Our DIS members gathered in Berlin on 12 May 2026 for the annual General Assembly. The meeting focused on the 2025 activity report, the 2025 financial statements, the budget for 2026 and the election of members to the Advisory Board.
Activity Report 2025
We looked back on an eventful and successful year. With 218 new proceedings, a new record was reached (2024: 158 proceedings). The cumulative amount in dispute was approximately EUR 4 billion. Proceedings included traditional arbitration cases, sports arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
International participation remained strong with parties from 27 countries. During the year, the DIS also forged new partnerships with the Japan Association of Arbitrators (JAA) and the Silicon Valley Arbitration & Mediation Center (SVAMC).
Activities across the DIS network continued to expand. New country groups were established, the number of events increased further to more than 120, and DIS40 grew to more than 2,100 members, strengthening its role as a platform for young arbitration practitioners. The report also highlighted progress in diversity. More than 47 per cent of arbitrators appointed by the DIS in 2025 were women.
2025 Financial Statements
The General Assembly unanimously approved the 2025 financial statements.
The financial year closed out with an overall result of EUR 1.56 million. This was primarily driven by the increase in case numbers and cost-conscious spending throughout the year. At the same time, additional resources were invested in personnel and organisational development.
2026 Budget
Members also unanimously approved the budget for 2026. While the budget is based on a conservative revenue forecast, it provides for substantial investments in the further development of the organisation. Key priorities include the modernisation of IT infrastructure, measures to strengthen information security and data resilience and the continued development of digital systems. In addition, the Berlin office is in the process of expansion in order to create additional capacity for hearings and events.
Election to the Advisory Board
Another important item on the agenda was the election of members to the Advisory Board. The objective was to bring a broader range of perspectives into the work of the DIS. The new Advisory Board now includes representatives from academia, business, professional associations, the judiciary, sports and other areas of the ADR community. Read more.
Outlook
The General Assembly highlighted the continued growth and development of DIS. Alongside increasing case numbers, investments in infrastructure, digitalisation and security will remain key priorities. The meeting demonstrated that the DIS is well positioned for the future.
Katja Steinbrück