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] TSE - 3 solar opportunities live: Multiple French PV / agrivoltaic assets from a leading developer now open to retail investors. Crowdinform
• [New] Designing PA-NG will be more challenging than with the previous aircraft carrier and is seen by many as a culmination of France's technological and manufacturing prowess. SlashGear
• [New] PA-NG's nuclear propulsion system will give the French Navy a clear advantage over its non-nuclear counterparts. SlashGear
• [New] Initiated in 2020, the next-generation aircraft carrier program looks to replace France's current aircraft carrier, the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle, which is expected to retire after almost four decades at sea in 2038. SlashGear
• [New] French utility giant EDF Energy has confirmed that experienced nuclear engineer Nicola Fauvel will lead Somerset's emerging nuclear power station through commissioning and into operation. Electricity Info
• [New] ACPR, France's prudential regulator, requested Binance to tighten its compliance measures by upgrading its systems and expanding its risk and compliance teams. Crypto Briefing
• [New] Companies are allowed time to fix compliance issues, but noncompliance could lead to sanctions or disqualification from France's MiCA licensing process. Crypto Briefing
• [New] By 2030, biofuel crops would require land the size of France, which would make it equivalent to the sixth-largest country in terms of arable land use globally A fifth of vegetable oil is used for cars rather than food. The Guardian
• [New] French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu backed down on enforcing an unpopular 2023 pension reform until after the 2027 presidential election. Medium
• [New] French authorities are emphasizing rapid mobilization and readiness for possible high-intensity scenarios, with further updates anticipated regarding operational posture and NATO's coordinated response to emerging threats. MonkeyWerx
• [New] DSGM will open an office in London, focused on large exposures and international clients, and is seeking authorization as an insurance intermediary in France by ORIAS and in the UK by the FCA, subject to regulatory approval. Insurance Business
• [New] Not just because of the lingering political risk, but also given the near-term risk of rating downgrades, as Moody's this month and S&P in November still have to cast their rating verdicts after Fitch lowered France into single A territory in September 2025. investing.com
• [New] France and all its partners will remain committed to supporting Ukraine and stepping up pressure on Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace. France Diplomacy - Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
• [New] French President Macron is expected to name a new prime minister today and Belgium credit may be downgraded today. investing.com
• [New] Macron's struggle to secure parliamentary support reflects France's deep political fragmentation a risk not only to his reform agenda but to investor confidence and EU economic stability. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] By 2030, biofuel crops are projected to occupy an area the size of France, potentially feeding 1.3 billion people or restoring natural habitats. Planet Keeper
• [New] With approximately 30 million developers worldwide, a doubling of productivity through AI could contribute an additional $3 trillion to global GDP, an amount comparable to the entire GDP of France. Medium
• [New] Just a few kilometers from the Google facility, French Data4 group plans to build another large data center in Hanau. Yahoo News
• [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

Last updated: 22 October 2025