Paris, May 20, 2025 — The Europe Today: This year’s “Choose France” business summit is expected to attract a total of €37 billion ($41.35 billion) in investment commitments, French Finance Minister Eric Lombard announced on Monday.
Speaking to RTL radio ahead of the high-profile event, Lombard said the summit will generate €20 billion in new investment deals, while a further €17 billion stems from previously pledged projects. The annual summit, held at the historic Palace of Versailles, is a cornerstone of President Emmanuel Macron’s strategy to position France as a leading destination for global capital.
“This is €20 billion of totally new projects,” Lombard said. “If you remember, a few weeks ago the president hosted a meeting of investors in artificial intelligence and data centres, and €17 billion was also pledged.”
The announcement comes at a time when Macron’s government is under increasing pressure to counter job losses in key industrial sectors, exacerbated by global economic uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics, particularly those influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
“Amid worldwide competition, France shows it has weapons,” Lombard emphasized. “France is on the offensive to attract capitals.” He added that the government remains confident in meeting its 2025 economic growth target of 0.7%.
Since its inception, the Choose France initiative has become a flagship of Macron’s pro-business agenda. The summit draws leading multinational executives to Versailles, and has been credited with reshaping France’s image from a high-tax, rigid economy to one of opportunity and innovation.
Last year’s edition of the summit raised €15 billion, making this year’s projected figure of €37 billion a record-breaking milestone that underscores growing investor confidence in the French economy.
