sitting as sole arbitrator, emergency arbitrator, party and chair arbitrator in commercial disputes with seats in the US, UK and the Netherlands. Marieke is a hands-on arbitrator who takes her responsibility to start off a procedure in the best way possible. She will customize a procedure to the parties’ needs and will take the necessary decisions to keep a procedure on track. She is often asked as chair as she is very experienced in managing cases, leading hearings and writing fair and well-reasoned awards. Marieke frequently travels to the Netherlands/Benelux and will not charge for travel expenses. Contact Details Tomball, TX 77375, Verenigde Staten +18324586340 marieke.witkamp@outlook.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken English, Dutch Specialisation Construction, Engineering, Arts,Leisure, Entertainment, Tourism, Sales, Purchases, Transport, Maritime, Pharmaceutical, Joint Ventures, Consortia, Cooperation, Insurance, Energy and Natural Resources, Distribution, Franchising, Corporate Law / M&A, Real Estate Shipbuilding Bar Admission(s) US (US Bar) Credentials CV

< Back < Previous | Next > Integrity & Culture 2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum and ICC side event on business and government as partners for integrity to the OECD 6 Apr 2025 At the 2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, ICC hosted a side event to boost business-government collaboration on integrity, highlighting tools like updated anti-corruption clauses. Forum discussions focused on bribery solicitation, tech-driven anti-corruption efforts, integrity in the green transition, and public-private cooperation for fairer global markets. On the sidelines of the OECD -OCDE Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum on March 24 in Paris, the ICC Global Commission on Business Integrity connected government and business leaders in encourage strong ethical standards that drive trust, investment, and strong-success for all. Key Takeaways • Companies need to sharpen their capacity to detect and assess geopolitical dynamics to do global business. • Harnessing trade facilitation to bolster integrity at border crossings. There are key risks at borders. Public and private partnerships are recommended to mitigate the risks. • Tools to drive integrity through contracts-update of ICC Anti-Corruption Clause. • ICC Guidance on Responsible Business for Challenging Contexts is an essential tool to support companies in anticipating crisis situations • Stronger together. Businesses and governments unite to drive integrity forward. The OECD Forum on Wednesday 26th started after the opening remarks by Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, OECD, with launching the global dialogue; insights form leaders. The OECD forum was attended by representatives of the Public and Private sector, Universities and Civil Society. Key Topics • Galvanising the private sector for integrity: from policy to practice. Concrete solutions emerging from public-private cooperation such as peer-to-peer learning and the use of technology for integrity were topic of conversation. • Tackling the demand side: Innovative approaches to combat foreign solicitation. Bribery solicitation remains a pervasive challenge in global markets, undermining fair competition and public trust. The 2021OECDAnti-Bribery Recommendation introduced new provisions to address bribery solicitation, to move a step forward. Participants discussed how to enhance cross-border collaboration and enforcement can help disrupt solicitation schemes while fostering greater accountability and fairness in international business. The proactive role of companies in resisting solicitation, strengthening compliance programmes, and reporting corrupt practices were also highlighted. Tackling both the demand and supply sides of bribery is crucial to building a balance and effective approach, ensuring systemic change and promoting integrity in global markets. • Harnessing cutting-edge technologies and collaboration for a holistic fight against corruption. Cutting-edge technologies – such as data analytics, digital forensics, and artificial intelligenceare driving transformation in enforcement, compliance and oversight efforts. The collaboration between enforcements authorities , the private sector, and civil society, multistakeholder approaches and data-sharing framework, can strengthen the global response to corruption. • Addressing de-risking and illicit financial flows to unlock sustainable development financing. Panellists examined how cooperation, public-private partnerships, and strong political commitments can help mitigate de-risking and mobilise finance for sustainable development. • On Thursday March 27th focused a session on the OECD Public Integrity Indicators (Plls): From evidence to reform. The panellists, including Gonzalo Guzman, Chair of the ICC Global Commission on Business Integrity, shared insights on how the Plls can drive action, build resilience to risks, and support innovation. The Plls can help to a structured approach. The session also awarded the winners of the OECD Anti-Corruption Research Challenge, researchers who used the OECD Public Integrity Indicators to propose novel insights for anticorruption policies across OECD member and non-member countries. The winners didn’t really find significant results referring to the indicators. However transparency is quite important. The mentioned the Netherlands as one of the countries which can set more goals. • Greening with integrity: Tackling corruption in the green transition. The green transition offers immense opportunities for sustainable development but also presents significant corruption risks that could undermine its potential. How we can make sure that the green transition is with integrity. A panellist from the World Bank stated that corruption is everywhere. Insights were shared into how anti-corruption measures can strengthen trust and transparency, ensuring that the race toward a greener future remains both sustainable and equitable. Make the data available, use a multistakeholder approach and invest in transparency to make the difference. Not only the technical solutions are important, but also the political will. A challenge is how to show that a fair green transition is not slower, will cost no more. • Addressing strategic corruption: How to leverage the anti-corruption toolbox. • Bridging the data gap: Leveraging technology to strengthen the fight against corruption. In addition there were a lot of side events during the conference and the rest of the week.

< Back Koorosh H. Ameli Ameli Intenational Arbitration Arbitrator Biography Judge Ameli specialises in international arbitration disputes involving issues of public international law, international investment law, bilateral and multilateral treaty law, sanctions law, Iranian law, as well as related commercial and contract law. He has particular experience in the oil and gas sector, major infrastructure projects, expropriations, telecoms, and other investment disputes. He has acted as arbitrator in more than 100 cases conducted under the UNCITRAL, ICC, LCIA and ad hoc arbitration rules. He also regularly acts as legal expert, counsel and legal consultant in major international arbitration and litigation cases. For more, see Ameli International Arbitration (ameliarbitration.com) Contact Details Netherlands +31 70 205 1298 k.ameli@ameliarbitration.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Persian, English Specialisation International Arbitration, Investment / Public International Law, Treaties, Contracts, Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Telecoms, Expropriation, Sanctions, Iranian Law Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

Latest News Filter by Category Select Category Enter your email* Subscribe I want to receive monthly newsletter and updates from ICC Netherlands. * 21 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy Customs at an inflection point Four trends shaping global trade compliance in 2026 Read More 6 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy Reflections on a career in international trade: Bart Jan Koopman on the ‘new normal’, survival mode, and the future of global commerce “Optimism is almost a responsibility. Without a healthy dose of optimism and perseverance, you won’t get anywhere.” Read More 1 Apr 2026 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands welcomes adoption of eBL legislation Electronic bills of lading now legally recognised under Dutch law, supporting faster and safer trade flows Read More 1 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy WTO MC14: A fragile outcome at a critical moment for global trade The outcome of WTO MC14 highlights growing strain on the multilateral trading system. With no agreement on key issues such as reform and digital trade, uncertainty persists. Read More 31 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution Arbitration from the Corporate Perspective A conversation with Huie (Sandy) Huang Read More 25 Mar 2026 Digital Trade Orchestrating the back office of the future: why the human factor is becoming the primary vulnerability As financial institutions digitalise their back offices, fraud is evolving from technical breaches to human manipulation. What does this shift mean for control, governance and risk in increasingly automated environments? Read More 23 Mar 2026 Integrity Shifting the perspective of ethics and compliance by focusing on return-on-investment Compliance is often treated as overhead until the costs of non-compliance show up in legal fees, disruption, and lost trust. This post explains how you can reframe ethics and compliance as a value protecting system and shows how ROI language helps shift compliance from the department of no to an active safeguard and contributor of enterprise value. Read More 23 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution ICC Executive Board approves revised Rules of Arbitration The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has approved a revised version of its Rules of Arbitration. The new Rules will enter into force on 1 June 2026. Read More 23 Mar 2026 Integrity OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum 2026 At the 2026 OECD Integrity Forum, integrity and responsible business conduct emerged as strategic, data-driven drivers of competitiveness, requiring stronger integration with ESG, risk management and governance. Read More 20 Mar 2026 Marketing & Advertising ICC launches guidance on responsible AI in marketing As AI transforms marketing practices, ICC’s new guidance helps businesses apply established advertising standards to ensure transparency, accountability and consumer trust. Read More 17 Mar 2026 Digital Trade ICC launches global policy paper on preventing online and ICT-enabled fraud Read More 3 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution The bigger picture of arbitration A conversation with Marc Krestin, Partner at Fieldfisher Read More 3 Mar 2026 Trade & Global Economy “Geopolitics is back in the boardroom”: a conversation with Marhijn Visser Ahead of WTO MC14, shifting trade dynamics and geopolitical pressures are directly affecting supply chain resilience, digital trade continuity and long-term planning; we discuss what Dutch business should anticipate and how engagement can strengthen predictability. Read More 2 Mar 2026 Trade & Global Economy “How Europe can stay economically strong in an age of geopolitical rivalry”: A conversation with Arend Jan Boekestijn As geopolitical rivalry increasingly shapes technology leadership, supply chains and energy security, European competitiveness depends on strategic coherence and institutional reform. We explore what this shift means for growth, resilience and long-term investment planning. Read More 27 Feb 2026 Integrity Boards under the microscope: from compliance to ethical stewardship As regulatory complexity, geopolitical pressure and AI reshape the risk landscape, how can boards transform ethics from a control function into a driver of long-term value, and what does this shift mean for today’s compliance leaders? Read More 27 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy Shaping the next chapter of global trade: the business agenda for MC14 Ahead of WTO MC14, 145 business organisations are urging reform and renewal of the digital trade Moratorium. This will have direct implications on legal certainty, cross-border data flows and the competitiveness of Dutch companies operating globally. Read More 25 Feb 2026 Climate & Sustainability CBAM enters a definitive phase: what businesses need to know With CBAM now in its definitive phase, carbon exposure has become a financial and operational reality for importers. What does this mean for margins, customs compliance and supply chain strategy in 2026 and beyond? Read More 25 Feb 2026 Climate & Sustainability COP 31 - Implementation is the real test As preparations for COP31 move forward, climate policy is shifting from targets to delivery, with new finance rules, carbon markets and trade measures increasingly shaping investment conditions, risk management and competitiveness for internationally active Dutch businesses. Read More 25 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy Will the UN Tax Framework reinforce certainty or create new fragmentations? UN negotiations on a new tax framework are entering a decisive drafting phase, with potential implications for treaty networks, service taxation and dispute resolution. These developments could have a substantial impact on internationally active Dutch businesses. Read More 24 Feb 2026 Digital Trade EU AI Omnibus - ICC’s position How will the EU’s AI and Digital Omnibus adjustments affect compliance costs, cross-border data flows and AI deployment strategies? We examine the practical implications for Dutch and internationally active companies as negotiations move forward. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Digital Trade Join the ICC Global Digital Trade Sandbox Digital trade is moving from ambition to execution. The ICC Global Digital Trade Sandbox offers companies a unique, vendor-neutral environment to test real digital trade processes, contribute to global pilots, and help shape the future of cross-border trade. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Dispute Resolution A Deeper Dive into the Importance of Dispute-Resolution Clauses Dispute-resolution clauses are often treated as boilerplate — but they are anything but. In our latest interview, Marieke Schaink explains why getting them right is a core element of risk management in international contracts. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy What Geopolitical Fragmentation Means for International Business Geopolitical fragmentation is no longer a risk scenario, it is the operating environment. In our interview, Michael Every unpacks what today’s geopolitical shifts mean for international business, and why companies must rethink strategy, resilience and assumptions. Read More 29 Jan 2026 Trade & Global Economy WTO reform at a critical juncture: business, policymakers and institutions in dialogue Keeping the multilateral trading system alive Ahead of the WTO Ministerial Conference, ICC Netherlands and VNO-NCW convened a timely round table on 29 January with business, policymakers and international institutions. The discussion confirmed one clear message: the system is under pressure, but indispensable — and reform is the only viable path forward. Read More 6 Jan 2026 Trade & Global Economy Intelligence-driven responses to geopolitical risk, espionage threats and cyber-attacks Geopolitical shocks, cyber-physical attacks and insider threats aren’t “emerging risks” anymore – they’re hitting companies now, and faster than leaders can update their plans. For our latest ICC Netherlands newsletter, we interviewed Tim Bosch (co-founder of the Birdwatcher Group) on why traditional scenario planning is collapsing, why every company is already a target, and why resilience can no longer be a project – it must embedded into your operating system. If your organisation isn’t preparing to pivot in days rather than quarters, it’s already behind Read More 6 Jan 2026 What ICC Members Can Expect from ICC Netherlands in 2026 In this New Year edition, ICC Netherlands outlines its strategic priorities for the year ahead, focusing on trade, integrity, dispute resolution, sustainability, leadership and digitalisation. Discover how we will work with our members, partners and global ICC network to strengthen Dutch business resilience in a rapidly changing world. Read More 2 Jan 2026 The Eight Key Benefits of ICC Arbitration for Business Disputes Read More 19 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC warns of double taxation risks in latest UN tax talks As United Nations negotiations on a Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation continue, ICC warns that reforms risk creating new layers of double taxation. Following the latest round of talks in Nairobi, ICC states that expanding taxing rights without mandatory safeguards and relief from double taxation could undermine cross-border investment, strain tax administrations and weaken global growth. Read More 18 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy Revitalising the multilateral trading system: Call for action Ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), ICC calls on members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to launch a structured, time-bound WTO reform round and preserve the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions – essential steps to restore stability and confidence in global trade. Read More 17 Dec 2025 Dispute Resolution Joint ICC Arbitration Day: Key Takeaways Arbitration is evolving, fast. Missed the Joint ICC Arbitration Day? Catch the key moments: new ICC rules, Court insights, in-house expectations, and Europe’s shifting landscape. Read More 1 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy Navigating Geopolitical Risk in a Fractured World In a global landscape marked by geopolitical tension, regulatory fragmentation and increasingly fragile supply chains, businesses face risks that are more complex – and more consequential – than ever. To explore how organisations can navigate this uncertainty, we spoke with Tobias Wellner, a Senior Analyst at global specialist risk consultancy Control Risks. Read More 1 Dec 2025 Dispute Resolution International Arbitration: from a neutral’s perspective Continuing our series of interviews with arbitration experts, we spoke with Marieke Witkamp, a retired Dutch commercial judge now based in Houston, where she serves full-time as an international arbitrator. [...] In this interview, she reflects on the moment she truly understood the power of arbitration, the advantages it offers over litigation, and how dispute resolution continues to evolve across different sectors. Read More 27 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution What Businesses Really Want to Know About Arbitration: Top Questions from Last Week’s ICC Workshop What questions do businesses really ask about arbitration? From sanctions and enforcement to confidentiality and clause drafting, discover the top questions businesses raised during our latest ICC arbitration workshop. Read More 26 Nov 2025 Trade & Global Economy The WTO’s hidden value Every time a product clears a border, every time a services firm invests abroad, or every time an innovator protects a patent overseas, they are relying on WTO rules, committees and monitoring systems designed to reduce risk and increase predictability. Read More 23 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability COP30 Falls Short of What the Global Economy Needs COP30 reaffirmed global commitment to the Paris Agreement, but its outcomes fall short of what the world economy urgently needs. Without clear pathways on adaptation, mitigation and finance, the private sector’s ability to deliver climate solutions at scale remains constrained. Read More 7 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability Updated Global Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications ICC has released its updated 2025 Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications, providing global guidance to ensure environmental claims are accurate, transparent and evidence-based. Read More 4 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution The Silent Drain on Enterprise: The Economic Impact of Unresolved Commercial Disputes A new ICC–Oxera report reveals the staggering global cost of unresolved commercial disputes, which drain liquidity, suppress investment, and weaken trust in markets. The study highlights how affordable, digital dispute resolution can unlock growth, especially for SMEs, and strengthen justice as essential economic infrastructure. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Trade & Global Economy Competitiveness in times of Geo-economic Fragmentation As global power shifts toward fragmented multipolarity, trade is increasingly shaped by geopolitics, security, and strategic autonomy. Businesses must navigate competing rules, supply-chain risks, and political pressures to remain competitive in an era of geo-economic fragmentation. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Digital Trade Paperless Trade Pilot Handbook – Road to a broader Digital Trade Paperless trade is no longer a distant aspiration; It is today’s most practical lever for cutting cost, time, and risk in cross-border commerce. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution Arbitration in Focus Bas van Zelst is a partner at Enhance Arbitration, a law firm dedicated exclusively to arbitration. Enhance provides (co-)counsel, arbitration and advisory services. He is also a member of the ICC Netherlands Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Committee. In this article, he talks about the main definitions and characteristics of arbitration – and how these differ from litigation. He also outlines what makes the Netherlands an attractive seat of arbitration, and shares his thoughts on the link between arbitration and peace. Read More 2 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability From Ambition to Economic Delivery: ICC’s Call to Action Ahead of COP30 As world leaders prepare to meet in Belém for COP30, ICC calls on governments to turn climate ambition into economic delivery. Representing over 45 million companies, ICC urges concrete action on finance, adaptation and market integrity to unlock private investment and make the transition to net zero a driver of growth and resilience. Read More 1 Nov 2025 Integrity Highlights from the Week of Integrity 2025 The Week of Integrity 2025 brought together organizations across sectors to explore how integrity strengthens culture, trust, and sustainable growth. From the launch of the new Book of Integrity to inspiring partner initiatives and thought-provoking dialogues, the week proved that integrity is a year-round capability, not just a one-week commitment. Read More 30 Oct 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC Trade Register 2025 Built on over USD 25 trillion in transaction data, the ICC Trade Register 2025 offers the most comprehensive insight into global trade and supply chain finance. Its findings confirm trade finance as a low-risk, high-impact asset class—and show how data-driven evidence continues to shape smarter regulation, sustainability, and competitiveness worldwide. Read More 27 Oct 2025 Climate & Sustainability Turning Ambition into Action: ICC and Sage Release 2025 SME Climate Finance Stocktake A new ICC–Sage report reveals that while SMEs are leading on sustainability ambition, access to green finance remains critically low. The study calls for digital solutions, simpler reporting, and smarter policy to unlock the trillions needed for small businesses to drive the global net-zero transition. Read More 21 Oct 2025 Digital Trade ICC Calls for Government Action and Business Expertise to Strengthen Global Cyber Resilience As the UN prepares to launch a new Global Mechanism on cybersecurity, ICC urges governments to pair decisive action with business expertise to strengthen global cyber resilience. The private sector, operating on the front lines of digital defense, must be meaningfully included to ensure policies are practical, inclusive, and future-proof. Read More 7 Oct 2025 Dispute Resolution Beyond the Contract: Insights from the ICC NL Dispute Resolution Forum 2025 At the ICC Dispute Resolution Forum on 7 October, experts explored how culture, trust, and human behaviour shape cross-border business disputes. The discussions revealed that resolving conflicts effectively starts long before the contract is signed. Read More 7 Oct 2025 Global Insights Building common ground in a fragmented world From trade digitalisation to sustainability and WTO reform, one message keeps returning: ambition is high, but the system must move faster. A reflection on clarity, trust, and cooperation, and why bringing people together still matters most. Read More 6 Oct 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC Netherlands at the WTO Public Forum 2025 in Geneva At the WTO Public Forum 2025, ICC Netherlands joined global leaders to address one key question: how can we rebuild trust in global trade? From digitalization to AI and sustainability, the call for WTO reform has never been more pressing. Read More 6 Oct 2025 Climate & Sustainability Circular Plastics and Dutch Leadership: An Interview with Willemijn Peeters, founding director of Searious Business "The Netherlands stands at a crossroads. If we embrace circularity at scale, we can future-proof our economy, strengthen our resilience, and prove that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand". Read More 1 Sept 2025 Trade & Global Economy Global trade – an urgent need for reform Global trade is at a crossroads. Rising protectionism, geopolitical tensions and stalled reforms threaten the stability of the rules-based system that underpins Dutch and international business. In this interview, Valerie Picard, ICC’s Head of Trade, explains why urgent WTO reform is needed, what “revitalising the global trading system” means in practice, and how Dutch companies can play a leadership role in shaping the future of trade. Read More 1 Sept 2025 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands calls on Dutch Parliament to accelerate adoption of MLETR ICC Netherlands, together with a broad coalition of companies, banks and business associations, has presented a whitepaper to the Dutch Parliament calling for swift adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) – a move that will cut costs, reduce delays and strengthen the Netherlands’ competitive position. Read More 1 Sept 2025 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands roept Tweede Kamer op: versnel adoptie van digitale handelsdocumenten (MLETR) ICC Nederland heeft samen met een brede coalitie van bedrijven, banken en brancheorganisaties een whitepaper aangeboden aan de Tweede Kamer om snelle invoering van de UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) te bevorderen – een stap die kosten bespaart, doorlooptijden verkort en de concurrentiepositie van Nederland versterkt. Read More 31 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability Share Your Story: Be Part of ICC’s Global Climate Campaign Business has a crucial role to play in tackling climate change – not only by reducing risks but by creating opportunities. Real-world examples from companies of all sizes show policymakers and peers that innovation and investment can deliver climate solutions at scale. That’s why ICC is calling on businesses to share their stories as part of its global climate campaign ahead of COP30. By showcasing successes and lessons learned, we can inspire action, remove barriers, and make the case for the enabling policies needed to accelerate the clean transition. Read More 28 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability ICC Report: Unlocking Private Sector Investment for Climate Adaptation Climate change is already costing the global economy trillions, yet adaptation finance continues to lag far behind what is needed. A new ICC–Oxera report highlights how the private sector can play a decisive role in closing this gap. With public funds alone insufficient, innovative instruments, better risk data, and enabling regulation are essential to unlock private investment at scale. As the official voice of business in the UN climate process, ICC will bring these recommendations to COP30 in Belém to advocate for a stronger role of business in building global climate resilience. Read More 20 Aug 2025 Trade & Global Economy Business takeaways from the first rounds of UN Tax Framework Convention negotiations ICC is advocating for predictable, stable global tax rules to support cross-border trade and investment at the first rounds of United Nations Tax Framework Convention talks. Taxpayer rights, rigorous economic analysis, clarity on new instruments and effective dispute prevention and resolution were championed as key priorities for business. Read More 15 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability Business disappointed by failure to secure global plastics treaty The International Chamber of Commerce has issued the following statement at the conclusion of the latest round of intergovernmental negotiations on a proposed UN plastics treaty: Read More 28 Jul 2025 Climate & Sustainability How to scale private finance for adaptation and unlock new business opportunities As the frequency and severity of climate-related events escalate, there is a growing consensus that mitigation alone is insufficient. Adaptation must play a central role in securing resilience. To support this shift, the new ICC-commissioned Oxera report assesses how the private sector’s role in climate adaptation can be strengthened and scaled. The report is intended to inform ICC’s advocacy as the official UNFCCC Focal Point for Business and Industry in the lead-up to COP30 in Belém. Read More 26 Jul 2025 Climate & Sustainability Enhancing Climate Finance in Emerging Markets Emerging markets and developing economies need US$450–550 billion in additional annual climate finance by 2030, but private flows are declining. ICC’s new policy brief shows how targeted reforms to the Basel III framework could unlock 3–4 times more private investment in climate-aligned projects. Ahead of COP30, ICC is calling for a structured dialogue with regulators to ensure climate finance flows to where it is most urgently needed. Read More 11 Jul 2025 Global Insights Harmonised AI standards to reduce fragmented global rules This ICC policy paper highlights how divergent AI regulations across countries can lead to fragmented global markets and increased business costs. ICC calls for greater coordination on the development of international, market-driven AI standards, to bridge legal differences, reduce compliance burdens, improve market access and enhance cross-border innovation. Read More 10 Jul 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC and WCO release trade facilitation recommendations for enhanced integrity at borders Integrity at borders is fundamental to sustainable trade and economic growth. A new joint International Chamber of Commerce-World Customs Organization paper highlights how trade facilitation – by digitalising processes, reducing complexities and increasing transparency – can be a powerful tool for fighting corruption. Read More 4 Jul 2025 Business Solutions ICC Anti-corruption Clause The ICC Anti-corruption Clause is a voluntary contractual provision that companies can include in their commercial agreements, whereby they undertake to comply with the 2023 ICC Rules on Combating Corruption or commit to put in place and maintain an anti-corruption compliance programme. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Business at the Table: ICC and the Private Sector at the SB62 Climate Talks At the June 2025 Bonn Climate Conference, business leaders led by the ICC called for urgent action to remove regulatory and financial barriers, scale up adaptation, and support high-integrity carbon markets. With COP30 nearing, they urged governments to align with 1.5°C goals and shift from talk to action, emphasizing that the private sector is ready but needs the right conditions. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability New ICC Policy Brief Calls for Regulatory Reforms to Unlock Climate Finance in Emerging Markets ICC urges targeted reforms to global banking rules, especially Basel III, to unlock climate finance for emerging markets. The brief proposes near-term fixes and deeper changes to ease capital barriers without risking financial stability. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability FfD4 Opens in Seville: A Crucial Test for Financing the SDGs At the FfD4 conference in Seville, the ICC called for practical, private sector-led financing to achieve the SDGs, urging action beyond symbolic commitments. With the “Compromiso de Sevilla” agreed, ICC is pushing for greater business input on SME investment, tax reform, and climate finance. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Project Phoenix: A Bold Business-Led Response to Trade System Fragmentation At the National Committee (NC) Strategic Session held during We are ICC Week 2025, ICC unveiled its most ambitious initiative in recent years: Project Phoenix. Introduced by ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton following a high-level panel with Shinta Kamdani, Arancha González, and Andrew Wilson, the launch framed ICC’s response to deepening geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Post-UNOC3: Business Rallies for Ocean Action with Landmark Call to Policymakers Over 80 businesses and networks joined an ICC-led declaration at UNOC3, urging urgent action to protect ocean health as key to climate resilience and economic prosperity. The Business Call to Action outlines commitments and policy asks to scale sustainable ocean solutions and is open for more support. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Marketing & Advertising European Commission Withdraws Green Claims Directive — ICC Welcomes Opportunity for Constructive Recalibration The European Commission has withdrawn the Green Claims Directive after concerns over burdens on SMEs, marking a key advocacy win for ICC and its members. ICC now invites businesses to help shape future sustainability marketing policies that are credible, practical, and innovation-friendly. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Beyond the West: Rethinking Europe’s Role in the Global Order Alex Krijger, a historian and geopolitical advisor, says the 2025 NATO Summit was a turning point, with Europe finally stepping up to take more responsibility for its own security. He believes the world is shifting toward a new global balance of power, and Europe needs to build fairer relationships with the Global South, rethink old institutions, and broaden its view beyond just Western perspectives. Read More 30 Jun 2025 ICC #WeAreICCWeek From 16–19 June, #WeAreICC Week brought together over 200 ICC representatives and leaders from 85 countries in Paris for a dynamic series of strategy and governance meetings. Highlights included the annual meeting of the ICC World Council, chaired by Philippe Varin, and a gathering of the ICC Executive Board. Read More 24 Jun 2025 Dispute Resolution ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics: 2024 The annual ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics offer a comprehensive overview of disputes submitted to the ICC International Court of Arbitration and the ICC International Centre for ADR. They provide an in-depth breakdown of the numbers and global reach of ICC Arbitration and other ICC Dispute Resolution Services worldwide. Read More 16 Jun 2025 Integrity Building Integrity Through Trust and Psychological Safety A culture of integrity doesn’t come solely through regulations; it thrives on trust, transparency, and psychological safety. Psychological safety—where individuals can speak up and raise concerns without fear—is the foundation of a strong compliance culture. Read More 13 Jun 2025 Global Insights Major banks set industry milestone with endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance A group of leading Trade Finance banks have announced their endorsement of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (ICC PSTF). This group, and further supporting banks, collectively represent as much as 25% of the global trade finance market by volume. Read More 12 Jun 2025 Dispute Resolution ICC arbitration tops global survey The Arbitration Rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have been named the world’s preferred arbitration rules in a global survey investigating current trends in user preferences and perceptions. Read More 11 Jun 2025 Digital Trade Data flows in supply chains: Practical realities and policy implications Cross-border data flows are essential for efficient global supply chains, enabling real-time coordination and logistics across borders. ICC provides concrete recommendations to align policies with operational realities and keep trade flowing. Read More 10 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability ICC joins Business Call to Action to accelerate global cooperation for our oceans In a joint Business Call to Action more than 80 businesses and supporting organisations from 25 countries, including 55 businesses representing over €600 billion in turnover and 2 million employees, urged both private and public decisions-makers to strengthen global cooperation and accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. Read More 4 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be New ICC brief outlines why tariffs on cross-border services are unworkable and what policymakers should do instead. Read More 2 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC warns trade uncertainty is undermining global business confidence Speaking live in an interview on Bloomberg’s Balance of Power show with hosts Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO discussed current trade policy tensions and what it means for the international business community. Read More 1 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative Sustainability is everywhere – but what does it really mean for a business to be sustainable? And who gets to define it? To get some answers, we spoke to Ed Gillespie, whose credentials involve nearly three decades at the forefront of sustainability. Read More 1 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Africa – issues and opportunities relating to trade In the previous issue of this newsletter we heard that the USA represents just 13% of global trade. In our conversation with Secretary General of ICC United Kingdom Chris Southworth, he said that “we need to focus on the remaining 87% of the global trade system.” Read More 28 May 2025 Dispute Resolution Mediation in Practice: Empowering Legal Professionals with Strategic Tools for Commercial Disputes On 28 May, ICC Netherlands joined forces with CMS and the Academy of Legal Mediation for a highly interactive and well-attended afternoon dedicated to exploring the strategic use of mediation in commercial disputes. Read More 27 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Developments on the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation The ICC convened a timely briefing to update business stakeholders on the UN-led process to negotiate a new Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. Read More 23 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy A call to de-escalate transatlantic trade tensions In response to a US proposal to increase tariffs on European Union goods, ICC is calling for redoubled ongoing efforts to renew the US-EU trade relationship. Read More 20 May 2025 Events Trading Blows or Building Bridges? Navigating Global Trade in a Multipolar World As global trade becomes increasingly politicised, polarised, and unpredictable, how should businesses respond? On 20 May, ICC Netherlands gathered leading voices from business, policy, and finance to explore the realities—and responsibilities—of trading in a multipolar world. What emerged was a clear message: navigating complexity isn’t optional, it’s strategic. Read More 15 May 2025 Digital Trade The Netherlands Moves on eBL Legislation — But More is Needed for True Trade Digitalisation The Dutch government has taken an important first step in the digitalisation of trade by submitting a bill to Parliament that formally recognises the legal validity of electronic bills of lading (eBLs). Read More 14 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Reimagining WTO Dispute Settlement: a business case for mediation Mediation under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Understanding can help governments resolve trade frictions faster, cheaper and more constructively – if they’re willing to use it. ICC is making the case. Read More 8 May 2025 Integrity Speaking up is Golden: The Importance of Integrity for a Safe Reporting Culture in Organizations Organisations are often well-insured against rare events like fires but underestimate the frequent and damaging risks of integrity violations such as fraud or misconduct; investing in a strong integrity culture and internal reporting procedures is essential for early detection and reduced harm. Read More 6 May 2025 Integrity Navigating the divide: Acting with integrity when cultural adaptation is required Danielle Dielissen shows how personal background shapes integrity in business and emphasizes self-awareness, role models, and diversity to uphold ethical behavior across cultures. Read More 5 May 2025 Business Solutions ICC Global Marketing and Advertising Commission At the 2025 ICC meeting, key updates were shared on advancing ethical advertising practices, including new policies on responsible AI use, environmental claims, and marketing to children—emphasizing the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and public trust. Read More 5 May 2025 Events Advance Integrity in Business – Join the Business Integrity Accelerator The UN Global Compact Network Netherlands and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are launching the Business Integrity Accelerator (BIA)—a global program designed to help companies move beyond compliance and embed integrity into their core strategy and operations. Read More 4 May 2025 Dispute Resolution Draft Smart, Resolve Smarter: How to Use Mediation Clauses Effectively Amid rising geopolitical tension, mediation is gaining traction in international contracts—but its effectiveness depends on clear wording and local legal interpretation. Read More 3 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Incoterms® 2020: Navigating Risk, Responsibility & Reality in Global Trade Incoterms® 2020 help businesses manage tariff and compliance risks in global trade by clearly defining who is responsible for transport, insurance, and customs duties. Strategic use can reduce seller exposure to tariffs, making these terms crucial tools in navigating today’s volatile trade environment. Read More 2 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Global Trade Uncertainty Rises: 42% of Firms Brace for Impact A recent ICC Pulse Survey reveals growing concern among global businesses following the U.S. administration’s 2 April 2025 announcement of sweeping new tariff measures. Read More 1 May 2025 Trade & Global Economy Dissecting the trade war: The response, new data and cautious optimism President Trump’s trade war has disrupted global trade, but according to Chris Southworth (ICC UK), it also presents an opportunity for other countries—who make up the bulk of global trade—to strengthen cooperation, accelerate digitalisation, and build a more resilient system. Read More 25 Apr 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC Pulse Survey 2025: Business reactions to new U.S. tariffs The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) conducted a pulse survey of its global business network from 3 -11 April 2025. The Survey assesses the impact of newly announced U.S. tariff measures. Read More 15 Apr 2025 Trade & Global Economy Pronounced spike in low-level crimes in Singapore Straits The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has revealed a rise in global piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2025 – driven by a spike of incidents in the Singapore Straits. Read More 7 Apr 2025 Integrity “I Thought It Couldn’t Happen Here” In this candid interview, a regional director in France reflects on the lasting impact of a workplace harassment case, which challenged her views on leadership and integrity. Two years later, she sees integrity not as a fixed ideal, but as a daily commitment to psychological safety, accountability, and readiness. Read More 6 Apr 2025 Integrity 2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum and ICC side event on business and government as partners for integrity to the OECD At the 2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, ICC hosted a side event to boost business-government collaboration on integrity, highlighting tools like updated anti-corruption clauses. Forum discussions focused on bribery solicitation, tech-driven anti-corruption efforts, integrity in the green transition, and public-private cooperation for fairer global markets. Read More 5 Apr 2025 ICC NL has a new collaborative partner: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam ICC Netherlands has partnered with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam to enhance stakeholder engagement and share insights on integrity, compliance, and anti-corruption. The collaboration merges academic research with ICC’s global business network to drive practical, evidence-based solutions. Read More 4 Apr 2025 Trade & Global Economy Shaping the Future of Global Tax: ICC Commission Charts a Course Amid Rising Fragmentation At its March 2025 meeting, the ICC Taxation Commission tackled global tax challenges, including UN reforms, digital economy rules, and OECD compliance amid rising geopolitical tensions. The Commission stressed inclusive dialogue and business input to help shape a clear, practical international tax framework. Read More 3 Apr 2025 Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Best Practices: Insights from Recent ICC Trainings in the Netherlands The ICC recently conducted a two-day advanced dispute resolution training in the Netherlands, bringing together over 40 legal and business professionals to explore strategies for handling complex commercial disputes. Read More

< Back Professor Dr Henricus J. Snijders Snijders Law and Leiden University Arbitrator Biography Professor Dr Henricus Joseph (Henk) Snijders is an Emeritus Professor of Civil Law and Civil Procedure, with a distinguished career in academia and legal practice. Prof. Snijders serves as an arbitrator for prestigious institutions including the Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). He is also a legal advisor and legal expert, often issuing legal opinions in both state court and arbitral procedures. He represents the Netherlands in the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and in particular Working Group IDR of this commission. He is deeply involved in legal scholarship as an author and editor of numerous books and articles, and he holds key editorial roles in several legal publications. He is a chairman and board member of various legal and academic organizations, contributing to the development and regulation of civil law and arbitration practices. His previous positions include lawyer and barrister at the Dutch Supreme Court, Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Leiden University, Scientific Director of the Leiden Institute of Private Law, deputy judge at the District Court of The Hague and deputy judge of the Court of Appeal at Arnhem, member of the Working Group for the revision of the Dutch Arbitration Act 1986 and chairman of the Advisory Board of the Netherlands Arbitration Institute. Prof. Snijders' contributions to legal scholarship and practice are complemented by his roles as a patron and board member of multiple legal associations and his continued engagement in teaching and course coordination especially in the field of arbitration. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the violin and traveling. Contact Details Netherlands +31 (0)64 828 0773 law@hjsnijders.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Dutch, English, German, French Specialisation Arbitration Law, Civil Procedures, Contracts, Property Law, Tort Law Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

< Back < Previous | Next > Trade & Investment A call to de-escalate transatlantic trade tensions 23 May 2025 In response to a US proposal to increase tariffs on European Union goods, ICC is calling for redoubled ongoing efforts to renew the US-EU trade relationship. The proposed tariff hike on EU imports introduces major uncertainty into one of the most stable and integrated trade relationships in the world. The immediate effect — for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic — will be to further chill investment decisions, disrupt essential supply chains and undermine market confidence. "The transatlantic relationship is not only of immense economic importance — it is, in many ways, the cornerstone of the rules-based global trading system. For decades, EU-U.S. trade has set an important standard for openness, reliability and shared prosperity. A sharp escalation in tariffs between two central pillars of the global economy risks sending shockwaves through the global business community at a time when stability is at an absolute premium." "We call on the U.S. and EU to redouble ongoing efforts to renew their trade relationship. A swift and coordinated de-escalation is essential to preserve the trust and stability that underpin international commerce, business investment and job creation."

< Back < Previous | Next > Building common ground in a fragmented world Laure Jacquier 7 Oct 2025 From trade digitalisation to sustainability and WTO reform, one message keeps returning: ambition is high, but the system must move faster. A reflection on clarity, trust, and cooperation, and why bringing people together still matters most. Building common ground in a fragmented world If there is one thing these past two years have confirmed, it is that progress happens when the right people sit around the same table. That is where ICC adds value. Our work connects businesses, law firms, financial institutions, and policymakers , creating space for practical cooperation. Whether on trade law, digital standards, sustainability, or dispute resolution, we act as a bridge, turning technical issues into collective solutions. The Netherlands has everything it needs to lead in international trade: strong infrastructure, expertise, credibility, and a global outlook. What we must ensure is that regulation and policy do not become barriers but enablers. Two years in It has now been two years since I joined ICC Netherlands, two years that went by fast, with a steep learning curve. Working every day at the crossroads of business, policy, and international cooperation gives perspective. I see how much is happening around, and how often the same message comes back from Dutch companies: we want to move forward, but the system is not moving with us in the same speed; or worse, it is holding us back. Across our commissions and round tables, whether on digitalisation , AI , sustainability , or integrity , the same frustration echoes: the Netherlands risks falling behind. Regulations take too long, pilots stall, and businesses willing to innovate often face uncertainty instead of support. In a country built on trade and ingenuity, we should be leading the way. A touch more confidence in our own ’Made in Holland’ , a bit of healthy chauvinism , would not be misplaced. And the message from Europe is anything but clear. Digital trade: limited progress One area where progress is increasingly urgent is digital trade . In 2025, relying on paper documents that take five to twenty days to circulate globally is no longer sustainable. The Dutch government’s proposal to recognise electronic bills of lading (eBLs) with the same legal value as their paper counterparts is a positive and welcome step, and ICC Netherlands has been actively support it. Still, to fully realise the potential of digital trade, we need legal certainty for all types of transferable electronic records, not just eBLs, and full interoperability between systems. Digitalisation is not only about efficiency; it also enhances transparency, strengthens security, and helps reduce opportunities for corruption. Above all, it supports Dutch competitiveness in a world where trade partners, from Singapore to the UK, are already advancing rapidly. A shifting international landscape The international context reinforces this urgency. The WTO Director-General recently warned that escalating tariffs are causing “unprecedented disruption” to the global trading system. The re-emergence of trade barriers and the fragmentation of markets are symptoms of a deeper problem: a multilateral system under strain. Yet even in this environment, progress is still possible. The WTO’s long-negotiated Fisheries Subsidies Agreement entered into force last month, a modest but real example of cooperation on trade and sustainability. At last week’s meeting of ICC’s Global Trade and Investment Commission , one point stood out clearly: instead of focusing on blame, the discussion centred on the structural causes of the WTO’s difficulties. The actions of individual countries, including the United States, are only manifestations of an underlying, long-term breakdown in the system. Years of under-investment in reform and a lack of political momentum have weakened the multilateral framework that global business depends on. Business representatives also called for a stronger and more consistent business voice within WTO processes , so that the private sector is not merely invited, but genuinely involved. One encouraging sign is that business engagement at the WTO Public Forum in Geneva has surged . Companies from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia came together to discuss digital trade and the risks of letting the e-commerce moratorium lapse. As my colleague Jasper van Schaik notes in his article “ ICC Netherlands at the WTO Public Forum 2025 ” , this renewed participation demonstrates that companies seek greater engagement, not withdrawal, and that the business community is prepared to contribute constructively to reform. In the lead-up to the next WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) , ICC is preparing a global “Save the System” letter , to be signed by chambers and associations worldwide, along with a campaign to safeguard the moratorium on digital trade , highlighting its importance for SMEs. These efforts reflect ICC’s broader mission: ensuring that global trade rules remain fair, predictable, and inclusive, and that Dutch businesses are actively represented. Sustainability and competitiveness The Dutch debate on sustainability also reflects the same tension between ambition and execution. In September 2025 , Tata Steel Nederland signed a non-binding pact with the Dutch government to pursue a low-carbon transition at its IJmuiden plant, with potential public support of up to €2 billion . It is a positive signal, but also a reminder of how complex, and costly, the transition will be, both technically and socially. As Willemijn Peeters , founding director of Searious Business , recently underlined in her interview for ICC , the Netherlands has “all the right ingredients” to lead in circular innovation, advanced infrastructure, strong consumer awareness, and a collaborative culture, yet it risks losing ground to neighbors who move faster from pilot to practice. Her call for courage and scale applies well beyond plastics: across industries, the same challenge persists. Meanwhile, experts warn that the Netherlands is unlikely to meet its 2030 climate goals. For businesses, this raises a real concern: how to invest with confidence when the policy environment remains uncertain. With COP30 approaching, the focus will increasingly turn to connecting climate and trade objectives rather than treating them separately. Companies are ready to contribute, but they need predictable frameworks and clear incentives. That is precisely where ICC’s strength lies, bridging global ambition with practical business reality. Along these two years at ICC Netherlands, one conviction has only grown stronger: clarity, trust, and cooperation are not abstract values, they are the foundations of competitiveness. In a world where both trade and trust are under pressure, creating that common ground is not optional. It is essential. As emphasized at the start, real progress always begins when the right people sit around the same table.

< Back < Previous | Next > ICC warns of double taxation risks in latest UN tax talks 19 Dec 2025 As United Nations negotiations on a Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation continue, ICC warns that reforms risk creating new layers of double taxation. Following the latest round of talks in Nairobi, ICC states that expanding taxing rights without mandatory safeguards and relief from double taxation could undermine cross-border investment, strain tax administrations and weaken global growth. Government negotiators gathered mid-November for the third session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee (INC) on the Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. Ambition is high: to reshape global tax rules under UN auspices, with a particular eye on fairness and development. For business, however, the direction of travel raises familiar, and serious, questions about certainty, coherence and the risk of double taxation. As the institutional representative of over 45 million companies worldwide, ICC used the Nairobi session to drive home its message. In written submissions to the negotiating workstreams, ICC advocated that without clear safeguards, the Convention could unintentionally undermine cross-border trade and investment rather than support sustainable development. A convention with many moving parts The first week in Nairobi focused on the draft commitments in articles to be included in the Convention itself ( Workstream I ). These articles ranged widely – from fair allocation of taxing rights, the treatment of high-net-worth individuals and sustainable development, to illicit financial flows, tax avoidance and evasion, harmful tax practices, and the prevention and resolution of tax disputes. Double taxation: a severe and unacceptable risk for business For the business community, the most sensitive provision is Article 4 on the ‘fair allocation of taxing rights’. As currently worded, Article 4 asserts broad taxing rights for jurisdictions but offers little guidance on how income should be allocated between them. From a business perspective, this creates a severe and unacceptable risk of double and even multiple taxation – an ambiguity could lead to a regulatory ‘free-for-all’ for jurisdictions. ICC advocated that the Convention must explicitly state the prevention and relief of double taxation as a core non-negotiable objective. Any new source-based taxing rights must be paired with mandatory relief by the residence country, whether through exemptions, tax credits or equivalent measures. Put more simply, if the Convention gives multiple countries the right to tax the very same profits, it must also require relief from double taxation, for instance, through recognition of a tax credit. Otherwise, if the same profits are taxed more than once, it will no longer be economically viable for companies to operate in more than one country. This ultimately leads to a decrease in investments and job creation, and distress in local supply chains and the overall local economy. Expanding taxing rights without equally strong relief mechanisms would, ICC says, amplify the problem rather than solve it. Closely linked is the question of definitions . ICC stressed the need to align concepts and definitions with existing international usage standards, such as those of the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Fragmented definitions increase compliance costs, strain tax administrations and raise the likelihood of disputes – outcomes that would disproportionately affect developing countries with more limited administrative capacity. Dispute prevention and resolution must be strengthened to safeguard tax certainty. The second week of negotiations turned to Workstream III , covering the latest concept note released by the UN Protocol II on dispute prevention and resolution. The concept note outlines an optional mechanism for the protocol to work, allowing countries to choose from a range of mechanisms, those suitable to their legal, political and institutional contexts. The concept note also included open questions on scope, mechanisms and capacity building. While details remain uncertain, our response is unambiguous. Without credible dispute resolution, tax certainty, cross-border investment and sustainable economic growth are at risk. To enhance tax certainty and reduce the volume of disputes, ICC proposed incorporating new prevention instruments into the Protocol: ‘MAP-Lite’ Framework: a streamlined process that allows tax authorities to cooperate quickly, review cases early and grant temporary tax relief while disagreements are being resolved – giving companies interim certainty and reducing the impact on business. ‘Synthetic’ APAs: Encouraging the possibility of coordinating two unilateral Advance Pricing Arrangements (APAs) to create the certainty equivalent of a bilateral APA, yet with less complexity and delay. Simple Safe Harbours: Introducing simple ‘safe harbours’ – pre-agreed tax rules – for low-risk services and routine distribution margins. Where disputes cannot be avoided, ICC strongly supports reinforcing the effectiveness of the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) – a formal process that allows governments to resolve cross-border tax disputes between themselves – supported by a binding arbitration backstop. Experience from existing treaties suggests that the mere presence of binding arbitration encourages tax authorities to settle cases within MAP, reducing uncertainty for both governments and taxpayers. One notable absence from Nairobi was progress on Workstream II, covering the taxation of cross-border services. No new document was presented, although a fresh proposal is expected ahead of the next session in New York, starting on 2 February 2026. For now, the UN tax process remains very much a work in progress. Whether it delivers a predictable, rules-based framework or a patchwork of competing claims will depend on choices made by negotiators. ICC remains committed to constructive engagement with the INC and to delivering a predictable, rules-based system that benefits the global economy, while supporting developing countries in achieving needed revenues alongside investment confidence.

< Back Jeremy LACK LAWTECH Mediator Biography JEREMY LACK is a lawyer and ADR neutral admitted to the bars of England & Wales (1989), New York, USA (1990), and Geneva, Switzerland (2003). He specializes in commercial, technology, life sciences, IT, intellectual property, and complex international disputes. Jeremy founded LAWTECH.CH and INNOVADR Ltd. , and is a Door Tenant with QUADRANT CHAMBERS (GB) and counsel to HELVETICA AVOCATS SARL (CH). He serves as an Ombudsperson for DRUGS FOR NEGLECTED DISEASES INITIATIVE (CH) and has held key executive and legal roles in several companies. A certified IMI mediator and practicing arbitrator, he is ranked by WHO’S WHO LEGAL as a Global Elite Thought Leader (2019-2024). Jeremy holds an MA (Oxon) from Oxford University and works in English, French, and Spanish. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland, and designs bespoke international commercial dispute resolution processes. He holds Swiss, British, US, and Israeli citizenships. For more information, please visit: www.lawtech.ch and www.innovadr.com . Contact Details Switzerland (International) +41792471519 jlack@lawtech.ch Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken English, French, Spanish, Hebrew Specialisation Competition, Consultancy Services (Other than Legal), Corporate Law / M&A, Distribution, Information and Communication Technologies, Intellectual Property, Investment / Public International Law, Joint Ventures, Pharmaceutical, Sales, Sports, Arts, Employment, Energy and Natural Resources Bar Admission(s) Credentials IMI, CEDR, Other CV

< Back < Previous | Next > Geopolitics How businesses can tackle isolationism and protectionism Tom Scott 3 Feb 2025 Andrew Wilson As Deputy Secretary General for Policy at ICC Global, Andrew Wilson ’s job focuses on any public policy relevant to business. That’s everything from trade to tax, from climate to financial regulation. He carries out this work at a range of different levels: national, EU, but mainly various United Nations bodies such as the WTO. He describes ICC’s role as being “the voice of business in international policymaking, ensuring that what is agreed at the UN or WTO really meets the needs of local private sectors across the world”. We caught up with Andrew to talk to him about the challenges of geopolitics today: how it affects international trade, the global shift towards isolationism, the impact (if any) of Trump’s second term in the White House. In addition to ICC’s response to these issues, we also discussed the various options open to businesses to tackle the trend of increasing unilateralism and protectionism. What is ICC’s view of the current state of geopolitics? We are living in an increasingly fragmented and uncertain world. We’ve got hot conflict in Ukraine and, until recently, the Middle East. And we have severe tension between the largest two economies in the world: the USA and China. In addition to this, there is also a steadily growing mindset of unilateralism and protectionism within many economies. Looking closer at unilateralism and protectionism, how does this affect international trade? The trade environment is far more complex and certainly less stable than it was, say, before the pandemic. In 2023, for example, there were 3,000 new trade barriers erected by governments across the world. This represents a five-fold increase over the previous five years. This steady drift, almost unnoticed by much of the media, towards greater isolationism is certainly not conducive to high levels of trade growth, which powers long-term job creation and GDP growth. Indeed, the USA is currently getting a lot of media attention about tariffs. Surely this huge increase in trade barriers is not originating only from the White House? This is an important point of clarification that we want to bring to the debate. The USA is certainly not alone in its protectionist policies. This is part of a much broader trend towards unilateralism in trade: the steady erosion of the multilateral trading system. There are governments in other regions – Southeast Asia and, to a lesser extent, Latin America – that are introducing some forms of restrictions to trade. These aren’t necessarily tariffs; it could be distortionary subsidies or export restrictions. Just how much influence does the USA have? Another point of nuance that is sometimes missing is that the USA accounts for only ten per cent of global trade flows. Compared to the 1930s, for example, the USA just simply doesn’t have the same market power today. However, we are very conscious of how countries may respond to the ‘America First’ policy. What possible options do countries have? They could choose to negotiate. Or accept the imposition of tariffs. Or to retaliate. Our big concern from a systemic perspective is if other major economies start to retaliate – the European Union, China, Canada, for instance – then we could end up with tariff escalations within the G20 or even the G7. That would obviously be extraordinarily concerning. Our message is to see the bigger perspective and avoid retaliation: keep calm and negotiate. And what advice can ICC give businesses to deal with the trend of unilateralism and protectionism? Coming from discussions we’ve run together with the International Monetary Fund with a whole range of corporates, we have identified six best practises for how businesses can navigate this very uncertain environment. Maybe it sounds facile, but there’s no need to overreact or to essentially follow the media cycle. We think it’s important that businesses stay sanguine. We strongly recommend internal education by ensuring that relevant teams are properly educated about tariffs, currency fluctuations and other trade barriers. In some cases, companies will need to extend this education down their supply chains. Companies should have a contingency plan. So as soon as there is any indication of possible trade policy changes, companies know how they may be impacted by tariffs or any other import or export restriction. Then they can respond accordingly, for the short-term but also potentially for the mid-term and long-term. Invest in intelligence. We know that not every company can do this, so wherever possible, use advanced tech such as AI to develop intelligence on supply chain shifts, possible policy changes and uncertainties. Use this intelligence to manage supply chains and volumes. Clear communication with suppliers is vital. If you’re at the top of the supply chain, or near the top, make sure to maintain solid relationships with suppliers, particularly if those are of a strategic or long-standing nature. Create a joint plan of action throughout the supply chain. We recommend effective advocacy. Companies can use associations like ICC as a way to influence government policy in a constructive way. Considering ICC’s history, established in 1919 to promote open global trade and investment after Word War One – and consequently promoting peace – what is ICC’s position in today’s world? We see this as a key moment for ICC to step up. We are very well aware of the responsibility we have at this moment to respond to the needs of business in an effective way. This is using our position in the WTO system, in the UN, and with our global network of chambers. I think of ICC being a space where business can convene to openly and honestly discuss how they are approaching some of the challenges they’re facing. In practical terms, how will ICC achieve this? In terms of external focus, we have three main aims. Our objective number one is the preservation of the existing multilateral trading system which is absolutely vital for the global economy and for society as a whole. This includes maintaining the WTO. Although the WTO is not the ‘new thing in town’, it underpins a huge percentage of international trade and it is absolutely critical for developing and emerging economies. We published research last year that showed that if the WTO was to disappear overnight, the impact on trade would be enormously severe. Here’s just one example: trade flows in sub-Saharan Africa would decline within a five-year period by 40 per cent. The second point is how do we effectively remake the case for international trade? Twenty years ago, the mainstream consensus was that multilateral trade was a good thing. I fear that this opinion has been lost in many ways. Therefore, we want to look at how we can tangibly, realistically and creatively start to rebalance the discussion on trade. The third and final point is, as the world appears to be going in a protectionist direction, what practical solutions can business bring to government discussions to strengthen the system? Here’s one example. The WTO dispute settlement mechanism no longer functions because under the Obama administration, the USA refused to appoint new judges. That is hugely problematic for the WTO to provide discipline and order within the multilateral system. We accept that there is very little prospect of this being resolved in the new Trump administration. As an alternative to the classic model of WTO dispute resolution, one idea we’re working on is state-to-state arbitration to enable the resolution of trade disputes and thus avoid escalation. It’s this kind of practical, but potentially very valuable intervention that we need to pursue with greater vigour. These solutions would be informed very much by the needs of the business community – in our case, ICC members – to identify the problems, work together on practical solutions, and then use our position to advocate for those solutions.

< Back < Previous | Next > Digitalisation Why the Netherlands Must Go Beyond the Electronic Bill of Lading 12 Mar 2025 After three years of preparation, the Dutch Parliament is set to deliberate on a bill introducing electronic bills of lading (eBLs) this month. This legislative move aims to modernize trade documentation, enhancing efficiency and security within the logistics sector. While this is a crucial step forward, it is only one piece of the puzzle in achieving full trade digitalization. To maintain momentum, the Netherlands must now focus on a broader legal transformation, particularly the full implementation of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). What This Means for Businesses The adoption of eBLs allows companies to transition from traditional paper-based bills of lading to digital formats. This shift is expected to: • Expedite transactions by eliminating paper- based delays. • Reduce administrative burdens and costs. • Minimize fraud risks through secure digital tracking. • Improve operational efficiency by integrating digital trade documents into IT systems. However, while beneficial, this reform alone does not fully enable the digitalization of trade. For businesses to truly benefit from a paperless system, other critical transferable records— such as promissory notes and trade finance instruments— must also be legally recognized in electronic form. Why This Is Not Enough for Trade Digitalization Although the introduction of eBLs marks significant progress, it addresses only one type of transferable document. Comprehensive digital transformation necessitates a legal framework that recognizes and facilitates the use of all electronic transferable records, ensuring their enforceability and interoperability across international markets. Without this broader framework, businesses will still face inefficiencies and legal uncertainties when using digital trade documents beyond eBLs. The Importance of Fully Implementing MLETR The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law’s (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) provides a global framework for the recognition and use of all electronic transferable documents. By fully adopting the MLETR, the Netherlands can: • Establish legal certainty for all forms of electronic trade documents. • Reduce reliance on paper-based processes across supply chains. • Improve cross-border trade efficiency, ensuring alignment with international partners. • Strengthen the competitiveness of Dutch enterprises by reducing trade friction. • Reduce corruption risks by minimizing manual handling and document forgery opportunities. • Enhance sustainability by cutting down on paper usage and inefficient transport of physical documents. • Improve data security and transparency, ensuring real-time traceability of trade documents. The Role of ICC and DSI in Driving Trade Digitalization ICC actively advocates for harmonized international trade laws and facilitates dialogue between businesses and policymakers to accelerate digital adoption. The Digital Standards Initiative (DSI), an initiative under ICC, focuses on developing digital trade standards that enhance interoperability between different stakeholders in global trade. By working alongside governments and industry leaders, ICC and DSI are instrumental in creating a regulatory environment that enables full- scale adoption of electronic transferable records, including electronic bills of lading, digital promissory notes, and digital trade finance instruments. By aligning national regulations with international standards, Dutch businesses can remain competitive and seamlessly integrate into global trade ecosystems Urgent Next Steps for the Netherlands To capitalize on the momentum generated by the eBL initiative, the following actions should be prioritized: 1. Full Implementation of MLETR – Ensure all electronic trade documents are legally recognized, not just eBLs. 2. Update Existing Legislation – Revise outdated laws that still require paper-based documentation. 3. Invest in Digital Infrastructure – Secure and standardized platforms for digital trade document processing. 4. Educate Businesses – Provide training and support for companies transitioning to electronic trade. The introduction of eBLs is a positive but incomplete step toward full trade digitalization. If the Netherlands wants to lead in global trade efficiency, it must broaden its regulatory reforms to encompass all transferable records. By implementing the MLETR and updating national laws, businesses can fully embrace a paperless, efficient, and secure trading environment, ensuring that the Dutch economy remains competitive in an increasingly digital world. Stay updated and engage in the conversation! Join our MLETR implementation working group.