Global Business Briefing with H.E. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the U.S.

Amid shifting geopolitical currents, France is recalibrating its transatlantic strategy, strengthening international partnerships while navigating the evolving landscape of European integration and global competition. On May 9, 2025, Meridian International Center hosted His Excellency Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States, for a timely discussion focused on innovation, regulation, and the future of transatlantic alliances.  

Moderated by Meridian CEO Ambassador, Stuart Holliday, with remarks from Airbnb’s Katharine Kendrick and Organon’s Dr. Monica He, the conversation brought together business executives to explore how France is recalibrating its global strategy, balancing EU constraints, pursuing regulatory reform, and reaffirming its role as a transatlantic partner. 

These Were the Top Takeaways from the Program: 

1. Balancing Bilateral Partnerships and EU Regulations 

As transatlantic cooperation deepens, France faces a delicate balancing act: strengthening bilateral ties with the U.S. while adhering to the complex regulatory architecture of the European Union. Participants noted growing alignment between Paris and Washington on key issues while acknowledging that France cannot act unilaterally—its decisions are bound by EU consensus and legal frameworks which often move at a slower pace. This tension is especially visible in emerging sectors like tech and AI, where U.S.-France innovation deals must be calibrated with EU-wide policies like the Digital Markets Act and the Net-Zero Industry Act.  

2. France Eyes Innovation, but Hurdles Persist 

France is actively working to position itself as a global leader in innovation—particularly in sectors like energy, technology, and biotech—but leaders recognize that overly complex regulations may stifle progress. Participants emphasized the need to simplify France's regulatory landscape to foster a more agile and competitive environment for startups and investors. President Macron’s administration has launched initiatives aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape and promoting innovation, while still aligning with EU-wide standards. 

3. U.S. and EU Trade Tensions  

Trade tensions between the U.S. and EU remain a sticking point—especially in light of tariffs, subsidies, and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). French and European leaders have expressed concern over how U.S. policies might distort the competitive playing field. As both regions strive for greater economic autonomy, there’s a growing need to find common ground that avoids a trade war while promoting innovation.  

4. Reviving Transatlantic Alliances

Historic alliances are critical, particularly the alliance between the U.S. and France. Despite recent challenges, there is a shared commitment to fostering global stability and promoting democratic values and the need to deepen their collaboration on major global challenges, from cybersecurity to emerging tech, while reinforcing trust within these partnerships. The U.S.-France relationship continues to serve as a pillar of the transatlantic alliance, essential for addressing global crises and maintaining international security.  

5. AI: Striking the Balance

As the European Union takes the lead on AI regulation, participants explored how France and the EU plan to address the challenges of AI adoption while ensuring compliance. The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which aims to regulate high-risk AI systems, was highlighted by some as a necessary step to protect citizens' rights and maintain ethical standards. However, the industry faces barriers in compliance costs, which can hinder smaller businesses from fully benefiting from AI technologies.