Sumário:Litigating in Europe : delayed justice equals to lack of justice -- The move in favor of mediation in the European Union : Towards a new understanding of "access to justice" in the European Union -- The directive 2008/52/EC on mediation in civil and commercial matters : Basis on which the directive stands. The notion of "mediation" embodied in the directive. Subject-matter of the directive -- Specific solutions embodied in the directive : Voluntariness. Enforceability of the agreement reached by the parties. Confidentiality. Rules on limitation and prescription periods. Publicity and training of mediators. Publicity. Training of mediators.