France as Conductor: Paris Sets the Tempo for Strategic Europe

France set a brisk pace for the European agenda this month, demonstrating diplomatic and industrial activism on multiple fronts. Paris is positioning itself forcefully on the strategic files of the autumn season—from defence to digital sovereignty and the Union's future budget—seeking to shape the key decisions of the Commission and the Council.

This momentum is reflected in stepped-up military support for Ukraine, the conclusion of a major defence contract with Sweden, and pressure for the emergence of European industrial champions. The latter trend is illustrated by the controversial intervention of the Commission President in favour of a space joint venture. On the budgetary front, France has put a figure on its ambitions for the EU's own resources at €60 billion, opening a decisive negotiation ahead of the October summit. Finally, Paris is seeking to impose a demanding vision on digital regulation, in the run-up to the State of the Union address.

France Steps Up on European Defence and Support for Ukraine

The period was marked by a notable intensification of France's defence engagement, both bilaterally and in its support for Ukraine. On 22 August, in response to deadly Russian strikes on Kryvyi Rih, President Emmanuel Macron announced a reinforcement of military support for Kyiv. This commitment includes accelerating deliveries of interceptors and equipment, as well as granting licences for missile production on Ukrainian soil (Politico EU, 22/08). The initiative was confirmed during the visit of a French ministerial delegation to Ukraine on 11 and 12 September, which emphasised strengthening industrial cooperation, particularly in the drone and space sectors, ahead of winter (European Interest, 13/09).

At the same time, France gave concrete form to its strategy of reinforcing the European defence technological and industrial base. On 31 August, Paris and Stockholm signed a landmark agreement for France to supply four modern frigates to Sweden, worth €4.3 billion. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in 2030 (European Interest, 31/08). This agreement with a recent NATO member (since 2024) aims to consolidate Sweden's naval capabilities in the Baltic Sea and illustrates France's determination to position its defence industry as a pillar of the continent's security.

Industrial Policy: The Commission Rules in Favour of "European Champions"

A major shift is emerging in the Union's competition policy. On 10 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly backed the space joint venture project ("Project Bromo") between Airbus, Leonardo and Thales, a deal estimated at €6.5 billion (Politico EU, 10/09). This intervention is considered rare for a senior EU official, given that the deal has not yet been formally notified to the Commission's competition services and is the subject of informal discussions.

This episode reveals the growing tension between competition-policy orthodoxy and the new doctrine of strategic autonomy and the promotion of European industrial champions. This pro-industry activism is also evident in President Macron's continued support for the French AI start-up Mistral AI, of whose strategic partnership with Nvidia he was a key architect (Politico EU, 09/09).

Budget and Regulation: Paris on the Offensive on Own Resources and the Digital Age of Majority

France has clearly stated its ambitions for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). On 8 September, Paris publicly put a figure on its objective: new EU-wide taxes should generate more than €60 billion for the next seven-year budget (Politico EU, 08/09). The Irish Council presidency hopes to secure an agreement in principle at the leaders' summit on 15 October. A consensus already appears to be emerging on revenues from the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) and electronic waste.

External Relations: Rapprochement with London and Alignment on the Middle East

Relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom are showing signs of warming. President Macron is due to meet British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London shortly (Politico EU, 26/08). This visit comes in the context of a UK-EU summit scheduled for October, which is expected to address concrete files such as tuition fees, agri-food, emissions-allowance trading and youth mobility.

On another diplomatic front, a notable convergence has emerged regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On 8 September, the British government announced a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. According to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, France and Canada are preparing to implement similar measures, signalling coordinated action by Western powers on this issue (European Interest, 08/09).

To Watch

• Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union address, cited as a key milestone for the European autumn season.
• 15 October 2026: Summit of European leaders in Brussels. The Irish Council presidency will seek to secure a political agreement on the basket of new own resources for the EU budget.
• October 2026 (date to be confirmed): UK-EU summit. It will aim to conclude post-Brexit agreements on several sectoral files.
• Coming weeks: Formal notification of the "Project Bromo" space joint venture (Airbus, Thales, Leonardo) to the Commission's DG Competition, which will launch the official review of the transaction.