Within the compoenent 2 of the project “EU4Business support to CEFTA for Non-Tariff Measures monitoring and reporting and support to the implementation of the CEFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism”, UNCTAD has been working on the preparation of the first test version of Dispute Electronic Communication System (DECoS) specifically prepared for the purposes of the CEFTA dispute settlement.

It draws on the existing electronic communication system - WTO DORA system, which is successfully used in the context of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. Whereas the WTO DORA system can serve as a helpful template, the CEFTA DECoS will reflect the differences between the WTO dispute settlement rules set out in the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) and the CEFTA AP7.

In this regard, UNCTAD will present the test version of the DECoS to CEFTA parties and the Secretariat to showcase how the system works, what functionalities are avaialble and possible, technical and legal specifications. The presentation will cover:

• Brief Introduction. Plan of action and framework
• CEFTA DECoS overview. Legal specifications for pre-panel and panel proceedings
• Describing the pre-panel workflow in DECoS, as in AP7
• Describing the panel workflow in DECoS, as in AP7
• The allocation of tasks and roles for users in CEFTA DECoS
• Showcasing the test version, fully functional (in open source)
• Evaluation of different options for technology choice. Decision to be taken by Parties for full IT development

The presentation will take place within the framework of the CEFTA amd EU Workshop on Common Regional Market Action Plan 2025-2028