The 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules through the lens of Austrian arbitration law

The new ICC Arbitration Rules, which entered into force on 1 June 2026, introduce a series of reforms designed to enhance procedural efficiency, transparency and flexibility in international arbitration. As the preferred arbitral framework in many of the world’s leading arbitration markets, changes to the ICC Rules are likely to influence the conduct of proceedings far beyond ICC-administered cases.

From the abolition of the mandatory Terms of Reference (Schiedsauftrag) to the introduction of Highly Expedited Arbitration Provisions (HEAP), the 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules introduce a number of reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and flexibility in international arbitration.

In their recent contribution to the ecolex Dispute Resolution chapter, Stefan Riegler, Venus Valentina Wong and Philipp Theiler analyse the most significant innovations introduced by the ICC Rules 2026 and their interaction with Austrian arbitration law.

In the article Die neue ICC-SchO 2026 vor dem Hintergrund des österreichischen Schiedsrechts they examine key developments such as expanded arbitrator disclosure obligations (Offenlegungspflichten), the introduction of early determination (Vorabentscheidung) and preliminary orders (vorläufige Anordnungen) by emergency arbitrators, as well as broader efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency and procedural communication in international arbitration.