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 France Libre, which is to enter service in 2038, will have a capacity for 30 Rafale fighter jets and 2,000 sailors, for an estimated cost of 10 billion euros ($11.5 billion). Electricity Info
• [New] France reportedly will send Ukraine the newest version of the SAMP/T NG anti-aircraft missile system for battlefield testing against Russian ballistic missiles. Critical Threats
• [New] France's new 2026-2030 strategy sets out a comprehensive framework to counter foreign digital interference, combining Digital Services Act enforcement, AI risk oversight, enhanced attribution capacities and deeper European cooperation. EU DisinfoLab
• [New] France's nuclear policy council will convene shortly to adopt new strategic measures. Uzbek.Review is a publication by EUROUZ.eu
• [New] The UK has already allowed U.S. forces to use British military bases for agreed defensive purposes, while France dispatched Rafale fighter jets to shoot down drones threatening the airspace of its regional allies. The Washington Institute
• [New] Germany has advanced its deadline to 2045, with steep interim reductions, while France and Italy follow the EU's 2030 and 2050 milestones, with Italy aiming for rapid renewables growth despite its gas dependence. Lincoln International LLC
• [New] France is emerging as a processing hub (e.g., Solvay's La Rochelle restart), but scaling to CRMA targets will require much more capital and policy clarity. SpringerLink
• [New] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) projections show France's GDP declining by 11% by 2050 and 16% by 2070 under current policies. New Economics Foundation
• [New] With fiber internet now widely available across France, the vast majority of households will have no issues at all. NERDBOT
• [New] The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, says he plans to take concrete steps with France before the end of 2026, including creating a nuclear strategy steering group and German conventional participation in French nuclear exercises. The Guardian
• [New] European governments have quietly begun adapting their policies for the hitherto unthinkable prospect that France, a founder member of the EU, may elect a far-right nationalist president in 2027. The Guardian
• [New] Ukraine expects an additional delivery of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France. Presage Global
• [New] France has begun voting in the first round of municipal elections, seen as crucial a test of the political temperature before 2027's presidential election. The Guardian
• [New] France is a leader in the development of parametric insurance for agricultural risks, addressing the growing threat of climate change to its farming sector. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are expected to have the fastest-growing virtual reality healthcare markets in Europe. Spherical Insights
• [New] In the coming months, SwissBorg will migrate its European operations from its existing entity in Estonia to the newly authorised CASP entity in France. Crypto Briefing
• [New] The Z9GT will be the first European vehicle to feature audio technology from French specialist Devialet, using a bespoke speaker configuration and Dolby Atmos to deliver immersive in-cabin sound. Automotive World
• [New] The Kremlin's threats targeting the UK and France are effectively an attempt for the Kremlin to gain veto power over NATO decision-making involving both nuclear deterrence efforts and a potential Coalition of the Willing troop deployment to Ukraine. Critical Threats
• [New] The amount pledged by the G7 nations alone comprises 70% of the total, including 14.5 million barrels France will contribute. WPLG
• [New] France's ANSSI recommends hybrid deployment now, full PQC migration by 2030. Articsledge
• [New] Kiev is seeking to procure 100-150 of the latest JAS-39 Gripen E fighters and also plans to order around 100 French Rafale aircraft to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force. chakranewz

Last updated: 25 March 2026