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ARTICLE · 25 AUGUST 2026

Decree 2026-741: France Takes First Step In Modernizing Arbitration Law

Jones Day
Jones Day
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France has enacted its first substantive reform of arbitration law since 2011 through Decree No. 2026-741, introducing targeted modernizations to enhance its position as a leading arbitration hub. The amendments introduce a duty of proportionality, expand judicial support powers, establish standalone recognition proceedings, and modernize procedural rules including electronic awards and streamlined challenge procedures. These changes represent the initial phase of a three-stage reform process that will ulti

FranceLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Michelle Bradfield
Michelle Bradfield
Vanessa Foncke
Vanessa Foncke
Jean-Pierre Harb
Jean-Pierre Harb
Pierre Heitzmann
Pierre Heitzmann
Elie Kleiman
Elie Kleiman
Claire Pauly
Claire Pauly
Kay-Jannes Wegner
Kay-Jannes Wegner
Johannes P. Willheim
Johannes P. Willheim
Kinan Dalla
Kinan Dalla
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In Short

The Background: France's arbitration framework, last revised in 2011, has just been amended by Decree No. 2026-741, which mostly implements proposals that achieved broad consensus during public consultation.

The Result: The Decree introduces targeted reforms to the Civil Procedure Code, including a new duty of proportionality, expanded powers for the supporting judge (juge d'appui) to grant provisional enforceability to interim measures, a standalone recognition proceedings distinct from exequatur, authority for tribunals to liquidate astreintes (daily penalties), electronic award-making, and tailored procedures for challenges to international awards. The amendments take effect on January 1, 2027, subject to transitional rules.

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