The Royal Netherlands Society of International Law (KNVIR) was founded in 1910 as the Netherlands Society of International Law and as the Dutch Branch of the International Law Association (ILA).
Recent times have seen a serious challenge of the binding nature of public international law, including the prohibition of the use of force – once generally recognized as one of the most basic norms of the post-World War II legal order. The prohibition on the use of force was not only challenged by the invasion of the Crimea and the brutal war against Ukraine. Also countries seen as allies of the European collaboration (in both the EU and NATO) show little respect for the basic rules of international law – with the war against Iran as a recent and pertinent example.
During the spring meeting a panel of experts will discuss the ongoing value of the prohibition on the use of force and how this can be strengthened. What can and should ‘we’ in Europe do in the face of the current challenges?
The panel presentation will be followed by discussion and drinks.
Registration: Please send an email to gro.r1789384561ivnk@1789384561tcatn1789384561oc1789384561 by Monday 8 June 2026 indicating whether you would like to attend the meeting in person or online.
The Royal Netherlands Society of International Law (KNVIR) devoted its Annual General Meeting of 7 November 2025 to the theme: ‘State Immunity in Civil Proceedings Comparative Notes and Critical Analysis’.
The recording of the meeting, hosted by Leiden University, can be viewed here. Speakers were:
The meeting was introduced and moderated by Prof. Aukje van Hoek, President KNVIR.
Annual General Meeting 2025
KNVIR Annual Meeting 2025 Annoucement