Topic
france
Technology France Approves Social Media Ban for Under-15s, Mandating Age Verification from 2027
France's parliament has approved a law banning social media for under-15s from January 2027, making it the first European country to do so. The law mandates age verification for all social media accounts, with tools approved by the French privacy regulator. The move follows Australia's ban and aligns with UK and EU proposals, but experts raise privacy and enforcement concerns.
Commodities EU Approves €63bn French Offshore Wind Support Scheme for 11 Farms
The European Commission has approved a €63bn ($72bn) French support scheme for offshore wind, backing the construction of 11 wind farms across the North Sea, Atlantic, and Mediterranean. The package will deliver up to 11.1GW of capacity and generate 47.8TWh annually, about 10.6% of France's power consumption.
Trade India and France Co-Chair Economic and Financial Dialogue, Agree to Deepen Cooperation on Critical Minerals and Financial Ties
India and France co-chaired the Economic & Financial Dialogue, agreeing to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, financial ties, and high-speed railways. The dialogue followed commitments made during French President Macron's visit to India in February 2026 and PM Modi's engagement. Discussions covered coordination in multilateral forums like G20 and Paris Club, and ways to increase cross-investments.
Logistics Dunkirk starts work on second container terminal, expanding capacity to 2m TEU
The port of Dunkirk has commenced construction of its second container terminal, a €303m project that will more than double box handling capacity from 850,000 TEU to approximately 2m TEU. The new deepwater quay, awarded to a Spie Batignolles-led joint venture, will accommodate two ultra-large containerships simultaneously and is expected to be completed by 2029. The expansion follows a record 2025 throughput of 747,000 TEU and the reinstatement of CMA CGM's Ocean Alliance FAL1 service.
Logistics France fines shadow fleet tanker owner €1m over false Cameroon flag
French prosecutors fined the owner of shadow fleet tanker Tagor €1 million after the vessel was detained in the Atlantic for using a false Cameroon flag. The owner admitted guilt and has agreed to obtain a lawful flag. The case underscores heightened enforcement against shadow fleet operations, with France intercepting at least five such tankers in the past year.
Logistics France Boards Another Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Off Sicily
French navy boarded the tanker Deliver, sailing under Cameroonian flag from Primorsk, off Sicily on Tuesday. President Macron announced the interception, the fifth French operation against Russia's shadow fleet, highlighting Europe's campaign to enforce oil sanctions and prevent war financing.
Technology Niqo Robotics shows India-built physical AI farming platform at France innovation conclave
Niqo Robotics, a physical AI company, showcased its India-built farming platform at the 'Bharat Innovates 2026' conclave in Nice, France. The platform, featuring the Niqo Sense AI camera, offers precision weeding, thinning, and spraying with over 99% accuracy, targeting European markets driven by rising labour costs and herbicide restrictions.
Trade Trump threatens 100 percent tariff on France's wine industry over its tech tax - Engadget
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all French wine and champagne imports unless France removes its three percent digital services tax on US tech companies. The threat, made ahead of the G7 conference in France, targets the GAFAM tax which generates around $700 million per year for France. French wine and champagne sales in the US are worth at least $2 billion.
Trade India-France Discuss Deepening Trade, Tech Ties During Piyush Goyal-Nice Mayor Meeting
India and France are deepening trade and technology ties, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hosting a dinner for Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti. The two sides agreed to establish a high-level mechanism to double bilateral trade over five years and announced several outcomes spanning innovation, AI, space, and railway cooperation.
Business PM Modi, French President Macron Open 'Bharat Innovates' in Nice; Deepen India-France Innovation Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice, a three-day event bringing together over 120 Indian deep-tech startups and more than 15 higher education institutions. The leaders highlighted the strategic partnership, with Macron pointing to Chandrayaan-3's success and potential cooperation in civil nuclear energy including Small Modular Reactors. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal invited French businesses to invest in India, noting the country's 230,000+ startup ecosystem.
Technology India Partners with France at VivaTech 2026 to Lead in AI Innovation
India, as the Official AI Partner Country at VivaTech 2026, aims to showcase its leadership in AI and digital innovation. The event will highlight India's commitment to technology that empowers citizens and fosters global partnerships.
Trade France Intercepts Russian Tanker in Atlantic Sanctions Crackdown
France, with UK support, intercepted the Russian tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, enforcing EU sanctions. The operation underscores Europe's crackdown on Russia's shadow fleet.