SUMMARY
Despite an unstable international context and declining European attractiveness, France remains Europe's leading destination for international investment. It has welcomed 852 investment projects in 2025 (corresponding to 28,000 jobs), ahead of the UK (730) and Germany (548). Certain sectors are particularly well represented: artificial intelligence, low-carbon energy, defense, logistics and software. However, this attractiveness should not mask the difficulties and decline in investment in the automotive, chemicals, plastics, metallurgy and R&D sectors. The balance between industrial site openings and closures remains positive, but is falling sharply. According to 500 foreign business leaders, France and its assets are well recognized: 57% of them plan to invest here in 2026. However, confidence is weakened by less favorable economic conditions, political instability and a lack of clarity in public policy, as well as a tax system that is deemed less favorable than in neighboring countries. In particular, German and American investors have halved their investments in France since 2022. This is part of a general downward trend in FDI worldwide and in Europe, linked in part to geopolitical tensions and conflicts, and to a wait-and-see economic climate.
Keywords: attractiveness, attracting investment, barometer, key figures, sectoral trends, regional trends, economy, employment, energy, qualitative survey, image, industry, foreign direct investment (FDI), logistics, regions, geopolitical tensions, Europe, France, international.
Illustration : EY©
Barometer 2026 key figures
