Signature with the HCCH

The Council of Europe signed two Agreements with the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF) to extend the jurisdiction of the Administrative Tribunal of the Council of Europe to these international organisations enjoying immunity. From now on, the Administrative Tribunal will be able to examine the related disputes between these organisations and their staff members.

Signature with OTIF

Both Agreements were signed by Ms. Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and, respectively, on 24 November 2017 by Mr. Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of HCCH, and on 8 December by Mr. François Davenne, Secretary General of OTIF.

The Agreements provide for an internal appeal procedure – prior to the referral to the Tribunal – which will apply to staff of both Organisations. It is a procedure specific to the international organisation concerned, which involves a conciliator during the procedure. The conciliator is appointed by the Chair of the Administrative Tribunal.

On 16 December 2014, the Administrative Tribunal had already signed a similar  Agreement allowing the extension of its jurisdiction to the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR). 

The Information and texts governing the procedure will be published under the menu "Membership" of the Administrative Tribunal’s website.

Any international governmental organisation wishing to recognize the jurisdiction of the Administrative Tribunal of the Council of Europe could contact the Registry of the Tribunal for further information.

Agreement signed with the HCCH

Agreement signed with OTIF