This session will examine how France’s advanced ESG framework influences the attractiveness and competitiveness of French companies in an increasingly globalised marketplace. With pioneering legislation on diversity, executive remuneration, and supply-chain vigilance, France has established some of the most ambitious corporate responsibility standards in Europe. These rules impose meaningful obligations and heightened scrutiny, but they also create opportunities for companies to differentiate themselves through strong governance, credible reporting, and robust risk management.

The discussion will explore how businesses can adapt their internal structures and compliance systems to meet evolving expectations, manage litigation and enforcement exposure, and translate mandatory ESG practices into strategic value. Panellists will consider whether France’s proactive regulatory environment can serve as a competitive advantage for internationally active companies and how these standards may shape investor confidence, market positioning, and long-term corporate resilience.