The legislative body adopted the bill concerning the supporting and promotion of mediation in the second, final reading. The new law lays down the conditions of entering the profession and of creating a body of qualified mediators. The bill was put forward by the Ministry of Justice, IPN reports.

Under the law, the conflicting sides that will choose mediation will benefit from particular concessions, such as exemption from paying the state tax and full or partial restoration of the costs. The sides will also be able to use the services of a mediator paid by the state.

The law also defines the powers of the Ministry of Justice and of the Mediation Council in the field. The Mediation Council will suggest drafting policies and improving the normative framework, while the Ministry of Justice will work out, coordinate and monitor the implementation of policy documents.

The development of mediation as an alternative method for resolving disputes is one of the objectives of the justice sector reform strategy for 2011-2016.