The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance published its annual report on foreign investment screening, showing that filings increased to 418 in 2025 from 392 in 2024 and 309 in 2023. Of 323 authorization decisions, 167 transactions fell within the screening regime because the target companies’ activities could affect public order, public security or national defense interests. Investors from outside the European Union and European Economic Area accounted for 67% of the cases concerned. Conditions remained the principal tool for addressing identified risks. Of the investments authorized, 49% were subject to measures such as retaining sensitive capabilities or activities in France, protecting expertise and information, changing corporate governance or notifying the state. Only seven transactions were refused over the past four years. The Treasury also issued 25 preliminary opinions in 2025, while work is underway to adapt the French framework by the end of 2026 to the European Union’s revised screening regulation, which will apply from January 2028.
Source: 2026-09-28Ministry of Economics & Finance (France)
French Ministry of the Economy and Finance reports rise in foreign investment screening filings to 418 in 2025
The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance reported that foreign investment screening filings rose to 418 in 2025, with 167 of 323 authorization decisions falling within the regime. Conditions applied to 49% of authorized investments, while only seven transactions were refused over the past four years. France plans to adapt its framework by the end of 2026 to the revised European Union screening regulation.