On June 1, 2026, in Versailles, Emmanuel Macron transformed the palace of kings into a global trading floor. 93 billion euros, 71 projects, 15,600 jobs: France has never been chosen so much.

An Absolute Record for the 9th Edition

Since 2018, each Choose France summit has surpassed the previous one. However, the 2026 edition crosses a symbolic threshold: 93 billion euros in foreign investment announced in a single day, compared to 40.8 billion last year. Emmanuel Macron, who hosted SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son at the Élysée Palace that morning, described it as a "record and historic amount." Behind the figures are 71 concrete announcements and 15,600 projected jobs in French territory.

France thus confirms its position as the leading European destination for foreign direct investment for the seventh consecutive year, according to the 2026 barometer from the firm EY published ten days before the summit. A ranking that Roland Lescure, Minister Delegate for Industry, had promised to beat even before the palace doors opened.

SoftBank: 75 Billion Euros to Make France the European Capital of AI

The figure that stunned the markets: SoftBank announced a commitment of up to 75 billion euros in France, including 45 billion by 2031, exclusively dedicated to artificial intelligence infrastructure – data centers, submarine cables, high-density computing platforms. The targeted zone: Hauts-de-France, whose land availability, access to decarbonized electricity, and connection to Nordic networks make it the ideal site.

"An unprecedented amount in the history of a company's investments in France," according to the Élysée. Masayoshi Son and Emmanuel Macron met this morning in the presidential palace's salons – a scene unimaginable ten years ago.

For Masayoshi Son, France ticks all the boxes: abundant and low-carbon nuclear energy, a workforce of engineers among the best in Europe, and a strategic state that speaks the same language as major global technology companies. French energy policy, regularly cited by international investors, stands out as the country's primary commercial argument.

Beyond SoftBank: Salesforce, AI, and Reindustrialization

SoftBank captures the spotlight, but the list of commitments covers a much broader spectrum. Salesforce announced 2 billion dollars in investments in France for digital education and applied AI initiatives. European renewable energy players, pharmaceutical laboratories, and industrial groups completed the picture, reflecting the diversification strategy driven by France 2030.

This ninth edition places artificial intelligence and the energy transition at the heart of its themes. France presents three key arguments: third country worldwide in terms of AI researchers, first European hub for generative AI, and fifth in the Global AI Index. These positions are only sustainable if the announced investments materialize – which is precisely the task for Business France in the coming months.

The Question That Remains: How Many of These Billions Will Stay in France?

The Choose France summits have become masters of the spectacular. But between the announcement and the first shovel on site, the path can be long. Projects announced during previous editions are still in the authorization or land acquisition phase. The creation of 15,600 jobs for 93 billion euros in investments suggests a highly capital-intensive profile, geared towards heavy infrastructure rather than mass employment.

What Choose France 2026 implicitly reveals is a France that has learned to sell itself – and sells well. The real competition begins now: delivery.

Editorial Opinion

Ninety-three billion euros in one day is a real signal of attractiveness – not a mirage. But the country that knows how to host Masayoshi Son at the Élysée must also know how to deliver the building permits for the data centers he has promised to build. The test of the coming months will not be played out in the salons of Versailles: it will be played out in the prefectures of Hauts-de-France.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose France 2026 Summit in Versailles: 93 billion euros announced (vs. €40.8 billion in 2025).
  • 71 projects, 15,600 jobs projected in the territory.
  • SoftBank: Up to €75 billion, including €45 billion by 2031 in AI (Hauts-de-France data centers).
  • Salesforce: $2 billion in digital education and applied AI.
  • 1st European destination for FDI for the 7th consecutive year (EY 2026 barometer).