On 10 May 2021, Ms Nina Vajić, Chair of the Administrative Tribunal, appointed Mr Helmut Buss as Conciliator for the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and Deputy Conciliator for the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) and the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF).

Mr Buss’ appointment was made in pursuance of the agreements signed between the Council of Europe and the CCNR, HCCH and OTIF, whereby these organisations recognised the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.

Mr Buss succeeds to Judge Thomas Laker, who resigned as Conciliator/Deputy Conciliator following his election as titular member of the Administrative Tribunal as of 1 April 2021. Mr Buss’ mandate as Conciliator/Deputy Conciliator will run for the remaining term of office of his predecessor, until 2 April 2023.