France Backs EU Industrial Strategy to Boost Competitiveness and Autonomy
On March 30, 2026, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot hosted a high-level meeting with Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. The meeting focused on deepening the EU single market and enhancing European industrial competitiveness as part of the Industrial Accelerator initiative. This EU-wide project represents a strategic push to strengthen European preference and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains in critical industries.
France affirmed its full support for the project, citing the importance of industrial sovereignty amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions. The commitment is aligned with France’s broader agenda under its current G7 presidency, especially regarding securing steady and reliable supplies of critical raw materials essential for advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
The meeting underscores France’s role as a key actor in driving EU integration efforts that focus on economic resilience and strategic autonomy. These efforts are vital for Europe to maintain a competitive edge and reduce vulnerabilities linked to external shocks and supply disruptions.
By prioritizing industrial strategy and raw materials security, France positions itself at the forefront of EU initiatives aimed at safeguarding long-term economic stability and technological leadership in a complex global landscape.
