France has lowered the ownership threshold that triggers government review of foreign investment in strategic companies from 25 percent to 10 percent, targeting acquisitions by non-European investors.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu signed a decree published on Sunday that requires non-EU investors to obtain state authorization before acquiring 10 percent or more of a French listed company operating in a sensitive sector. The Economy Ministry will have 10 days to determine whether a notified transaction warrants deeper examination. Foreign investors must file notifications with the Treasury.
The measure covers sectors including defence, critical infrastructure and key technologies, and incorporates recommendations from a parliamentary report calling for stronger economic security protections. Lecornu's office stated the move aims to guard against opportunistic takeovers that could threaten national security. The new rules are expected to take effect in the coming days.