EBA Mediation Hub: The Alchemy of Understanding: How Mediation Transforms Business Conflicts into Development

17/ 12/ 2025

On December 17, the event “The Alchemy of Understanding: How Mediation Transforms Business Conflicts into Growth” took place, organized by the EBA Mediation Hub in partnership with the Mediation Center and IP Office. The event was held in a hybrid format, online and offline in Kyiv, and brought together representatives from business, legal, and expert communities. During the meeting, participants discussed how business conflicts can become a resource for growth, strengthening partnerships, and making strategic decisions when approached systematically and consciously. The discussion focused on conflict prevention. Halyna Yeromenko, Head of the Ukrainian Mediation Center, emphasized the importance of clear agreements, transparent communication, and timely response to tension between parties. According to her, this approach helps reduce the number of conflicts and preserve business relationships without the need for a mediator. Olha Khmaruk, co-founder and partner at the mediation agency DecisionLab, focused on practical mediation skills in business negotiations, including active listening, addressing parties’ interests, and managing emotions. She highlighted that applying these tools enables businesses to reach mutually beneficial solutions and maintain partnerships even in challenging situations. Kateryna Prysyazhnyuk, Head of EBA Dnipro and the EBA Mediation Hub, spoke about the readiness of Ukrainian businesses for mediation. She noted a gradual increase in interest in alternative dispute resolution as an effective tool for saving time, resources, and reputational capital, while also emphasizing the need to further develop a culture of dialogue in the business environment. Aurika Hrybovska, Head of the Mediation and Intermediation Center at IP Office, outlined its potential for innovative and creative businesses, highlighting the ability to protect commercial confidentiality, maintain business relationships, and create space for further collaboration. We thank all partners and speakers for their expertise, meaningful dialogue, and contribution to promoting mediation as an effective tool for resolving business conflicts in Ukraine.

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During the meeting, participants discussed how business conflicts can become a resource for growth, strengthening partnerships, and making strategic decisions when approached systematically and consciously. The discussion focused on conflict prevention.

Halyna Yeromenko, Head of the Ukrainian Mediation Center, emphasized the importance of clear agreements, transparent communication, and timely response to tension between parties. According to her, this approach helps reduce the number of conflicts and preserve business relationships without the need for a mediator.

Olha Khmaruk, co-founder and partner at the mediation agency DecisionLab, focused on practical mediation skills in business negotiations, including active listening, addressing parties’ interests, and managing emotions. She highlighted that applying these tools enables businesses to reach mutually beneficial solutions and maintain partnerships even in challenging situations.

Kateryna Prysyazhnyuk, Head of EBA Dnipro and the EBA Mediation Hub, spoke about the readiness of Ukrainian businesses for mediation. She noted a gradual increase in interest in alternative dispute resolution as an effective tool for saving time, resources, and reputational capital, while also emphasizing the need to further develop a culture of dialogue in the business environment.

Aurika Hrybovska, Head of the Mediation and Intermediation Center at IP Office, outlined its potential for innovative and creative businesses, highlighting the ability to protect commercial confidentiality, maintain business relationships, and create space for further collaboration.

We thank all partners and speakers for their expertise, meaningful dialogue, and contribution to promoting mediation as an effective tool for resolving business conflicts in Ukraine.