Entry into force of the headquarters agreement between Brazil and the Permanent Court of Arbitration

On January 8, 2025, following approval by the National Congress, the Brazilian government ratified the headquarters agreement concluded between Brazil and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), at a ceremony held at the PCA’s headquarters in The Hague. With the ratification process now complete, the agreement has entered into force internationally as of that date.

Established in 1899, the PCA is one of the oldest existing intergovernmental organizations. Dedicated to facilitating the resolution of international disputes, the Court operates through a panel of independent arbitrators and assists in settling controversies both between States and between investors and States. The number of cases administered by the PCA has increased each year, reaching 246 in 2023.

Concluding the domestic procedures to implement the 2017 headquarters agreement will facilitate the conduct of international arbitrations in Brazil and thus strengthen the country’s contribution to the peaceful resolution of disputes.