For the 6th year in a row, France was the leading destination in Europe for foreign investors in 2024

EY publishes the summary of its ‘2025 Report on International Investments in France’.

In an environment marked by a decline in investment to the European Union (-23%, according to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)), France has managed to maintain its leading position for the sixth year in a row. It recorded 1,025 projects in 2024, despite a fall of 14%, and was still ahead of the United Kingdom (853 projects, -13%) and Germany (608 projects, -17%). France received 19% of foreign investments destined for Europe in 2024, a slightly higher share than it recorded in 2019 (18.7%). This continued pole position in the EY survey illustrates France’s ability to remain attractive to investors, despite an unstable global economic context.

In 2024, France maintained its leading position among European destinations for industrial investment, with 415 projects. It attracted more than one-quarter of foreign manufacturing projects in Europe, ahead of Turkey (227 investments) and the United Kingdom (183). This positioning strengthens France’s status as a preferred host country for industry in Europe, thanks in particular to fast-tracked procedures, the consolidation of available skills and the development of strategic sectors. These enhancements are contributing to improving the country’s competitiveness and supporting its economic attractiveness to industrial investors.

With 104 projects identified in 2024 in the field of research and development, France is consolidating its position as the leading European destination for innovative investments. This leadership is based on a pro‑active public strategy for future technologies, embodied by the “France 2030” plan. The combination of innovation financing, support for strategic sectors and backing for research ecosystems creates favorable conditions for long-term investment. In a context of increased international technological competition, France stands out particularly in the sectors of artificial intelligence and quantum research, where it is ranked first in Europe, with 41 projects hosted from abroad, ahead of the United Kingdom (27 projects) and Spain (15 projects).

In terms of geographic distribution, foreign investment benefited every French region, with 75% of all projects located outside Ile de France (Paris region) in 2024. This figure confirms the economic attractiveness of the regions in their diversity, driven by solid industrial ecosystems, suitable infrastructure and the involvement of local stakeholders. It also illustrates France’s ability to offer competitive local location solutions, thereby contributing to greater balanced economic development between regions.

The perception investigation accompanying the survey shows that 62% of the executives surveyed were planning a project in France as early as 2025, while 70% anticipate an improvement in the country’s economic attractiveness over the next three years. These results reflect strong confidence in the French economy, perceived as stable, resilient and full of opportunities, confirming its ability to adapt to global economic uncertainties.