Skip to main content

News

News

Europol reform: the Commission proposes to extend the Agency’s powers without strengthening procedural safeguards

On 24 June 2026, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Regulation on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol)[1]. The text would repeal Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of 11 May 2016 (the “Europol Regulation”), which currently governs the Agency, and replace it with a new legal framework[2].

LIRE L'ARTICLE

William Julié denounces the disproportionate maintenance of the red notice against Carole Ghosn

William Julié, counsel for Carole Ghosn, a US national, spoke to Le Figaro Magazine about INTERPOL’s decision to maintain the red notice issued against her in 2020 at the request of Japan. The notice effectively prevents her from flying to the United States, and forces her to remain in Lebanon,

LIRE L'ARTICLE

The judicial and administrative response to the riots of 17 October

On 20 October 2026, Sophia Bidine was invited on FRANCE 24’s World View programme to discuss the judicial and administrative response to the riots of 17 October. On the criminal side, she explained that everything first played out under urgency, before the comparution immédiate (fast-track trial) chambers. More than 500

LIRE L'ARTICLE

France Chapter of ICLG’s Sanctions Laws and Regulations 2027 Guide

William Julié, Amélie Beauchemin and Elena Moreno co-authored the France chapter of the ICLG Sanctions Laws and Regulations 2027 (Eighth Edition), published by Global Legal Group. The chapter is a Q&A mapping the French sanctions framework as it stands in 2026: the four autonomous national regimes (terrorism, foreign interference, drug

LIRE L'ARTICLE

William Julié spoke at the 3rd Annual International Arbitration and Enforcement Forum

On 13 October 2026, William Julié spoke at the 3rd Annual International Arbitration and Enforcement Forum, organised in London by ThoughtLeaders4, on the panel “Dealing with Sovereign Disputes and State Immunity”. His intervention addressed investment arbitration proceedings brought against EU Member States in connection with EU restrictive measures. Sanctions litigation

LIRE L'ARTICLE

IBA Annual Conference: William Julié spoke on migrants intercepted at sea and returned to Libya

William Julié spoke at the 2026 Annual Conference of the International Bar Association in Copenhagen, on the panel “Criminal and rule of law issues that arise from mass migration and the political response to it”. His presentation addressed the legal responses to the abuses suffered by migrants intercepted in the

LIRE L'ARTICLE

Where Sanctions Meet Criminal Law: the Blurring of Legal Boundaries

In an article recently published in the International Comparative Legal Guides (ICLG)’s Sanctions Laws and Regulations 2027 guide, entitled “Where sanctions meet criminal law: blurring of legal boundaries”, William Julié, Elena Moreno and Amélie Beauchemin examine the European Commission and the High Representative’s proposal of 9 July 2026 for a

LIRE L'ARTICLE

Renewal of sanctions against Russia: the legal implications of an unprecedented last-minute agreement

On 22 September, after a one-week delay and a few hours before midnight, the Member States agreed to renew the EU sanctions list targeting Russia. The agreement provides for the delisting of three natural persons, including Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, and one legal entity. It locks in the amended

LIRE L'ARTICLE

Annual Conference of the Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum: Defence rights and the new challenges of extradition

On 18 September 2026, Sophia Bidine attended the annual conference of the Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum (“DELF”), held in London. The discussions focused on the challenges facing extradition proceedings, and more specifically: the changes introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to UK extradition procedure; the use of international

LIRE L'ARTICLE

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office and sanctions: towards prosecution

From 16 to 17 September, Amélie Beauchemin attended a conference on the EPPO and the Protection of the European Union’s financial interests, held at the Fondazione Lelio e Lisli Basso in Rome. She was invited as co-author, with William Julié, of the French chapter of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office

LIRE L'ARTICLE

William Julié and Gheorghe Gonța: Evghenia Gutul’s case

William Julié highlights the violations of Evghenia Gutul’s procedural rights during her trial in Moldova.

Who gives the kill order? AI and the war in Iran

Camille Gosson addressed the legal implications of a strike on a school in Iran that may have relied on outdated intelligence generated by an artificial intelligence system used by the U.S. military.

Safeguarding INTERPOL’s Systems: Recommendations for Reform (ECBA)

The European Criminal Bar Association has published a report entitled “Safeguarding INTERPOL’s Systems: Recommendations for Reform”, which William Julié and Camille Gosson co-authored with fellow INTERPOL practitioners Vânia Costa Ramos, Rebecca Niblock, Alex Tinsley, Jago Russell, and Sören Schomburg. This report was prepared with the active engagement of the Commission

INTERPOL red notices: their political misuse

William Julié discussed the misuse of INTERPOL red notices for political purpose.

Marine Le Pen appeal trial: what is at stake?

Camille Gosson analyzed the main legal issues in Marine Le Pen's appeal trial

Review of the 2024 CCF Activity Report

Review of the 2024 CCF Activity Report, accessible here: https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Commission-for-the-Control-of-INTERPOL-s-Files-CCF/About-the-CCF

Capture of Nicolas Maduro by the US: what can international law do?

William Julié commented on the capture of Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela, by the United States of America

Dispute between Google and its Russian subsidiary: €110 million seized in France

William Julié announced Google International LLC was recently served by bailif with a protective seizure on behalf of the liquidator of its subsidiary, Google Russia. This measure will be followed by exequatur proceedings before the Paris Judicial Court.

Babiš received absolute immunity as Prime Minister in France

William Julié recently explained the impact of Andrej Babiš's personal immunity, the new Czech Prime Minister, before the French courts.

Annual Conference of the Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum: Defence rights and the new challenges of extradition

On 18 September 2026, Sophia Bidine attended the annual conference of the Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum (“DELF”), held in London. The discussions focused on the challenges facing extradition proceedings, and more specifically: the changes introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to UK extradition procedure; the use of international

Press conference – Evghenia Gutul’s Defense

William Julié and Gonzalo Boye comment on the situation of one of their clients, Ms. Evghenia Gutul, Governor of Gagauzia in Moldova, who was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment following proceedings marked by serious violations of her fundamental rights

Interpol’s Red Notice against Paul Watson lifted

William Julié comments on INTERPOL's CCF decision to lift the Red Notice against Paul Watson and recalls that Japan is still pursuing an arrest warrant against him.

Euthanasia bill now in French Parliament

Camille Gosson comments on the possible legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide by the French Parliament and the european legal framework on the right to die in dignity

Interpol has been weaponized, Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson says

Maître William Julié comments on the decsision by INTERPOL’s CCF to suspend the Red Notice issued against his client, activist Paul Watson.

Out of the running? Marine Le Pen’s conviction upends French politics

Maître Julié comments on and analyses the conviction of Marine Le Pen for misappropriation of public funds, with a five-year ineligibility sentence.

Suspicions of Libyan financing : what does Nicolas Sarkozy risk during this new trial ?

Maître Julié explains the legal and political issues at stake in Nicolas Sarkozy's trial for the alleged illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign by Muammar Kadhafi's Libya.

Was Japan standing on a whale? Dismissal the ‘only proper political answer to extradition request’

Maître Julié provides an in depth analysis of Paul Watson's extradition victory against Japon

The absence of immunity for serving heads of state before the International Criminal Court

Maître Beauchemin explains the legal framework governing the immunities of sitting heads of state before the International Criminal Court.

Arrest Warrants issued by the ICC: the cooperation obligation of member states

Maître Beauchemin comments on the arrest warrants issued by the ICC against Benjamin Nethanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif.

War in the Middle East: “The ICC has been interested in what’s happening in Palestine for a very long time”, says international criminal lawyer Amélie Beauchemin.

Maître Beauchemin explains the issuance of arrest warrants by ICC against Benjamin Nethanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif.

Paul Watson detained in Greenland: Sea Shepherd founder’s lawyers will “take the matter to the United Nations” to denounce “arbitrary” detention

Maître William Julié criticizes the Danish judge's decision to extend Paul Watson's detention in connection with Japan's extradition request for his environmental activism.

Paul Watson, the old man and the bitter one

Maître Julié denounces the political nature of the Paul Watson case

Sea Shepherd France President “Expects Absolutely Nothing” from Paul Watson’s New Hearing in Greenlandic Court

Maître Julié explains the facts alleged in the Paul Watson case, as well as the ongoing proceedings undertaken by his legal team

EU court upholds Russia legal consultancy ban

Maître Julié comments on the CJEU decision confirming the sanctions regime for legal consultancy.

Arrest warrant against Netanyahu: what legal arguments does the ICC rely on?

Maître Julié comments on the requests for arrest warrants issued by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

War in Ukraine: European courts rule in favor of two Russian billionaires.

Interview by Maître William Julié for France24, following the annulment decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union on 11 April 2024 regarding the sanctions imposed on two individuals placed on the lists of restrictive measures taken following the invasion of Ukraine, Mr Fridman and Mr Aven. William

EU’s sanctions regime in turmoil after oligarchs win legal battle.

William Julié comments the CJEU annulment decision regarding the sanctions against Mr Fridman and Mr Aven.

Two Russian bankers left in EU limbo, despite court win.

Maître William Julié comments the CJEU decision regarding the annulment of sanctions against two individuals.

Why is Jean-Luc Mélenchon so ambiguous about using the term “genocide”?

Maître William Julié provides legal explanations on the use of the term genocide.

Europol reform: the Commission proposes to extend the Agency’s powers without strengthening procedural safeguards

On 24 June 2026, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Regulation on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol)[1]. The text would repeal Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of 11 May 2016 (the “Europol Regulation”), which currently governs the Agency, and replace it with a new legal framework[2].

France Chapter of ICLG’s Sanctions Laws and Regulations 2027 Guide

William Julié, Amélie Beauchemin and Elena Moreno co-authored the France chapter of the ICLG Sanctions Laws and Regulations 2027 (Eighth Edition), published by Global Legal Group. The chapter is a Q&A mapping the French sanctions framework as it stands in 2026: the four autonomous national regimes (terrorism, foreign interference, drug

Where Sanctions Meet Criminal Law: the Blurring of Legal Boundaries

In an article recently published in the International Comparative Legal Guides (ICLG)’s Sanctions Laws and Regulations 2027 guide, entitled “Where sanctions meet criminal law: blurring of legal boundaries”, William Julié, Elena Moreno and Amélie Beauchemin examine the European Commission and the High Representative’s proposal of 9 July 2026 for a

AFA Anti-Corruption Compliance and Financial Penalties: First Sanction Imposed on a Company and Its CEO by the Sanctions Commitee

The Sanctions Committee of the French Anticorruption Agency (AFA) has, for the first time since its creation, imposed a financial penalty [1] on a company and its CEO for failing to fulfil their legal obligations to implement compliance programmes, without a preliminary injunction. As a reminder, the Sapin II Law

Safeguarding INTERPOL’s Systems: Recommendations for Reform (ECBA)

The European Criminal Bar Association has published a report entitled “Safeguarding INTERPOL’s Systems: Recommendations for Reform”, which William Julié and Camille Gosson co-authored with fellow INTERPOL practitioners Vânia Costa Ramos, Rebecca Niblock, Alex Tinsley, Jago Russell, and Sören Schomburg. This report was prepared with the active engagement of the Commission

Review of the 2024 CCF Activity Report

Review of the 2024 CCF Activity Report, accessible here: https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Commission-for-the-Control-of-INTERPOL-s-Files-CCF/About-the-CCF

ICLG Sanctions Guide 2025

The Firm contributes to the 2025 edition of the ICLG Sanctions Guide.

Global Practice Guide on Sanctions 2024

The Firm contributes to the Global Practice Guide on Sanctions published by Chambers and partners.

Are we seeing the limits of the Council’s discretionary power in the field of sanctions law? the case of Mazepin v Council

The Firm writes an article on the case of Mazepin v. Council before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Pedro Sánchez in the crosshairs of an Israeli NGO: a legal analysis by William Julié

Speaking on RFI – Radio France Internationale, William Julié provided his legal analysis of the submission by the israeli NGO Shurat HaDin to the International Criminal Court, highlighting the complexity of the mechanisms for establishing international criminal liability as well as the particularly high evidentiary standards required by the ICC.

ICC arrest warrant: does Netanyahu really benefit from immunity?

Maître Julié clarifies the question of Benjamin Netanyahu's immunity before the International Criminal Court