Agrément (from the French for 'approval') is a foundational courtesy of bilateral diplomacy by which the sending state discreetly inquires whether its chosen candidate for head of mission is acceptable to the receiving state. The practice is codified in Article 4 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), which provides that the sending state 'must make certain' that agrément has been granted before nominating an ambassador, and that the receiving state is not obliged to give reasons for a refusal.
In practice, the sending state transmits, usually through its existing mission or foreign ministry channels, a brief biographical note (curriculum vitae) on the proposed envoy. The receiving state then conducts internal vetting — political, security, and sometimes personal — before signalling acceptance or, more rarely, withholding it. Because refusal can embarrass both governments, the process is conducted confidentially, and a sending state that detects hesitation will typically withdraw the candidate quietly rather than force a formal rejection.
Agrément applies only to ambassadors (and high commissioners between Commonwealth states); other diplomatic staff are notified through the standard notification procedure under Article 10 of the Vienna Convention, while military, naval, and air attachés may require explicit prior approval under Article 7. Once agrément is granted, the ambassador is appointed, travels to post, and presents letters of credence to the head of state.
Refusal of agrément is distinct from declaring a diplomat persona non grata, which occurs after accreditation. Both mechanisms preserve the receiving state's sovereign discretion over who represents foreign powers on its territory, balancing diplomatic reciprocity with national interest.
Example
In 2021, France delayed agrément for several proposed ambassadors amid disputes with partner capitals, illustrating how the procedure can quietly signal political displeasure.