Constantinos Salonidis

I represent States in high stakes disputes before various international fora.

Constantinos Salonidis is a partner and Global Co-Chair of the International Litigation & Arbitration Department. His work focuses on the advice and representation of sovereign States before a broad array of international courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice.

An expert in disputes with geopolitical implications, Constantinos advises and represents States in high stakes international litigation before various international courts and tribunals and quasi-judicial institutions. He has also represented several European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American States in investment treaty arbitration matters involving a diverse range of industries such as banking, hydrocarbons, health insurance, tobacco, port operations, steel manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, cable television services, waste management, and mining.

The 2022 edition of Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration hails Constantinos as a “first-rate intellectual” and for his “amazing ability to grasp the essentials quickly and respond in a most effective manner” and having “superb qualities as a leading international investment lawyer/arbitrator.” Legal 500—USA (International Arbitration) recognized Salonidis for his “outstanding knowledge and understanding of the international arbitration / international law landscape and its actors,” and as an “exceptional solution-driven strategist,” having named him Next Generation Partner in its 2022 edition.

Constantinos is appointed to serve on the ICSID Panel of Conciliators (by the Slovak Republic). He has lectured on various topics of public international law at the Graduate Institute of Geneva, Melbourne School of Law, Columbia Law School and several other academic institutions in the United States and abroad, and holds the prestigious Diploma in Public International Law of The Hague Academy of International Law (2006), which is awarded sparingly. In 2018, he served as the Director of Studies in English for the public international law session of the Academy.

Related Industries

Sovereign States

Related Practices

Education

Democritus University of Thrace School of Law, Ph.D., 2010
Georgetown Law Center, LL.M. in International Legal Studies, 2010
The Hague Academy of International Law, Diploma in Public International Law, 2006
Democritus University of Thrace School of Law, Master of Laws in Public International Law, 2005
Democritus University of Thrace School of Law, Bachelor in Law, 2001

Bar and Court Admissions

BAR ADMISSIONS

Admitted in New York; admitted in Greece and as a Special Legal Consultant in the District of Columbia

Languages

Greek
Spanish

Experience

STATE-STATE ARBITRATION AND LITIGATION

Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan v. Armenia). Counsel to Armenia in two cases before the International Court of Justice arising from allegations of breach of the CERD. Secured critical victories for Armenia on the Parties’ requests for provisional measures.
The State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (2017) – Application (A); and, the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (2017) – Application (B). Counsel to Qatar in proceedings before the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization arising from certain aviation measures adopted by Respondents since June 2017.
Counsel to Qatar in arbitration proceedings initiated against Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union.
Appeal Relating to the Jurisdiction of the ICAO Council under Article 84 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates v. Qatar) & Appeal Relating to the Jurisdiction of the ICAO Council under Article II, Section 2, of the 1944 International Air Services Transit Agreement (Bahrain, Egypt and United Arab Emirates v. Qatar). Counsel to Qatar in proceedings before the International Court of Justice constituting appeals against decisions as to the jurisdiction and competence of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Court unanimously rejected the appeals.
Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Qatar v. UAE). Counsel to Qatar in this proceeding before the International Court of Justice.
Advised Qatar in proceedings initiated against Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the World Trade Organization and under the conciliation provisions of the ICERD.
The Philippines v. China. Counsel to the Philippines in the historical arbitral proceeding under Annex VII of UNCLOS to determine the maritime entitlements of the Philippines and China in the South China Sea.
The Republic of Ecuador v. The United States of America. Counsel to Ecuador in a groundbreaking arbitration under the State-to-State dispute resolution provisions of the Ecuador – U.S. bilateral investment treaty concerning the interpretation and application of Article II(7) (the “effective means” provision) of the treaty.

INVESTMENT TREATY ARBITRATION

Counsel to India in a confidential arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules relating to measures in the telecommunications sector.
Sanitek S.a.r.l., Sari Haddad and Elias Doumet v. Republic of Armenia. Counsel to Armenia in an ICSID arbitration under the Armenia-Canada and Armenia-Lebanon bilateral investment treaties in a dispute concerning waste management services.
Axiata Investments (UK) Limited and Ncell Private Limited v. Nepal. Counsel to Nepal in an ICSID arbitration under the UK-Nepal bilateral investment treaty in a dispute concerning the imposition of capital gains tax on the acquisition of shares in a Nepalese telecom company.
Adria Group B.V. and Adria Group Holding B.V. v. Republic of Croatia. Counsel to Croatia in an ICSID arbitration under the Croatia-Netherlands bilateral investment treaty arising from alleged investments in a retail enterprise in Croatia.
Yves Martine Garnier v. The Dominican Republic. Counsel to the Dominican Republic in an UNCITRAL arbitration initiated by a French national under the auspices of the Dominican Republic-France BIT arising from the termination of a waste management concession agreement.
Raiffeisen Bank International AG and Raiffeisen Bank Austria d.d. v. Republic of Croatia. Counsel to Croatia in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Croatia-Austria bilateral investment treaty arising from alleged investments in Croatia’s financial and banking sectors. The Tribunal terminated the proceeding after Croatia’s successful action before German courts declaring the arbitration agreement inadmissible.
Thomas Gosling and others v. Republic of Mauritius. Counsel to Mauritius in an ICSID arbitration under the Mauritius – UK bilateral investment treaty arising from alleged investments in real estate projects in Mauritius. The tribunal in its award dismissed all of the investors’ claims for lack of jurisdiction and merit.
Louis Dreyfus Armateurs SAS v. Republic of India. Counsel to India in a UNCITRAL arbitration under the India – France bilateral investment treaty arising from a contract concerning the supply and operation of cargo handling equipment in the Indian State of West Bengal. In the final award, the Tribunal not only dismissed all claims, but also awarded India $7.2 million in costs.
Philip Morris Brands et al v. The Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Counsel to Uruguay in an ICSID arbitration brought under the Uruguay – Switzerland bilateral investment treaty regarding Uruguay’s regulation of cigarette packaging and health warnings, and judicial disposition of the investor’s domestic administrative challenges. Claimants’ claims were dismissed for lack of merit. The tribunal also awarded Uruguay $7 million in costs.
Ping An Life Insurance Company of China, Limited & Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Limited v. The Kingdom of Belgium. Represented Belgium in an ICSID arbitration under the Belgium – China bilateral investment treaty arising from measures in the financial services sector. The case was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction over the investor’s claims.
European American Investment Bank AG (Austria) v. The Slovak Republic. Counsel to Slovakia in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Slovak Republic – Austria bilateral investment treaty arising from changes in the Slovak health insurance sector. The case was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction over the investor’s claims. The tribunal also awarded Slovakia €1.6 million in costs.
Achmea B.V. v. The Slovak Republic (2). Counsle to Slovakia in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Slovak Republic – Netherlands BIT arising from alleged measures in the health insurance sector. The case was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction over the investor’s claims. The tribunal also awarded Slovakia €1.35 million in costs.
Vannessa Ventures Ltd. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Counsel to Venezuela in an ICSID Additional Facility arbitration under the Venezuela – Canada bilateral investment treaty. Claimants’ claims were dismissed for lack of merit.
Counsel to India in a confidential arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules relating to taxation matters. The case was settled.
Nissan Motors Ltd. v. Republic of India. Counsel to India in a UNCITRAL Arbitration under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Japan arising from alleged non-payment of tax refunds relating to the activities of an integrated automobile project in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. The case was settled.
Wuxi T. Hertz Technologies Co. Ltd. and Jetion Solar Co. Ltd. v. Hellenic Republic. Counsel to Greece in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Greece – China bilateral investment treaty arising from alleged investments in a photovoltaic project in Northern Greece. The investors’ request for arbitration was withdrawn.
Talal Al Awamleh and others v. State of Qatar. Counsel to Qatar in an ICSID arbitration under the Qatar – Jordan bilateral investment treaty arising from contracts relating to a cable television franchise. The case was discontinued pursuant to ICSID Arbitration Rule 43.
Slovak Gas Holding BV, GDF International SAS & E.ON Ruhrgas International GMBH v. the Slovak Republic. Counsel to Slovakia in an ICSID arbitration under the Energy Charter Treaty arising from changes in the Slovak energy secto. The case was discontinued pursuant to ICSID Arbitration Rule 43.
Murphy Exploration & Production Company-International v. The Republic of Ecuador. Counsel to Ecuador in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Ecuador – U.S. bilateral investment treaty arising from changes in domestic legislation pertaining to the exploitation of oil resources in Ecuador. The claimant was awarded only a fraction of the claimed damages (approx.5%).
City-State N.V and others v. Ukraine. Counsel to Ukraine in an ICSID arbitration under the Ukraine – Netherlands bilateral investment treaty arising from measures in the Ukrainian banking and financial sectors. The claimants were awarded less than a third of the original amount claimed.
Tenaris S.A. and Talta - Trading e Marketing Sociedade Unipessoal Lda. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Counsel to Venezuela in two ICSID arbitrations under the Venezuela – Luxembourg and Venezuela – Portugal bilateral investment treaties arising from measures allegedly affecting claimants' investments in the Venezuelan steel industry. The claimants in the first case were awarded less than a quarter of the original amount claimed; in the second case, less than a third.
Merck Sharpe & Dohme (I.A.) v. The Republic of Ecuador. Counsel to Ecuador in an UNCITRAL arbitration under the Ecuador – U.S. bilateral investment treaty in connection with the treatment of a foreign investor by the Ecuadorean judiciary.

INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION AND RELATED CASES

Counsel to the Hellenic Republic in proceedings relating to the enforcement of an ICC award in US courts.
Counsel to a State-owned naval engineering firm in an ICC arbitration proceeding in connection with breach of contract claims relating to maintenance and repair of two submarines.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Greece, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Center for Research and Planning, 2008-2009
Greece, Academy of Athens, Bureau of International and Constitutional Institutions, 2006-2009

Publications

AES Corporation and Tau Power B.V. v. Republic of Kazakhstan (ICSID Case No. ARB/10/16)”, Case Summary, ICSID REPORTS, Vol. 19 (with D. Ho) (forthcoming)
“Bankswitch Ghana Ltd (Ghana) v Republic of Ghana acting as the Government of Ghana (PCA Case No. 2011-10)”, Case Summary, ICSID REPORTS, Vol.18, pp.304-330 (with J. Klingler)
“Union of India v. Vodafone Group plc: One Step Closer to Reconciling the Jurisdictional Competence of Domestic Courts and Investment Treaty Tribunals?”, (34(3) ICSID REVIEW—FOREIGN INVESTMENT LAW JOURNAL (2019), pp 585-594 (with S. Roy)
CANONS OF CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER INTERPRETIVE PRINCIPLES IN PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW (co-editor with J. Klingler & Y. Parkhomenko), Kluwer (2019)
International Commercial Arbitration: Cyprus” GLOBAL ARBITRATION REVIEW (2018)
“International Commercial Arbitration: Greece” GLOBAL ARBITRATION REVIEW (2018)
NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE LAW OF THE SEA (co-editor (with L. Martin & C. Hioureas), Juris Publishing (2017)
"Inherent Powers of ICSID Tribunals [in:] I. Laird and T. Weiler (eds), INVESTMENT TREATY ARBITRATION AND INTERNATIONAL LAW 43 (Juris Publishing, 2012)
"David's Sling: Cross-Agreement Retaliation in International Trade Disputes, 45(2) JOURNAL OF WORLD TRADE 457 (2011) (with A. Mitchell)
"The Sources of International Law [in:] K. Antonopoulos & K. Magliveras (eds.) THE LAW OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY (Nomiki Bibliothiki, 2011/2014/2017) (in Greek)
"Post-Conflict Amnesties in Non-International Armed Conflicts" [in:] M. Matheson & D. Momtaz (eds), RULES AND INSTITUTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW PUT TO THE TEST OF RECENT ARMED CONFLICTS 863 (M. Nijhoff Publications, 2010)
"The International Criminal Court as a Mechanism of Social Dynamic: Some Preliminary Thoughts on the Political Function of the Court" [in:] S. Perrakis (ed.), INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE IN THE 21ST CENTURY: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES, (Ant. N. Sakkoulas Publishers: Athens-Komotini, 2010) (in Greek)
"The Extent of the Obligation to Extradite or Prosecute Grave Breaches of International Humanitarian Law" [in:] S. Perrakis & D. Marouda (eds), ARMED CONFLICTS AND INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW 150 YEARS AFTER SOLFERINO: ACQUIS AND PROSPECTS 613 (Bruylant, 2009)
"United Nations Practice towards Amnesty for International Crimes: A Critical Appraisal" [in:] S. Perrakis (ed.), VIEWS ON THE LEGAL AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION 627 (Ant. N. Sakkoulas Publishers: Athens-Komotini, 2009) (in Greek)
"Civil Liability of Classification Societies: Recent Developments in International and European Union Law"[in:] G. Tsaltas (ed.), ENVIRONMENT AND MARITIME TRANSPORTS: IN SEARCH OF A SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY 249 (I. Sideris: Athens 2008) (in Greek)
INTERNATIONAL LAW, SOFT LAW AND EXTRALEGAL TECHNIQUES OF NORMATIVE REGULATION (Ant. N. Sakkoulas Publishers, 2005) (in Greek)

Honors & Involvement

HONORS

The Legal 500: International Arbitration (USA)—Next Generation Partner (2022)
Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration 2022—Future Leaders (Partners)
Director of Studies for Public International Law, The Hague Academy of International Law (2018)
Melbourne Law School, Honorary Senior Fellow (2019)
Visiting Professor, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva (2019)

INVOLVEMENT

Panel of Conciliators (appointed by the Slovak Republic), International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes
Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators, Asian International Arbitration Centre
Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel, Asian International Arbitration Centre

Speaking Engagements

Recurring guest lecturer for the Executive Training Program on Investment Arbitration for Government Officials held annually at the Columbia Center for Sustainable Investment, Columbia Law School, New York.
Moderator, Investor-State Dispute Settlement 2.0: Stakeholder Perspectives on Recent Developments in the European Union’s Multilateral Investment Court Project, United Nations, April 27, 2018
Moderator, Best Practices in International Arbitration and Recent Developments, Georgetown University Law Center, October 24, 2016
International Litigation and Arbitration of Disputes Under UNCLOS, Lecture at the twenty-first session of the Rhodes Academy of Oceans Law and Policy, Rhodes, Greece, July 12, 2016
PMI v. Uruguay, Presentation at Global Economic Law Network’s second biennial symposium, hosted by Melbourne Law School, Australia, May 19-20, 2016.
Jurisdiction Ratione Temporis, Presentation at KLRCA International Investment Arbitration Conference, hosted by the Kuala Lumpur Regional Center for Arbitration, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 10-11, 2016
Moderator, The Exploration and Exploitation of Resources in Areas Under National Jurisdiction, Conference on Natural Resources and the Law of the Sea, Georgetown University Law Center, December 7, 2015
Recognition and Enforcement of Investment Treaty Awards, Presentation at Fourth High-Level Meeting on the role of the Judiciary in International Commercial Arbitration, Co-hosted by the Department of International Law of the Organization of American States, held in Castries, St. Lucía, October 23-24, 2014
Trans-boundary Disputes Involving Oil and Gas, Lectures at the 2013 - 2014 International Oil and Gas Development Seminars, held at the International Law Institute, Washington, D.C.
The Inherent Jurisdiction of ICSID Tribunals, Presentation at the Fifth Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, April 5, 2011, Washington, D.C., April 5, 2011