Stories from France

French ministries are transitioning away from Microsoft software to Linux-based operating systems for approximately 2.5 million government devices. This move aims to reduce reliance on proprietary software and address long-standing concerns regarding software quality and security. The transition represents a significant shift in large-scale public sector IT procurement.

France is developing a strategic plan to invest up to €10 billion into the electric vehicle sector by 2030. This initiative aims to further electrify the national economy and bolster the domestic automotive industry. The move follows similar recent energy and infrastructure shifts in neighboring Germany. Governments are considering subsidizing their automotive industries, particularly concerning electric vehicles imported from abroad. The Ségur investment program will provide 2.4 billion euros to renovate establishments within the Île-de-France region. France plans to significantly increase its munitions procurement over the next decade. The government intends to purchase between 26 billion and 30 billion euros worth of munitions. The program is described as a major capacity-building initiative for the coming ten years.