Votron’s objection is that he is prepared to be questioned – but only in Belgium and only in French. He has now asked for a rapid decision, his lawyers said, so that the case can proceed with as little delay as possible.

The three Fortis executives are being heard in a case brought by seven Dutch investors who lost fortunes in the collapse of the bank. They are claiming damages of €1.3 million.

Votron has not spoken in public about the bank collapse since he resigned in July of 2008. The Dutch financial services regulator earlier this year fined the former Fortis group for market manipulation and for failing to disclose price-sensitive information at the time of the takeover. Fortis had to pay €576,000.

Votron could still face charges of contempt of court, even if his appeal against the hearings were to be allowed. The question revolves around whether the lodging of an appeal suspends the court order summoning him in the first place – a fine legal point on which the two sides are at odds. Lippens and Mittler are due to be heard in June.