Greetings from Kirsikka Lehto-Asikainen, Ambassador of Finland in Paris
France, the euro area’s second‑largest economy, offers many opportunities for Finnish companies. Despite geopolitical tensions, domestic political challenges and high public debt, the economy continues to progress steadily. In 2026, growth is expected to reach around one percent, with moderate inflation. The strength of the French economy lies in its large, diverse market, strong infrastructure, solid legal system, and effective institutions.
France is an important EU and NATO partner for Finland. Bilateral relations have deepened, and Presidents Alexander Stubb and Emmanuel Macron have agreed to further develop our strategic partnership in fields such as defence and security, energy (including nuclear), technologies (including AI and quantum), critical minerals and global affairs.
Defence Industry Opportunities
Interest on matters related to Finnish defence, comprehensive security and resilience is increasing in France. The French defence industry is set to grow under a nationally prioritised modernisation programme. Defence spending, export markets and related innovations are all expanding. France is gradually opening its defence markets to foreign, especially European, partners. In mid‑March, the Franco‑Finnish Security and Defence Days will take place in Finland. Major Global Events for Defence and Security will take place in Paris this year: Eurosatory in mid-June and Euronaval in November.
France has also updated its space strategy, emphasising resilience, rapid response, increased capacity and European collaboration, and is becoming more active in Arctic matters.
Energy Cooperation
The French Government has published a 10‑year national energy strategy aiming to raise the share of low‑carbon energy to 70% of total consumption by 2035. The strategy is based on energy sovereignty, carbon neutrality and price competitiveness.
Nuclear energy cooperation with Finland is highly valued. In October 2025, Finland and France signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen long‑term cooperation in nuclear energy. Electricity production in both countries is already nearly emission‑free thanks to nuclear and renewables. French companies play a key role in wind power and electricity storage, and French investments in Finnish wind and solar projects have grown steadily.
Opportunities Through European Preference
Competitiveness is a central theme in France, which actively promotes the “European preference” across defence, industry and technology sectors. Large energy‑intensive industries are looking for productivity‑enhancing technologies in which Finnish solutions can play a significant role. Opportunities exist both with major industrial players and with the many equipment and solution providers around them.
France is one of Europe’s leading digital economies, and home to the world’s largest start-up campus Station F. Heavy investments in scale‑ups and technologies—AI, 5G, cybersecurity and quantum—have accelerated digital transformation. France has built a strong AI ecosystem and gained visibility through events such as the AI Action Summit and Adopt AI fair. Finnish digital companies have responded actively to new opportunities, while French actors increasingly seek Finnish breakthrough technologies to strengthen their value chains.
Demand for digital solutions is growing in sectors such as healthcare. Many Finnish health tech companies already operate successfully in France, and new opportunities continue to emerge. A Finnish digital health delegation visited Paris in January.
Food and agriculture—key elements of French identity—value high‑quality, clean and responsibly produced food. Both sectors seek energy‑efficient, low‑carbon solutions. France hosts major industry fairs such as SIAL Paris in October 2026, and is a priority country for Finnish food exports and promotion this year.
France as a Gateway
France is home to globally operating corporations across aviation, space, defence, IT, energy and infrastructure. In addition to their international footprint, several major French EPC groups design and build large‑scale infrastructure projects in Africa and Southeast Asia, including transport systems, energy facilities, water and waste management infrastructure, and urban development projects.
Finland as a Growing Travel Destination
Finland ranks among the top ten most attractive destinations for French tourists. Winter travel to Lapland is strong, and summer tourism is growing. Spending per trip and per day has increased. Finland can be highly appealing also during quieter seasons and beyond the most well‑known destinations such as Lapland and Helsinki — especially as summer heatwaves are becoming more common in France.
Cultural Differences – Not to Be Overstated
The challenges of the French market should not be exaggerated. After all, we operate within the EU single market. Many assumptions about language or cultural barriers no longer reflect today’s reality. Obviously, building relationships requires time and personal engagement. France increasingly seeks cooperation with European partners, and Finnish solutions are trusted and recognized for their technological innovation. Finland also enjoys a good reputation in France as a reliable partner, although as not the most known yet.
The trade and economic team at the Embassy of Finland in Paris, together with the Team Finland network and the honorary consuls across the country, stands ready to assist Finnish companies and organisations. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here for you — Bienvenue!
Kirsikka Lehto-Asikainen, Ambassador of Finland in Paris