Global Scans · France · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Discontent with political elites and country performance is driving the discourse and demand for action from the French public. With Presidential elections due in May 2017 it remains to be seen whether another political earthquake may happen in one of the EU's founding countries.

• [New] A sovereign debt crisis, with a 20% probability, might arise from high debt levels and interest rates, constraining fiscal policies in France, Italy, the UK and the US. Allianz Trade Corporate
• [New] France: Black-box recorders will be required in AVs from 2025. AIMultiple
• [New] In the course of 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its first services for bidirectional charging in Germany, France and the UK. Electric Cars Report
• [New] France and Germany's Main Ground Combat System aims to replace their current tanks but is not expected before the 2040s, if it survives competing national requirements. UK Defence Journal
• [New] French state utility EDF is in talks with banks about a potential initial public offering of its Italian subsidiary Edison, in a move that could unlock billions in capital as EDF ramps up financing for its nuclear revival at home. Electricity Info
• [New] French quantum computing leader Alice & Bob announced results that could significantly shorten the timeline for quantum applications in healthcare and agriculture. Our Haven: Tech
• [New] French political turmoil over budgets is flashing a broader sovereign debt risk to bond markets. Saretsky Group
• [New] France faces long-term political deadlock, risking a budget crisis and euro pressure. investing.com
• [New] Shein plans to open its first brick-and-mortar store in France in November 2025. Modern Retail
• [New] In continental Europe, the euro currency could resume its upward trend against the dollar if political stability is restored in France without the need for fresh elections according to FX traders. Comerica
• [New] In what could become a case study for the rest of Europe, France has implemented environmental labelling on textiles, which requires businesses to publish a clear environmental score on a standardised visual symbol. Good On You
• [New] France is taking the opposite timing: French operators plan to shut off 2G by end of 2026 but will maintain 3G until 2029 to ensure nationwide coverage as 5G rolls out. Bez Kabli
• [New] In the period ahead, with a 6% of GDP budget deficit and large debt rollovers to make, the French government will have very high borrowing needs that investors will be reluctant to meet at current French government bond yields. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] France, whose public finances have become unsustainable and whose politics have become dysfunctional, could pose an existential threat to the Euro. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] In recent weeks, investors have been betting that either the U.K. or France might need an International Monetary Fund bailout as borrowing costs get out of control. Forbes
• [New] The French Cour des comptes calculates that financing the ecological transition would cost around 1.2% of GDP annually, whereas the cost of adaptation alone could soar to 15% of GDP if action is delayed. Institut Montaigne
• European leaders, particularly in Germany and France, are developing strategies that address not only the immediate security risks posed by drones but also ensure the future protection of air travel and key infrastructure. Travel And Tour World
• French air traffic controllers have called off their upcoming strikes, sparing travelers across Europe from disruption. SKY
• France will keep 2G until the end of 2026 and 3G until the end of 2029. ANews
• France is expected to accelerate slightly in 2026 thanks to credit cycle recovery, though political instability represents a key downside risk. Insurance Business
• Alliance diplomats observe that increased military spending is happening at pace in Germany and Poland as well as the Nordic and Baltic states while Britain and France have told allies they will meet targets by the end of the decade. The Times

Last updated: 15 October 2025