France chases record investment

France is rolling out the red carpet for global investors once again  and this time, it’s aiming higher than ever. The eighth edition of the ‘Choose France’ summit, held at the Palace of Versailles, isn’t just a networking event.

It’s a strategic push by President Macron to turn France into Europe’s top business hub, and early numbers suggest it’s working.

Why global tech giants are investing billions in France

President Macron looked visibly pleased as he posted on X: “Snapchat chooses France!” The social media giant is launching a new office and augmented reality centre in Paris, joining a growing list of multinationals expanding their footprint in the country.

And it doesn’t stop there. Revolut, the British fintech firm, is rolling out a €1 billion expansion of its French operations over the next three years, with plans to apply for a French banking licence. Meanwhile, US logistics heavyweight Prologis has pledged a massive €6.4 billion to build four data centres in the Ile-de-France region.

Other major players jumping in include Amazon, UAE’s MGX, and UK-based Less Common Metals Limited, which is investing in France’s increasingly strategic rare earth sector. Even Portuguese tech company Tekever is getting involved, announcing a €100 million drone assembly plant in the southwest, a move that aligns with France’s growing push toward industrial innovation.

Finance Minister Eric Lombard confirmed on RTL radio that €17 billion had already been secured before the event kicked off, with more deals expected to push the total to €37 billion — far exceeding last year’s €15 billion tally.

How France remains a top investment hub despite economic uncertainty

This wave of fresh investment comes at a tricky time for France. While the country remains Europe’s top destination for foreign direct investment for the sixth year running, economic growth is sluggish, and global competition is fierce.

Lombard was quick to point out that France isn’t standing still. He reaffirmed the government’s 0.7% growth target for 2025, despite pressures from the wider Eurozone slowdown and geopolitical tensions.

“Faced with global competition, France is stepping up,” he said. Macron’s administration is banking on tax cuts, deregulation, and a business-first approach to keep international capital flowing.

But not everything is going France’s way. While foreign companies are showing renewed interest in setting up shop in France, some major French firms are heading overseas. Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi recently revealed plans to invest over €18 billion in US manufacturing, a move that’s raised eyebrows, and drawn criticism, from French lawmakers.

Still, Macron’s government sees the Choose France summit as proof that reforms are working, and that the country is steadily shaking off its old reputation as a tough place to do business.

For now, with deals pouring in and interest rising, France looks set to keep its crown as Europe’s most attractive place to invest — at least for another year.

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