Shared prosperity between Ireland and France
Ireland and France continue to deepen an economic relationship defined by innovation, sustainability and strategic collaboration.
As like-minded EU partners, both countries have accelerated cooperation in green transition, research and development, digital transformation, and cross-border infrastructure — areas increasingly central to Europe’s long-term competitiveness.
Trade between France and Ireland
Total bilateral trade reached €47.2bn in 2023, driven by strong growth in both services and goods. Services trade rose to €22.9bn (from €13.5bn in 2019), with Ireland exporting €15.3bn to France and importing €7.6bn.
This momentum underscores a maturing, future-focused partnership; powered by investment, tourism, and collaboration across green transition, research, and digital transformation.
Together, Ireland and France are supporting the development of a resilient European economy, one that drives innovation and enables businesses to prosper in both our countries.
The 2025 Economic Forum in Dublin
Held in November 2025 in Dublin, the France-Ireland Economic Forum, hosted by the Embassy of Ireland in France, and the Embassy of France in Ireland, with support from Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and state agencies, stood as a flagship moment for bilateral cooperation.
The Forum unfolded around two central themes: innovation and emerging technologies, and infrastructure and connectivity. These themes reflect the shared priorities shaping the future of Europe. An Taoiseach Micheál Martin was the keynote speaker.
Opening the day, representing leaders of the business community, Garance Pineau, Director General of MEDEF, and Ian Talbot, CEO Chambers Ireland, reflected on the current business environment and the challenges businesses both countries are facing, and the impact of the Draghi Report one year on.
Research and Innovation
The conversation then moved into innovation policy and technology, with speakers from Scaleway and Equal1. Declan Hughes, Secretary General at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Orianne Chenain, Assistant Secretary for Innovation and Competitiveness at France’s Ministry of Economy, explored how R&D, AI and emerging technology can drive new growth.
The Forum also addressed infrastructure for competitive and connected economies, focusing on cross-border EU projects in energy, transport, and digital networks, as well as the financing needed to bring them to life, with Eoin Dorgan from Ireland’s Department of Public Expenditure. Speakers from the French electricity transmission network operator Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE), EGIS Group, and XOCEAN, highlighted how strong strategic infrastructure underpins both economic growth and European connectivity.
Closing reflections emphasised shared European responsibility and shared opportunity. As An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, notably remarked,
Exchanges like these are the lifeblood of the thriving connection between Ireland and France.
The Forum showcased not only policy dialogue but also the strong momentum of business partnerships. This was reflected later that evening at the Ireland–France Business Awards hosted by NetworkIrlande and the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce, as well as through the launch of a new report by the Embassy of France highlighting the economic footprint of French business in Ireland.
Looking Back: Building Momentum since the 2024 Paris Forum
The Dublin edition built directly on the success of the inaugural France–Ireland Economic Forum held in Paris in 2024, where the foundations were laid for deeper commercial and technological cooperation.
Read more on the 2024 Edition.