The Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. François Alabrune, recently spoke with Diplomat Magazine about his nomination as France’s candidate for the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a thoughtful and engaging conversation, the seasoned diplomat reflected on the challenges facing international law, the ICJ’s evolving role, and his lifelong vocation of service to justice and diplomacy.
Ambassador Alabrune, whose distinguished career spans over three decades, is widely recognized for his legal expertise and commitment to the principles that underpin the international legal order. His candidacy for the ICJ, he explained, represents both a personal honour and a natural continuation of a career dedicated to the service of law and peace.
“I accepted the nomination as a candidate for the International Court of Justice both as an honour and as the outcome of a lifelong commitment to serving international law,” he said. “My vocation in this field took shape early in my career, having been trained by mentors with experience as judges at the ICJ, such as Gilbert Guillaume and Ronny Abraham.” “Throughout my legal and diplomatic career, I have witnessed how law contributes to peace. If elected, I would be honoured to place this experience at the service of the Court, with the aim of maintaining and strengthening its role. I will be eager to work to promote the values that underpin its legitimacy – in particular impartiality and the diversity of legal traditions – in the service of the international community.”
Reflecting on the relevance of the Court today, Ambassador Alabrune acknowledged that the international legal system is being tested by a rapidly changing global environment.
“International law is today facing challenges, in particular to its universality and the risk of a weakening of multilateralism,” he observed. “The issues brought before the Court are increasingly complex, intertwining legal, environmental, economic, and technological dimensions.”
Nevertheless, he remains confident in the ICJ’s role as a pillar of stability and legitimacy in international relations.
“Through the quality, coherence, and independence of its jurisprudence, the ICJ demonstrates that law remains the essential framework for relations between States,” he added. “By maintaining close dialogue with other international courts and UN bodies, the Court strengthens the coherence and credibility of the international legal order.”
Ambassador Alabrune’s long experience in The Hague has given him a unique vantage point on the delicate balance between law and diplomacy.
“For more than twenty years as a legal adviser and jurisconsult, I have applied international law in politically sensitive contexts,” he said. “Law is never exercised in the abstract—it must be interpreted with rigour, while taking into account the diplomatic realities that shape its implementation.” he said. “Serving as an ambassador in The Hague offers the privilege of daily dialogue with the actors of the International Court of Justice and many other actors within the multilateral system. This proximity has given me a practical understanding of how law and diplomacy interact: law sets the rules, while diplomacy creates the conditions for their elaboration and implementation.
France’s longstanding dedication to international law also finds continuity in his candidacy.
“France’s commitment to international law is reflected in its active participation in the negotiation and promotion of numerous treaties, as well as in proceedings before international courts,” he noted. “My candidacy reflects this commitment to the promotion and respect of international law, drawing on my experience, particularly as the Legal Adviser of France and later as Ambassador to the Netherlands.”
Looking toward the future, Ambassador Alabrune emphasized the moral imperative of upholding justice at a time of global uncertainty.
“In the current international context, marked by existential questions for Humanity, the need for justice is paramount,” he said. “Today, more than ever, it is essential to demonstrate determination and courage to uphold the rule of law. The growing engagement of the international community in the proceedings before the ICJ offers hope. The work of the Court deserves the support of us all.”
As France’s candidate to the International Court of Justice, Ambassador François Alabrune embodies a vision of international law rooted in principle, inclusion, and service to the common good—a vision that resonates deeply in The Hague, the city of peace and justice.
