Swedish investments driving industrial growth in France in 2024 

A long-standing economic relationship that keeps growing 

January 2025 was a highlight in the strong bilateral relationship between France and Sweden with the State Visit of the French President Emmanuel Macron to Sweden. This visit was marked by renewal of the strategic partnership signed between the two countries in 2017. Strengthened with new areas, the strategic partnership aims to promote competitiveness and innovation and contribute to the creation of sustainable, digital and resilient societies. It also covers new areas of cooperation, including forestry, nuclear energy and security. 

France & Sweden, a renewed,strategic partnership for a,common future

With 43 investment projects in 2024 (+59% compared to 2023), Swedish investments in France reached its highest level since 2017, creating or maintaining 851 jobs. This milestone marks one of the strongest years for French-Swedish relations, showcasing the resilience and dynamism of their economic ties. 

Sweden, the Nordic leader in industrial investments in France 

In 2024, 58% of Swedish investments in France were production and manufacturing projects, highlighting France’s industrial attractiveness. A prime example is Essity, Sweden’s leading hygiene and health company, which has invested €125 million over the past five years to increase its production capacity on French soil.  

According to EY, in 2023, France remained the leading European country in terms of both the number of industrial investment projects and jobs created. This attractiveness is driven by its world-class transportation infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and a competitive low-carbon energy supply based on nuclear power. 

France’s diverse industrial landscape, including aerospace, automotive and green technology, is home to world-class giants such as Airbus, Thales and Safran, as well as a dynamic network of innovative SMEs. Swedish investments benefit from this industrial excellence while contributing to Europe’s strategic autonomy by strengthening supply chain resilience, supporting technological sovereignty and promoting sustainable development. 

Sustainability at the heart of Swedish investments in France 

Worldwide, Sweden is recognized as a pioneer in circular economy practices, with many of its companies bringing cutting-edge solutions in recycling, green logistics and sustainable production to France.  

IKEA’s regional initiatives are key examples. In Limay (Île-de-France), the construction of a cutting-edge logistics hub using river transport and electric trucks will reduce carbon emissions and create up to 500 jobs. Meanwhile, in Occitanie, IKEA’s RetourMat facility, which specializes in recycling mattresses, will contribute to zero waste goals by reusing materials and creating 40 new jobs in the green economy. Together, these projects illustrate how Swedish expertise is accelerating France’s environmental ambitions and turning circular economy principles into shared successes.

Innovation and R&D: key areas of collaboration between France and Sweden 

Innovation is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and Sweden, with a shared commitment on technological progress and sustainable growth. For Swedish companies, France offers a favorable environment to develop new technologies, supported by initiatives like the Research Tax Credit, one of the most generous R&D tax schemes in Europe. 

In 2024, four Swedish investment projects focused on R&D, reflecting France’s attractiveness as a country fostering innovation. That same year, France ranked second in Europe for patents filed with the European Patent Office, a clear sign that its innovation policy is delivering results. 

In 2023, France is the country that attracted the highest number of AI-related investment projects in Europe. Building on this momentum, Swedish startup Evroc announced in February 2025 the construction of an “AI factory” in Mougins, a 96 MW data center designed for hyperscale cloud and AI workloads.

A strategic partnership aligned with France 2030 priorities  

Swedish investments in France in 2024 closely reflected the priorities of the France 2030 plan. With a €54 billion budget, the investment plan focuses on 4 key pillars: reindustrialization, the green transition, innovation through research and development, and digital independence. 

Together, France and Sweden share a vision of sustainable and inclusive growth. These investments deepen their economic ties and make France an increasingly attractive destination for Swedish companies. 

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