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] The next French presidential election is due to be held in 2027. BBC News
• [New] France could begin using drone swarms in military operations within the next two years. Euro Weekly News
• [New] If current trials progress as planned, the first operational swarms could be active within two years, with wider use following soon after. / France Euro Weekly News
• [New] As a result of Iran's significant non-performance of its JCPoA commitments, the United Kingdom, alongside France and Germany, triggered the snapback process in full accordance with Security Council resolution 2231. GOV.UK
• [New] FranceEUDI Wallet capabilities will be built on top of France Identite, an application (in production) allowing users to create an online version of their identity cards which also act as an eID on Level of Assurance high. Signicat
• [New] European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has announced that it will transfer its current pylon production from Wichita to a site in Toulouse, France. Simple Flying
• [New] In France, the right-wing National Rally is comfortably polling first, even with its leader Marine Le Pen banned from running for president in 2027 for embezzling EU funds. FirstPost
• [New] France's fractured parliament approved an emergency bill Tuesday designed to prevent a U.S.-style government shutdown next week, after negotiations on a 2026 budget collapsed. Yahoo News
• [New] France could end the year without a state budget for 2026 if no compromise is struck. Politico
• [New] Fiscal assumptions are forecast to have a negative impact on growth in 2027, due in particular to a higher structural adjustment assumption that would reduce consumption and public investment. / France Banque de France
• [New] Uncertainty over domestic economic policy will cost the French economy just over 0.2 percentage point of GDP, with the impact concentrated in 2025 and in 2026 to a much lesser extent. Banque de France
• [New] In real terms, France could see an additional 6,000 insolvent companies by the end of 2025, Spain nearly 3,000, and Canada almost 2,000. CIN
• [New] French defence spending is expected to hover just above 2% of GDP in 2026 and 2027, with a real movement toward the 3.5% NATO target only a distant possibility. Washington Examiner
• [New] While France faces major budgetary pressures, Macron's observant rhetoric as to the profound threat posed by Russia should be reflected in German-style defence investments. Washington Examiner
• [New] Both North American and European fryers could produce more French fries and other frozen potato products during the 2025-26 processing season. Potato Country
• [New] France and Italy are anticipated to witness steady growth, supported by the focus on sustainability and environmental conservation. Strategic Revenue Insights Inc.
• In 2025 the world's largest MPA was established in French Polynesia's Tainui Atea - the MPA will aim to protect 1,100,000 sq km (425,000 sq miles) of ocean. BBC
• India and France are nearing a revised tax treaty that will reduce dividend taxes for French parent companies holding over 10% stakes to 5%, while increasing it to 15% for minority shareholders. Economic Times
• ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is a giant experimental fusion reactor under construction in France which, when operational, will be the world's largest. Engadget
• Charging network ambitions have been slashed heavily from a planned 650 stations across Europe by 2028 to just 100 sites in France and over 100 in Italy by late 2026. Automotive World
• French insurer AXA is taking a more selective stance on financing artificial intelligence infrastructure and private credit exposures, as it reassesses emerging risks in rapidly expanding but still untested segments. Insurance Business
• The French oil major has a 2050 net zero target and has been claiming to be a major player in the energy transition despite continuing to promote and sell more fossil fuels - with plans to drill for oil and gas in Iraq, Denmark, Tanzania and Uganda. Eco-business

Last updated: 31 December 2025