Thirty
years after the revolution in French arbitration law, pursuant to the Decrees
of 1980-1981, the reform resulting from the Decree of 13 January 2011 provides
adjustments and clarification thereto, in particular by its incorporation of a
number of solutions inspired by case law. It also innovates, whilst seeking to ensure
a balance between the eminent role to be given to the parties’ freedom, the
necessary authority of the arbitral tribunal and the essential assistance of
state courts. The distinction between domestic and international arbitration has
been maintained, even if the former has now benefited from adopting rules
hitherto reserved to the latter. The spirit which has provided vitality to
French law of international arbitration has been preserved. The reform seeks to
improve the efficiency and flexibility of arbitration, in particular by
accelerating the enforcement of awards.