Bloomberg Talks France Minister of Economy & Finance Eric Lombard Talks Trade, US Relations
Feb 10, 2025
Eric Lombard, France's Minister of Economy and Finance, discusses pivotal issues at the Paris AI Summit. He emphasizes the need for negotiations to ease trade tensions with the US while balancing France's digital tax controversies. Lombard highlights France's attractiveness to investors, despite political shifts, showcasing over $100 billion in commitments. He also addresses the adaptations needed for AI regulations and the European strategy in light of US tariff threats, underlining the commitment to economic stability and growth.
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France's AI Investment
- France is investing €109 billion in AI infrastructure, including data centers.
- This investment aims to compete with the US and China in the AI field.
France's Trade Stance with the US
- France is prepared to implement tariffs or negotiate to balance trade with the US.
- The response will depend on the US reaction to Europe's stance.
France's Digital Tax
- France's digital tax, impacting US tech companies, will remain in place.
- The tax is considered a matter of sovereignty and not a negotiating tool.