Analyses & Studies

2025 French Business Leaders Barometer

Eurogroup Consulting unveils the 2025 French Business Leaders Barometer: between uncertainties and international ambitions

Eurogroup Consulting has published the results of its 2025 French Business Leaders Barometer, conducted in partnership with the network of entrepreneurs from French Chambers of Commerce and Industry, CCI France international, the Foreign Trade Advisors of France, and BFM Business. This annual study highlights the trends and concerns of French business leaders facing a rapidly changing economic and geopolitical environment.

Cautious optimism amid growing uncertainty

The year 2025 marks another stage in managing uncertainties. While 51% of business leaders describe themselves as neutral, confident, or optimistic, 41% express increasing uncertainty (+6 points compared to 2024). This caution is driven by rising geopolitical and economic risks, along with significant institutional instability.

In response, French businesses are adopting a pragmatic strategy focused on maintaining and restoring profit margins and continuously adapting their activities. Business evolution has now become one of the top three strategic challenges, alongside profit margin preservation and human resources management.

Strong international ambitions remain

Despite uncertainties, over one-third (34%) of business leaders plan to expand into a new country in 2025. Among them, nearly two-thirds are targeting Asia-Pacific and Europe. This trend is particularly noticeable among mid-sized companies (ETIs), where 47% of leaders are planning international expansion.

Additionally, French business leaders based abroad show slightly higher confidence than their counterparts in France, demonstrating greater resilience in the face of global trade challenges.

Key challenges for 2025: geopolitics, growth, and strategic autonomy

The global context is shifting business priorities. Geopolitical and security risks have become the top concern (74% compared to 22% in 2024), surpassing economic risks (68%) and pushing climate transition to a lower priority (13%).

This change in priorities reflects a desire among French business leaders to strengthen national and European economic independence in response to growing global threats. According to Gilles Bonnenfant, President of Eurogroup Consulting, "The challenge is no longer just to resist but to adapt to instability. 2025 could be the year of proactive anticipation, where the ability to navigate uncertainty becomes key to seizing new opportunities."

Conclusion

The 2025 French Business Leaders Barometer reveals a business world in transition, balancing caution and ambition. While companies must navigate geopolitical, economic, and transitional uncertainties, they demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability, allowing them to seize future opportunities.

You can download the complete report on the Eurogroup Consulting website.

Full results of the 2025 Barometer