France maintains its top spot in the ESNA 2025 ranking

For the third year in a row, France ranks first in the European Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA) 2025 report, with an overall score of 95% (up 2% from 2024).

France’s score for speed of business creation also rose by 18 points compared with 2024, reaching 88%.

The ESNA report highlights the progress made across the organisation’s 24 European member countries in startup creation and the rollout of ecosystems that support their growth. This ranking is a strategic benchmark for guiding public policy on innovation, based on 8 criteria:

  • fast startup creation;
  • talent attraction and retention;
  • stock option schemes;
  • innovation and regulation;
  • innovation and public procurement;
  • access to finance and funding;
  • diversity and social inclusion;
  • digital-first priority.

For more information, see the ESNA 2025 report here