France: International Law

France has reformed its foreign direct investment regime, broadening the scope of the 10% voting-rights threshold to capture French entities listed on nearly all regulated markets worldwide. The changes, effective August 17, 2026, extend FDI notification requirements to include major third-country exchanges through EU equivalence decisions and six specifically named markets, significantly expanding the reach of French investment screening for non-European investors.

The French Navy has intercepted a Russian oil tanker operating under a Cameroonian flag off the coast of Sicily, marking another enforcement action against vessels suspected of evading international sanctions.

France's Office for Foreign Investment (IEF) has released its 2025 guidance on foreign direct investment screening, revealing key procedural changes and clarifications on sector-specific requirements. With the EU's Revised FDI Screening Regulation set to take effect in 2027, investors face new timelines, expanded mandatory screening sectors, and stricter compliance obligations that will fundamentally reshape cross-border transaction planning.

French authorities have detained and fined a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker operating in violation of international sanctions. The vessel's owner faced charges for failing to comply with maritime regulations and refusing to follow official orders, resulting in significant financial penalties before the ship's release.

The French Navy has intercepted a Russian oil tanker operating under a Cameroonian flag off the coast of Sicily, marking another enforcement action against vessels suspected of evading international sanctions.

Private capital is flowing into the space sector as reusable rockets and vertical integration drive down costs, while satellites become essential to military operations across all defense domains. However, investors must navigate complex regulatory frameworks, procurement constraints, and technology risks as they back assets that underpin critical intelligence and communications functions.