{"id":153442,"date":"2026-11-04T10:38:35","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T10:38:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=153442"},"modified":"2026-11-04T12:46:05","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T12:46:05","slug":"france-international-arbitration","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/france-international-arbitration\/","title":{"rendered":"France: International Arbitration"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-153442","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-international-arbitration","jurisdictions-france"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Eversheds Sutherland<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/01\/Eversheds_Sutherland-Secondary-k.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Eversheds Sutherland<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/01\/Eversheds_Sutherland-Secondary-k.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of International Arbitration laws and regulations applicable in France<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legislation applies to arbitration in your country? Are there any mandatory laws?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>French arbitration law is notably codified at Articles 1442 to 1527 of the French Code of Civil Procedure (CCP), which distinguishes between international and domestic arbitration. French case law plays a central role in building upon and interpreting this legislation.<\/p>\n<p>Party autonomy is a key principle of French arbitration law, and there is no exhaustive list of mandatory laws. Some examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Article 1510 CCP, which requires tribunals to treat the parties equally and uphold due process, including in the constitution of the tribunal (see Cass. Civ. 1, 7 January 1992, no. 89-18.708, <em>Dutco<\/em>; CA Paris, 26 January 2021, no. 19\/10666, <em>Vidatel<\/em>).<\/li>\n<li>The confidentiality of tribunals\u2019 deliberations (see Articles 1479; 1506(4) CCP).<\/li>\n<li>Article 1520(5) CCP requires awards to comply with international public policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is your country a signatory to the New York Convention? Are there any reservations to the general obligations of the Convention?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. France signed the New York Convention on 25 November 1958 and ratified it on 26 June 1959; it entered into force in France on 24 September 1959. French law is generally more favourable to arbitration than the Convention and thus prevails pursuant to Article VII(1) thereof. In particular, Article 1507 CCP requires no particular form for an international arbitration agreement, and French courts can enforce awards annulled at the seat (see Cass. Civ. 1, 23 March 1994, no. 92-15.137, <em>Hilmarton<\/em>; Cass. Civ. 1, 29 June 2007, no. 05-18.053, <em>Putrabali<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other arbitration-related treaties and conventions is your country a party to?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>France is a party to the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States (ICSID Convention) of 18 March 1965 and the European Convention on International Commercial Arbitration (signed on 21 April 1961). According to UNCTAD, France has signed 116 bilateral investment treaties (BITs), 84 of which are in force. As an EU member, France is also a party to several multilateral arbitration-related treaties. France signed (on 17 March 2015) but has not ratified the UN Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration (Mauritius Convention).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the law governing international arbitration in your country based on the UNCITRAL Model Law? Are there significant differences between the two? Are there any impending plans to reform the arbitration laws in your country? Has your jurisdiction adopted, or is it considering adopting, the amendments of 6 July 2026 regarding electronic awards and communications?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No. French arbitration law is not based on the UNCITRAL Model Law and is considered a pioneer of arbitration-friendly law. Significant differences include: (i) an economic criterion to define international arbitration (cross-border flow of economic interests) rather than the Model Law\u2019s seat-focused or party-will approach; (ii) no conflict of laws rules are required to determine the applicable substantive law absent party choice (see Q13 below); (iii) arbitral awards enjoy full autonomy, permitting enforcement of awards set aside at the seat.<\/p>\n<p>On 6 August 2026, France adopted Decree no. 2026-741 \u2018<em>introducing various measures to clarify and modernise arbitral proceedings<\/em>\u2019 (2026 Decree), which takes effect on 1 January 2027, subject to transitional rules.<\/p>\n<p>Unless specified, this guide refers to the provisions currently in force. The 2026 Decree is mentioned in Qs 5, 6, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30, 35; and 36.<\/p>\n<p>This decree is the first phase of a three-phased reform process <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gouv.fr\/actualites\/actualite\/reforme-du-droit-francais-larbitrage\">announced<\/a> by the French government.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What arbitral institutions (if any) exist in your country? When were their rules last amended? Are any amendments being considered?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The world\u2019s preeminent arbitral institution \u2013 the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) \u2013 is based in France. Its 2026 Rules entered into force on 1 June 2026, replacing the 2021 Rules. Other arbitral institutions in France include the <em>Chambre Arbitrale Internationale de Paris<\/em> (CAIP) (rules last amended in 2025), the <em>Centre de M\u00e9diation et d\u2019Arbitrage de Paris<\/em> (CMAP) (rules last amended in 2025) and the <em>Association Fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019Arbitrage <\/em>(AFA) (rules last amended in 2016). The 2026 Decree introduces express references to the notion of arbitration centres into French law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a specialist arbitration court in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. The President of the <em>Tribunal Judiciaire<\/em> of Paris acts as supporting judge (<em>juge d\u2019appui<\/em>) to facilitate and unlock any obstacles to the arbitral process (Article 1505 CCP). The 2026 Decree expands the supporting judge\u2019s powers.<\/p>\n<p>The International Commercial Chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal (ICCP-CA) hears set aside proceedings and appeals against enforcement orders relating to arbitral awards (Law no. 2024-537 of 13 June 2024; article L. 311-16-1 of the Code of Judicial Organisation).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the validity requirements for an arbitration agreement under the laws of your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Article 1507 CCP states that \u2018[a]<em>n arbitration agreement shall not be subject to any requirements as to its form<\/em>\u2019. In practice, a written arbitration agreement remains preferable, particularly to satisfy the evidentiary requirements of Articles 1515 and 1516 CCP. French case law has long recognised a principle of validity of the arbitration clause (Cass. Civ. 1, 5 January 1999, no. 96-21.430, <em>Zanzi<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitration clauses considered separable from the main contract?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Under Articles 1447 and 1506(1) CCP, \u2018[a]<em>n arbitration agreement is independent of the contract to which it relates. It shall not be affected if such contract is void<\/em>\u2019 (see Cass. Civ. 1, 7 May 1963, <em>Gosset<\/em>). Arbitration clauses are also separable from the law governing the contract (Cass. Civ. 1, 4 July 1972, no. 70-14.163, <em>Hecht<\/em>); see Q12 below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do the courts of your country apply a validation principle under which an arbitration agreement should be considered valid and enforceable if it would be so considered under at least one of the national laws potentially applicable to it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No. Under French law, arbitration clauses are presumed valid (see Q7 above), and their existence and effectiveness are assessed, subject to mandatory rules of French law and international public policy, according to the parties\u2019 common intention and without reference to any national laws (Cass. Civ. 1, 20 December 1993, no. 91-16.828, <em>Dalico<\/em>). However, the parties may expressly subject the validity and effects of the arbitration agreement to a national law (Cass. Civ. 1, 28 September 2022, no. 20-20.260, <em>Kout Food<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are asymmetric arbitration clauses \u2013 for instance, where one party has the right to choose between arbitration or litigation while the other party does not have this option \u2013 valid in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The validity of asymmetric arbitration clauses remains unsettled under French law. While bilateral optional clauses, giving both parties the choice between arbitration and litigation are valid (Cass. Civ. 1, 12 June 2013, no. 12-22.656), it is doubtful whether unilateral optional clauses, where only one party may choose, would be valid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an arbitration agreement? Are there any recent court decisions on these issues?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Third parties or non-signatories may notably be bound by an arbitration agreement where: (i) they were directly involved in the negotiation, conclusion, performance or termination of the contract (Cass. Civ. 1, 27 March 2007, no. 04-20.842), (ii) the clause was transmitted by assignment or succession (Cass. Civ. 1, 8 February 2000, no. 95-14.330; Cass. Civ. 1, 27 March 2007, no. 04-20.842), (iii) the non-signatory misused a corporate form (Cass. Civ. 1, 11 June 1991, no. 90-12.966, <em>Orri<\/em>), or (iv) the arbitration agreement was incorporated by reference and the party was aware of its existence (Cass. Civ. 1, 9 November 1993, no. 91-15.194).<\/p>\n<p>Case law on this issue is extensive and highly fact-specific. For instance, the Paris Court of Appeal recently applied an implied consent test, requiring the claimant to establish that the parties\u2019 contractual situation, activities and established course of dealings raise a presumption that they accepted the arbitration clause, provided they are aware of its existence and scope (CA Paris, 23 November 2021, no. 18\/22323; CA Paris, 16 September 2025, no. 23\/18252).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any recent court decisions and\/or legislative reform in your country concerning the choice of law applicable to an arbitration agreement where no such law has been specified by the Parties?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Absent express designation of a law governing the validity and effectiveness of the arbitration agreement, the French courts apply the French substantive rules (\u2018<em>r\u00e8gles mat\u00e9rielles<\/em>\u2019) of international arbitration: the arbitration agreement\u2019s existence and effectiveness are determined by the parties\u2019 common intention, without reference to any national law or the law governing the main contract (Cass. Civ. 1, 28 September 2022, no. 20-20.260, <em>Kout Food<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is the law applicable to the substance determined? Is there a specific set of choice of law rules in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Article 1511 CCP, the tribunal decides the dispute in accordance with the rules of law chosen by the parties or, failing such choice, those it considers appropriate. In all cases, it shall take trade usages into account.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any particular requirements for and\/or restrictions in the appointment of arbitrators?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Article 1508 CCP provides full party autonomy in appointing arbitrators, subject to the requirement that they be independent and impartial (Articles 1456; 1506(2) CCP). In multi-party arbitrations, the principle of equality requires that each party have an equal opportunity in appointing the arbitrators (see Q1 above). Absent party agreement, the administering institution or, failing which, the supporting judge, appoints the arbitrator(s) (Articles 1453; 1506(2) CCP).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the local courts intervene in the selection of arbitrators? If so, how?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The supporting judge may intervene where difficulties arise in constituting the tribunal, including to appoint arbitrators or resolve related disputes (Articles 1452-1454; 1506(2) CCP). The supporting judge has jurisdiction where: (i) the seat is in France; (ii) the parties agreed that French procedural law governs the arbitration; (iii) the parties expressly conferred jurisdiction on French courts over disputes relating to the arbitral procedure; or (iv) there is a risk of denial of justice (Article 1505 CCP).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the appointment of an arbitrator be challenged? What are the grounds for such a challenge? What is the procedure for such a challenge?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Arbitrators must disclose any circumstance that may create a reasonable doubt as to their independence or impartiality (Articles 1456(2); 1506 (2) CCP). A party may challenge an arbitrator within one month of disclosure or discovery of the relevant fact (Articles 1456(3); 1506(2) CCP) before the administering institution or, failing which, the supporting judge. The parties can also unanimously remove an arbitrator (Articles 1458; 1506(2) CCP).<\/p>\n<p>A party which, knowingly and without legitimate reason, fails to timely object to an irregularity before the tribunal is deemed to have waived its right to rely on it (Articles 1466; 1506(3) CCP). This rule notably applies to arbitrator challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent developments concerning the duty of independence and impartiality of the arbitrators, including the duty of disclosure?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, French case law on arbitrators\u2019 duties of independence, impartiality and disclosure is abundant.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, the French Court of Cassation recently held that an arbitrator\u2019s duty of disclosure only extends to circumstances concerning entities with a genuine interest in the outcome of the arbitration (Cass. Civ. 1, 7 May 2025, no. 21-14.162).<\/p>\n<p>It also confirmed that independence is assessed objectively, by identifying \u2018<em>specific and verifiable facts, which are external to the arbitrator<\/em>\u2019 that could affect the arbitrator\u2019s freedom of judgment and create reasonable doubt in the parties\u2019 minds regarding that independence, such as personal, professional or economic ties, even indirect, with a party (Cass. Civ. 1, 21 January 2026, no. 24-16.719, <em>Opportunity Fund<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitrators immune from liability?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Arbitrators can be held liable for a \u2018personal fault\u2019, limited to tort, fraud, gross negligence or denial of justice, but not for the nature of their decision (Cass. Civ. 1, 15 January 2014, no. 11-17.196). They may also be contractually liable for failing to render the award within the allocated time (Cass. Civ. 1, 6 December 2005, no. 03-13.116).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the principle of competence-competence recognized in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. French law distinguishes positive and negative effects. Under the positive effect, the tribunal has exclusive jurisdiction to rule on objections to its jurisdiction (Articles 1465; 1506(3) CCP). Under the negative effect, a court seized of a dispute subject to an arbitration agreement shall decline jurisdiction, unless no arbitral tribunal has yet been seized and the arbitration agreement is manifestly void or manifestly inapplicable (Articles 1448; 1506(1) CCP).<\/p>\n<p>When the seat is in Paris, the Paris Court of Appeal reviews the tribunal\u2019s jurisdictional findings <em>ex post<\/em>. (see Q32)<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 Decree adjusts Article 1448 CCP in two ways: as from 1 January 2027 (i) the court must assess whether the tribunal was seized at the date on which the court was seized, and (ii) parties will be able to opt out of this principle, by express and unequivocal agreement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the approach of local courts towards a party commencing litigation in apparent breach of an arbitration agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>See Q19 above.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What happens when a respondent fails to participate in the arbitration? Can the local courts compel participation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A respondent\u2019s failure to participate does not prevent the arbitration from proceeding, provided it was duly notified of the proceedings and afforded a genuine opportunity to present its case (CA Paris, 7 February 1991, no. 90-2341, <em>Dovert et Tabourdeau v Confex<\/em>). The non-participating party must be kept informed of procedural developments and allowed to participate at any stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can third parties voluntarily join arbitration proceedings? If all parties agree to the intervention, is the tribunal bound by this agreement? If all parties do not agree to the intervention, can the tribunal allow for it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>French law has no specific mechanism for voluntary joinder of third parties, which is governed by the parties\u2019 agreement (<em>compromis<\/em>) or institutional rules (e.g. Article 8 ICC Rules). The 2026 Decree will permit, in certain circumstances, consolidation of claims arising from multiple contracts into a single arbitration where the arbitration agreements are compatible and no party objects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What interim measures are available? Will local courts issue interim measures pending the constitution of the tribunal? Are anti-suit and\/or anti-arbitration injunctions available and enforceable in your country? What is the approach of local courts in your jurisdiction to anti-arbitration injunctions issued in breach of arbitration agreements?  Have there been any recent decisions on this point?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Before the tribunal is constituted, French courts may grant evidentiary, interim or conservatory measures notwithstanding the arbitration agreement. These include: (i) evidentiary measures under Article 145 CCP, such as obtaining documents held by third parties or securing witness evidence; and, in urgent cases (ii) measures preserving the <em>status quo<\/em> or preventing imminent or further harm or restorative measures; and (iii) security measures and interim payments (Articles 1449; 1506(1) CCP). Once constituted, the tribunal may order any interim or conservatory measure it considers appropriate (subject to applicable procedural rules), although French courts retain exclusive jurisdiction over interim attachments and judicial security measures. The 2026 Decree will allow the supporting judge to provisionally enforce interim and conservatory measures ordered by tribunals seated in France, unless such enforcement could severely prejudice a party\u2019s rights or the measure is contrary to international public policy (Articles 1468; 1506(3) CCP).<\/p>\n<p>Anti-suit injunctions are not available in France. However, foreign anti-suit injunctions may be recognised, as they are not <em>per se<\/em> contrary to French international public policy (Cass. Civ. 1, 14 October 2009, no. 08-16.369). Within the EU, court-issued anti-suit injunctions restraining proceedings in another Member State on the ground that they breach an arbitration agreement are incompatible with the EU rules on jurisdiction under the Brussels regime (CJEU, 10 February 2009, C-185\/07, <em>West Tankers<\/em>).<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, those rules do not govern or preclude the recognition and enforcement of anti-suit relief ordered by an arbitral tribunal (CJEU, 13 May 2015, C-536\/13, <em>Gazprom<\/em>).<\/p>\n<p>Anti-arbitration injunctions are not available in France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there particular rules governing evidentiary matters in arbitration? Will the local courts in your jurisdiction play any role in the obtaining of evidence? Can local courts compel witnesses to participate in arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The parties and, failing agreement, the arbitral tribunal enjoy broad discretion over procedural and evidentiary matters. The tribunal may take any evidentiary measures it considers necessary, hear any person, and order a party to produce evidence in its possession, if necessary subject to a penalty payment (Articles 1467; 1506(3) CCP).<\/p>\n<p>French courts may assist with taking evidence where judicial coercive powers are required. A party seeking to rely on a document held by a third party may, upon the tribunal\u2019s invitation, apply to French courts for a production of documents order, if necessary subject to a penalty payment (Articles 1469; 1506(3) CCP). Before the tribunal is constituted, see Q23 above.<\/p>\n<p>French courts cannot, however, compel a witness to appear before the tribunal.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 Decree will enable the supporting judge, ruling in expedited proceedings on the merits, to order third parties to produce documents in their possession located in France, even where the arbitration is seated outside France (new Articles 1469; 1505; 1506(3) CCP).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What ethical codes and other professional standards, if any, apply to counsel and arbitrators conducting proceedings in your country? Do these codes and professional standards apply only to counsel and arbitrators having the nationality of your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>France has no arbitration-specific ethical code.<\/p>\n<p>French lawyers acting as counsel or arbitrators remain subject to the general professional and ethical rules applicable to lawyers, including the Lawyers\u2019 Ethics Code (Decree no. 2023-552 of 30 June 2023), the National Internal Regulations and, where applicable, the rules of the local Bar to which they belong. These rules apply by virtue of professional membership, not nationality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any rules with respect to the confidentiality of arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no general principle of confidentiality in international arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 Decree nonetheless provides that, in set aside applications and appeals against enforcement orders, French courts may hold hearings <em>in camera<\/em> and adapt the reasoning and publication of their decisions where the arbitration was confidential (Article 1527-5 CCP).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the IBA guidelines on conflicts of interest and other similar soft law sources viewed by courts and tribunals in your jurisdiction? Are they frequently applied? Have any developments under the 2024 IBA Guidelines, including the expanded Orange List, the treatment of social media conduct, or due diligence obligations on parties, and the UNCITRAL Code of Conduct for Arbitrators been addressed by courts and tribunals in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>French courts treat the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest and similar instruments as non-binding soft law and regularly refer to them, particularly when assessing compliance with the duty of disclosure. However, they emphasise that these guidelines do not exempt the arbitrator from evaluating each situation on a case-by-case basis (CA Paris, 23 February 2021, no. 18\/03068).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the costs of arbitration proceedings estimated and allocated? Can pre- and post-award interest be included in the principal claim and costs incurred?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>French law does not regulate cost estimation or allocation. Absent party agreement or institutional rules, allocation is at the tribunal\u2019s discretion, typically based on outcome, reasonableness of fees and the parties\u2019 conduct. Pre- and post-award interest may be included.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are applications for security for costs viewed in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Although France has no specific statutory framework for security for costs, tribunals may in principle order security for costs under their general power to order provisional measures (Articles 1468; 1506(3) CCP), and several institutional rules grant this power. Applications are assessed case by case, considering factors such as the respondent\u2019s financial position and the risk of non-recovery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legal requirements are there in your country for the recognition and enforcement of an award? Is there a requirement that the award be reasoned, i.e. substantiated and motivated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Articles 1514-1517 CCP, international awards rendered in France or abroad are recognised and enforced in France if their existence is established and their recognition or enforcement is not manifestly contrary to international public policy. Enforcement requires an exequatur order. The applicant must produce an original or authenticated copy of the award and arbitration agreement, with a French translation where necessary. The exequatur judge does not review the merits.<\/p>\n<p>The award must be in writing, identify the parties, their representatives and the arbitrators, specify its date and place, and state its reasons (Articles 1481; 1482; 1506(4) CCP).<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 Decree will expressly permit recognition of international awards by court order, or incidentally in separate proceedings, independently of exequatur.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the estimated timeframe for the recognition and enforcement of an award (domestic and international)? Can a party bring a motion for the recognition and enforcement of an award on an ex parte basis? Would the standard of review be different for domestic and international awards?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no statutory timeframe within which the French courts must rule on an application for recognition or enforcement. In practice, an exequatur order is generally obtained within approximately two to three weeks, although timing may vary depending on the court and the circumstances of the case. Compulsory enforcement of domestic and international awards requires an exequatur order, initially sought on an <em>ex parte<\/em> basis under Article 1487 or 1516 CCP (depending on whether the award is domestic or international). At the exequatur stage, the judge conducts a limited review only. For domestic awards, exequatur will be refused where the award is manifestly contrary to public policy (Article\u00a01488\u00a0CCP). For international awards, the applicant must establish the award\u2019s existence, and recognition or enforcement will be refused where it is manifestly contrary to international public policy (Article\u00a01514\u00a0CCP).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can arbitration awards be appealed or challenged in local courts? What are the grounds and procedure in this regard? Is it possible for parties to waive any rights of appeal or challenge to an award by agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Awards rendered in France are not subject to appeal and may only be challenged by an action to set aside before the Paris Court of Appeal (Articles 1518; 1519 CCP), in principle within one month of notification of the award (subject to any applicable extensions of time for parties residing abroad). Setting-aside proceedings are adversarial (Article 1527 CCP).<\/p>\n<p>The grounds for setting aside are exhaustively listed in Article 1520 CCP: (i) the tribunal wrongly upheld or declined jurisdiction; (ii) it was improperly constituted; (iii) it ruled without complying with its mandate; (iv) due process was violated; or (v) recognition or enforcement is contrary to international public policy. Awards issued abroad cannot be set aside in France, but decisions on their recognition or enforcement may be appealed on the same grounds (Article 1525 CCP).<\/p>\n<p>The parties may, by specific express agreement, waive their right to seek setting aside, while retaining the right to appeal an exequatur order on the Article 1520 CCP grounds (Article 1522 CCP).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an award? To what extent might a third party challenge the recognition of an award?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>An award binds the parties to the arbitration, including non-signatories deemed bound by the arbitration agreement (see Q11 above).<\/p>\n<p>An award has no <em>res judicata<\/em> effect against third parties, although the legal situation it creates may be opposable to them.<\/p>\n<p>Third parties cannot bring a third-party challenge (<em>tierce-opposition<\/em>) against international awards or intervene in set-aside proceedings, but may challenge an order granting enforcement of a foreign award that directly affects their rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any rules \/ court decisions that regulate or prohibit third party funding of arbitration proceedings \u2013 for instance, where funding by an entity not involved in the dispute in return for a share of the eventual award may be barred \u2013 in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>French law does not specifically regulate third-party funding.<\/p>\n<p>French courts have described third-party funding agreements as \u2018<em>sui generis<\/em>\u2019 contracts, implicitly confirming their validity (CA Versailles, 1 June 2006, no. 05\/01038). The Paris Bar Council issued a resolution on 21 February 2017, which may be viewed as non-binding soft law, stating that third-party funding is acceptable, subject to certain conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is emergency arbitrator relief available and recognized in your country? Are decisions made by emergency arbitrators readily enforceable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>French arbitration law does not expressly regulate emergency arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>Emergency arbitrator decisions are currently unenforceable in France. However, the 2026 Decree will allow parties to seek provisional enforcement of interim or conservatory measures ordered by arbitral tribunals (see Q23 above), and emergency arbitrator relief is not expressly excluded from this reform. Although this mechanism may extend to emergency arbitrator decisions, this remains to be confirmed by case law or further legislation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there arbitral laws or arbitration institutional rules in your country providing simplified or expedited procedures for claims under a certain value? Are they often used?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>French arbitration law provides no simplified or expedited procedures. However, the 2026 Decree introduces a principle of procedural proportionality which will legally require parties and tribunals to endeavour to adapt proceedings to the complexity and stakes of the dispute, which may expedite and simplify lower-value cases.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules now contain two forms of expedited proceedings (see Article 32 and Appendix V; Article 33 and Appendix VI). The ICC has administered over 1,000 cases under its Expedited Procedure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the setting aside of an award that has been enforced in another jurisdiction or vice versa?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In <em>Republic of Benin v SGS<\/em>, the Paris Court of Appeal upheld the exequatur of OHADA awards annulled by the courts of the seat (CA Paris, 11 January 2022, no. 20\/17923). Reaffirming the principles established in <em>Hilmarton<\/em> and <em>Putrabali <\/em>(see Q2 above), it held that recognition of an international award in France is governed solely by French arbitration law and that annulment abroad does not, by itself, preclude recognition or enforcement in France.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the issue of corruption? What standard do local courts apply for proving corruption? Which party bears the burden of proving corruption?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Corruption forms part of French international public policy (see Q1 above), and French courts autonomously review whether recognition or enforcement of an award would give effect to corruption or allow a party to benefit from its proceeds. They are not bound by the tribunal\u2019s findings and may consider evidence not adduced in the arbitration. The key cases are <em>Belokon <\/em>(Cass. Civ. 1, 23 March 2022, no. 17-17.981) and <em>Sorelec <\/em>(CA Paris, 17 November 2020, no. 18\/02568; Cass. Civ. 1, 7 September 2022, no. 20-22.118), recently reaffirmed in <em>Averda <\/em>(CA Paris, 28 October 2025, no. 23\/16145).<\/p>\n<p>The test is whether corruption is established through \u2018<em>serious, specific and consistent indicia<\/em>\u2019. The court does not determine criminal liability, but assesses whether enforcement would undermine the international public policy objective of combating corruption. The party alleging corruption bears the burden of proof.<\/p>\n<p><em>Averda<\/em> also confirms that corruption in the factual background does not automatically warrant setting aside an award; the decisive question is whether the award itself gives effect to corruption or enables a party to benefit from it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country withdrawn from, or announced its intention to withdraw from, the Energy Charter Treaty?  What is the status of the sunset clause in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>France notified its withdrawal from the ECT on 7 December 2022, effective on 8 December 2023, under Article 47(2) ECT. France\u2019s stated position is that the sunset clause in Article 47(3) ECT (under which the ECT continues to apply to investments made before withdrawal for a period of 20 years from the withdrawal date) should not apply to intra-EU claims.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions or legislative developments in your country with respect to intra-European investor-State arbitration, the Energy Charter Treaty, or the enforcement of intra-EU? Are there any pending decisions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Applying the CJEU\u2019s decisions in <em>Achmea <\/em>and <em>PL Holdings<\/em>, the Paris Court of Appeal has set aside two intra-EU awards for lack of jurisdiction, given the incompatibility of intra-EU investment arbitration agreements with EU law (CA Paris, 19 April 2022, no. 20\/13085; CA Paris, 19 April 2022, no. 20\/14581).<\/p>\n<p>France has also signed (i) the Agreement for the termination of BITs between EU Member States dated 5 May 2020, (ii) the Declaration on the legal consequences of the CJEU\u2019s <em>Komstroy<\/em> judgment and common understanding on the non-applicability of Article 26 ECT as a basis for intra-EU arbitration proceedings dated 26 June 2024, by which the EU and its Member States reaffirmed that Article 26 ECT cannot serve as a legal basis for intra-EU arbitrations and that the Article 47(3) ECT sunset clause produces no effects in intra-EU relations and, (iii) the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the ECT dated 18 February 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have arbitral institutions in your country implemented reforms towards greater use of technology and a more cost-effective conduct of arbitrations? Have there been any recent developments regarding virtual hearings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules make electronic communication the default, allow awards to be signed and notified electronically, and permit hearings and deliberations \u2018<em>in hybrid form or by videoconference, teleconference or other form of electronic communication\u2019<\/em>. ICC proceedings also benefit from ICC\u2019s Dispute Resolution Services digital case management platform, ICC Case Connect powered by Opus 2, facilitating secure communications and document-sharing (useful guidance is provided in ICC\u2019s 2026 Note to Parties and Arbitral Tribunals on the Conduct of ICC Arbitration and the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR\u2019s 2021 report titled \u2018<em>Leveraging Technology for Fair, Effective and Efficient International Arbitration Proceedings<\/em>\u2019).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent judicial and\/or legislative developments in your jurisdiction with regard to disputes involving ESG issues such as climate change, sustainability, social responsibility and\/or human rights?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>French courts have indicated that combating money laundering (CA Paris, 21 February 2017, no. 15\/01650; Cass. Civ. 1, 23 March 2022, no. 17-17.981), corruption (CA Paris, 5 April 2022, no. 20\/03242), and violations of human rights, international humanitarian law, and international and European sanctions (CA Paris, 5 October 2021, no. 19\/16601) all fall within the scope of international public policy under Article 1520 CCP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have any international economic sanctions regimes been implemented (either independently, or based on EU law) in your jurisdiction recently? Have there been any recent decisions in your country considering the impact of sanctions on international arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As an EU Member State, France applies EU sanctions. Those against Russia increasingly address arbitration-related issues, including provisions concerning access to arbitration and measures restricting the recognition and enforcement of certain Russian court decisions that interfere with arbitrations.<\/p>\n<p>In a preliminary ruling requested by the French Court of Cassation, the CJEU held that making funds available to a non-designated entity may amount to indirectly making funds available to designated persons where objective evidence establishes a sufficiently high risk that the designated persons will benefit from all or part of those funds (CJEU, 15 October 2026, C-842\/24, <em>DNO Yemen<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country enacted any regulation and\/or implemented any rules, guidlines or regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI or large language models in the context of dispute resolution?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>France has no legislation specifically governing AI in dispute resolution. The French National Bar Council adopted a practical guide on professional ethics and AI in March 2026, and the Paris Bar published an AI White Paper in October 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any specific legal, institutional, or procedural frameworks in your jurisdiction governing the arbitration of digital asset or blockchain-related disputes?  Have there been any court decisions in your jurisdiction concerning the validity or enforceability of arbitration agreements incorporated into smart contracts or digital asset terms?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>France has no such frameworks, but French arbitration law should be flexible enough to accommodate such disputes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">5264<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/153442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=153442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}