Global Scans · France · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Discontent with political elites and country performance is driving the discourse and demand for action from the French public. With Presidential elections due in May 2017 it remains to be seen whether another political earthquake may happen in one of the EU's founding countries.

• [New] France plans to deploy forces, participate more actively in Arctic forums, develop region-specific military capabilities, and ensure European access to critical raw materials in the Arctic. SR
• [New] Any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations. EDNEWS
• [New] In an unprecedented step, Great Britain and France are poised to sign a groundbreaking agreement that will see both nations coordinate their nuclear deterrence strategies to counter extrem observe (remotely) threats in Europe. archyde
• [New] France and the UK are ready to coordinate their nuclear forces and protect Europe from any external threat. EADaily
• [New] Russia's posture stands in contrast to nuclear powers like the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, which treat their nuclear arsenals as weapons of last resort and refrain from issuing nuclear threats, even to achieve their geostrategic objectives. DebateUS
• [New] Political Will, Not Just Military Capabilities Nuclear weapons in Europe are, and will remain, the sovereign responsibility of two individual states, France and the United Kingdom. DebateUS
• [New] Recognising the increased threat to European security, the UK and France will expand its jointly deployable force, refocusing it on defending Europe, moving to warfighting readiness to deter, and countering any adversaries. GOV.UK
• [New] An enemy threatening the important interests of the UK or France could face the strength of both countries' nuclear forces. Benchmark Beat
• [New] The UK and France have pledged for the first time to coordinate the use of nuclear weapons, saying they will work together to protect Europe from extreme threats. Benchmark Beat
• [New] After several years of the fastest growth in the US (compared to Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Australia) post-pandemic, US GDP growth is forecast at 1.5% in 2025 (slowing from 2.8% in 2024). Swiss Re Group
• [New] The UK, France and Germany can snap back on sanctions on Iran, which could lead to greater pain for Iranian regime unless they get serious on stepping back from their nuclear programme. Proactiveinvestors UK
• [New] A rate that high could make everything from French cheese and Italian leather goods to German electronics and Spanish pharmaceuticals much more expensive in the U.S. The Hindu
• [New] Over 2026, French businesses will be able to hold, manage, and spend from balances in multiple currencies in their existing Stripe account. Crowdfund Insider
• [New] The French Nuclear Safety Authority mandates limits on both water intake and discharge temperatures to mitigate risks to riverine biodiversity and comply with environmental protection standards. The Watchers
• [New] The French government is warning about the growth of cults after an annual report showed an 111% increase of abuse in religious minority groups from 10 years ago. Christianity Today
• [New] Latitude aims to launch its Zephyr rocket in 2026 from the Guiana Space Centre, in French Guiana, for the first time. Ars Technica
• [New] France's use of drones has proven vital for monitoring vast, remote areas and responding rapidly to emerging threats. Springer Nature Switzerland
• [New] The integration of drones, primarily MALE systems like the MQ-9 Reaper, has enabled France to conduct targeted operations against terrorist leaders and disrupt militant networks while minimising the risk to ground troops. Springer Nature Switzerland
• [New] In road transport, safe and secure parking areas will be built or upgraded across 10 Member States, including Germany, France, Italy and Romania. European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
• [New] Disruption is expected to worsen at French airports on Friday, with 40% fewer flights from the Paris airports at Charles de Gaulle, Orla and Beauvais. BBC News
• [New] Companies with more than 5,000 employees in France (or 10,000 employees in France or abroad) are required to establish, implement and publish a vigilance plan to address risks within their supply chains or which arise from the activities of direct or indirect subsidiaries or subcontractors. Gibson Dunn

Last updated: 16 July 2025