BRUSSELS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission Wednesday welcomed the European Parliament's approval of new rules on the promotion of mediation in cross-border civil and commercial disputes.

    "Mediation can provide cost-effective and quick extra-judicial resolution of disputes in civil and commercial matters through processes tailored to the needs of the parties," said European Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot, who is temporarily in charge of justice affairs in addition to his transport portfolio.

    "Agreements resulting from mediation are more likely to be complied with voluntarily and help preserve an amicable and sustainable relationship between the parties," he said.

    The legislation, proposed by the European Commission, has previously won support of European Union (EU) member states.

    With the approval of the European Parliament, EU member states are now obliged to transpose the legislation into their national laws within three years.