Global Scans · France · Weekly Summary

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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] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] France is projected to hit 120 million 5G connections, supported by increasing subscriber shifts from 4G to faster mobile services. Electro IQ
• [New] European countries, including Germany, France and the UK, have announced they will increase their defence spending and investments in military amid Russia's war in Ukraine. Al Jazeera
• [New] Tensions are brewing: French President Emmanuel Macron is warning the EU could impose tariffs on China to address the bloc's widening trade imbalance. CNBC
• [New] Beijing retaliated by imposing minimum price requirements on French cognac, sparking fears among pork and dairy producers that they could be targeted next. Fortune
• [New] France's 2025 regulations will reduce tax breaks, cap rentals at 90 days per year, and enforce mandatory property registration with penalties for non-compliance. EnsoConnect
• [New] France and Germany are planning a joint task force on European digital sovereignty, which will develop a common definition of a European digital service and work on the EU regulatory frameworks. BiometricUpdate.com
• [New] The French reactor, following discussions with locals and relevant authorities, will be operational by the end of 2031, while the final investment decision for the first commercial power plant is expected around 2029. Energies Media
• [New] France, Austria, and Italy have called for ESMA to directly oversee major crypto firms, with France threatening to block cross-border licence passporting. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] France will ensure that the announced commitments, particularly concerning humanitarian access and support for displaced people, are implemented in a manner consistent with current mediation efforts and the Washington Accords. France Diplomacy - Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
• [New] Ports groups from the UK, France and Ireland have formed a floating offshore wind alliance, with plans to expand worldwide to help unlock the energy technology's full potential. reNEWS - Renewable Energy News

Last updated: 17 December 2025