Trust, Resilience, Sovereignty: Navigating an era of transformation
On this 14th of July 2026, as France celebrates the values at the heart of its Republic — Liberty, Equality and Fraternity — it is difficult not to recognize how essential these principles remain in a world shaped by uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, technological transformation and growing demands for accountability.
Over the past twelve months, companies have continued to adapt to an increasingly complex legal environment. Expectations relating to compliance, business ethics, data protection, corporate sustainability due diligence and governance have continued to strengthen. At the same time, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, the growing importance of digital sovereignty, the proliferation of economic sanctions regimes and the gradual fragmentation of regulatory frameworks have required businesses to exercise greater caution. In response to these developments, one conviction has become increasingly clear: trustworthyness has become a strategic asset. It is built through a thorough understanding of one’s counterparties, effective risk management, strong governance and the ability of organizations to demonstrate consistency between their commitments and their actions.
This year again, Navacelle team has assisted clients with internal investigations, multi-jurisdictional regulatory and criminal proceedings, complex disputes, international arbitration matters, and the design and enhancement of compliance programs tailored to emerging challenges. These are a reminder that the law is not merely a framework of constraints; it is also a source of stability, predictability and value creation.
Bastille Day also invites us to reflect on the notion of resilience. At a time when crises chase one another and often overlap, the ability to anticipate, adapt and preserve stakeholders’ trust has become an essential component of sustainable performance. Legal and compliance departments are playing an increasingly important role in this endeavor.
Finally, the debates shaping our societies reflect a growing aspiration for sovereignty, whether economic, technological, environmental or legal. This pursuit of autonomy sometimes stands in tension with the need for cooperation, which remains indispensable in addressing risks and disputes that are increasingly cross-border in nature.
As we look ahead, we remain convinced that rigor, independence of judgment and technical excellence are the best guides for navigating the transformations to come.
Happy Bastille Day to all!
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White Collar Crime
In the absence of any sweeping legislative reform, French white-collar criminal law continues to evolve through enforcement and compliance, against a backdrop of declining public confidence in ethical standards and institutional integrity. Recent developments include the 2025 drug trafficking law, which strengthened tools against money laundering and organized crime, and the 2026 Anti-Corruption Directive, which advanced EU-wide harmonization. Landmark court rulings and Public Interest Judicial Agreements (CJIPs) have also played a key role in shaping this increasingly robust enforcement landscape.
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Enhancement of criminal enforcement at national and European levels
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Judicial public interest agreements – Key to understanding French DPA
Environmental law & duty of vigilance
Both areas are gaining momentum, each following its own dynamic, often contrary to initial predictions. On one hand, despite the easing of European obligations, the duty of vigilance continues to produce effects through growing litigation before French courts, which rigorously apply national standards. On the other hand, environmental criminal law is strengthening, both in its standards and enforcement mechanisms, as shown by the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law and the rise in environmental CJIPs.
Regulatory matters & investigations
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The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority activity (ACPR)
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The French Financial Markets Authority activity (AMF)
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The French Data Protection Authority activity (CNIL)
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The French Competition Authority activity (ADLC)
Ethics & Compliance
In recent months, the European Union has strengthened its framework for combating money laundering and terrorist financing through the growing role of AMLA and the adoption of a directive harmonizing corruption-related offences. In France, the AFA launched the 2025–2029 National Anti-Corruption Plan. At the same time, the Defender of Rights has highlighted the increasing role of whistleblowers, while a bill has been introduced to provide a clearer legal framework for internal investigations.
Arbitration
French case law on arbitration has been enriched by a number of significant decisions, particularly regarding judicial review of arbitral tribunals’ jurisdiction and issues of public policy. This presentation will also examine the TotalEnergies case, which illustrates the risks of the misuse of criminal and arbitral proceedings for strategic purposes.
At the same time, the entry into force of the new ICC Arbitration Rules on 1 June 2026 marks a further milestone in the development of arbitral practice and introduces several noteworthy innovations.
In the Criminal Courtroom
A look at criminal trials that have shaped the French judicial landscape over the past twelve months, due to their legal, political, social, or criminal significance.
