Nordic Business Forum 2025: strengthening French-Nordic ties

Highlighting the relationship between France and the Nordic countries

The Nordic countries, often referred to as the “future green industrial powerhouses of Europe,” have implemented ambitious strategies to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. These countries are playing a central role in Europe’s green transition, driven by their high GDP per capita and demanding consumers who prioritize sustainability and digitalization. This has stimulated technological innovation and reinforced their position as leaders in the green transition.

One of the main outcomes of the Nordic Business Forum is the consolidation of relations between France and the Nordic countries. The discussions highlighted business opportunities between France and the Nordics in multiple strategic sectors such as decarbonisation, defence, the maritime sector, European cooperation and sovereignty, critical materials, nuclear power, and renewable energies. French companies are ready to take a leadership role by working closely with Nordic partners to develop innovative solutions. This forum opened the door for future strategic collaborations in the green and industrial sectors.

Engaging roundtables on strategic sectors in the Nordics 

1. The Nordics: Future pillars of the green industry in Europe

This roundtable concentrated on major infrastructure and industrial projects for the green transition. French companies learned about the key industrial projects underway. Etienne Melliani (DFDS), Benoit Courtes (Equinor), Pierre Chaufour, (Renault Trucks/AB Volvo), and Olivier Godon (EDF) explained how French companies can play a key role in these initiatives with their expertise in innovation and energy transition. The discussions highlighted opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the areas of sustainable mobility and renewable energy.

2. The Nordic countries at the heart of European economic sovereignty challenges

Luc Pages (Saab), Pierre-Gaël Chantereau (Nokia), Christian Leon (Ericsson), and Arnaud Dubief (Hydrovolt) focused on crucial issues of European sovereignty, including defence, artificial intelligence, health, and other strategic sectors. Discussions addressed the positions adopted by the Nordic countries to respond to sovereignty and competitiveness challenges in a complex and uncertain international context. French companies learned about opportunities in these sectors and explored ways to collaborate with Nordic companies to develop innovative solutions together.

3. Key consumption trends in the Nordic countries

Mostafa El Garaa (IKEA), Anna Byhovskaya (H&M), Alexandre Lemonnier (L’Oreal), and Anne Martel (Electrolux) addressed the environmental and economic impacts of the green transition on consumption trends in various domains such as interior design, fashion, food, and cosmetics. It analysed the role and specificity of labels and the growing importance of traceability. The roundtable helped French companies identify ways to adapt to the growing demand for sustainability and innovation in these sectors.

4. Successful development in the Nordic countries

The final roundtable concluded Nicolas Candy (Forvis Mazars), Jennifer Rock-Baley (EY), Thomas Fernandez-Boni (Kopper), Charlotte Loyau-Kahn (Scandi Bureau), and Vincent Joly (Business France) detailing the keys to accessing Nordic markets, providing useful advice for sustainable development and establishment in the region. They discussed strategies for sustainable market entry, commercial constraints and how best to support French companies for successful expansion.

A day to create multiple synergies

Following the roundtables, a networking cocktail and B2B meetings facilitated meaningful connections, paving the way for future collaborations. The event provided valuable insights and highlighted numerous opportunities for collaboration between France and the Nordic countries.

Thanks to our sponsor for making this event possible and to our partners : Forvis Mazars, EY, DFDS, Kopper, Scandi Bureau, Air France, L’atelier V, François Doucet Confectioner, Lerøy Seafood Group ASA, CCI France International, France-Sweden Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce, French-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, Danish-French Chamber of Commerce, French-Finnish Chamber of Commerc, Foreign Trade Advisors of France.

Business France Nordics looks forward to supporting French companies in their international development in the Nordic markets.

For more information, contact us !