Définition
According to EY, foreign direct investment refers to investment projects announced by foreign companies that aim to create a new activity or expand an existing one in the host country.
France’s economic position and key indicators
This decision-support tool allows you to assess France’s position using economic indicators from authoritative sources, helping you make an informed decision about investing in France.
Verified on May 11th 2026
The selected indicators make it possible to compare France with its European neighbours. They are drawn from recognised benchmark sources at European or global level.
France stands out for its solid and resilient economy, a powerful innovation ecosystem driven by talent from leading universities and grandes écoles, a dynamic start-up network, and centres of excellence in industrial and technological sectors.
Commentaire
Data from the France Attractiveness Survey 2025, published by EY, confirmed France’s position as the leading country in Europe attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for the sixth year in a row. With 1,025 foreign investment projects, France was clearly on top of the rankings, ahead of the United Kingdom (853 projects), Germany (608 projects), and Spain (351 projects). This performance underscores France’s ability to attract new investments, despite an uncertain global geopolitical and economic context. It reflects the strength of its infrastructure, the quality of its workforce, as well as the efforts undertaken to improve the business environment and foster innovation. Furthermore, France has been the leading European destination for industrial investment projects since 2017 and the leading destination for foreign investment in artificial intelligence in 2024. This attractiveness is a key factor in economic dynamism, supporting job creation, industrial upgrading, and the international openness of the French economy.