France Tightens Control Over Foreign Investment in Sensitive Companies

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a decree that will require government approval for any non‑European investor acquiring 10% or more of the shares of a listed French company operating in a sensitive sector. The new threshold replaces the previous rule, which only triggered a review when a foreign party obtained 25% of voting rights. The requirement applies whether the target company is listed on a French exchange or abroad. The measure is intended to protect national security amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The Ministry of Finance must issue a decision within ten days of a request, and the rules are set to take effect later this month.