On 25 June 2026, Le Cannet hosted the France–Italy Business Forum, a strategic event bringing together institutional representatives, business leaders and economic decision-makers from France and Italy.
Organised to strengthen economic relations between the two countries, the event provided a valuable platform for dialogue, networking and the development of new collaborations.
The event was notably marked by the presence of several representatives from the French and Italian governments.
The opening speeches were delivered by Roland Lescure, French Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty, and Adolfo Urso, Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
Other political representatives also spoke throughout the day, including:
- Philippe Baptiste, French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space;
- Anna Maria Bernini, Italian Minister for Universities and Research;
- Philippe Tabarot, French Minister for Transport;
- Edoardo Rixi, Italian Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility;
- Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs;
- Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the Italian Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The forum also brought together senior representatives from major companies and organisations, including Hervé Derrey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space; Emma Marcegaglia, Chairwoman of Marcegaglia Holding; Frédérique Le Grevès, President of STMicroelectronics France; Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Executive President of ATR; and Massimo Comparini, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Space Division.
A day dedicated to French-Italian synergies
Through round-table discussions, B2B meetings and the formalisation of several agreements, the forum enabled participants to discuss the main opportunities for cooperation between France and Italy.
The discussions focused on strategic sectors for the future of both countries, including:
- the energy transition;
- transport and mobility;
- infrastructure;
- aeronautics and the space sector;
- digital technologies;
- healthcare;
- advanced technologies.
These exchanges highlighted the complementary strengths of the French and Italian ecosystems, as well as the many opportunities for industrial, technological and commercial partnerships.
Several cooperation agreements were also formalised during the event, including agreements between the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, between Bpifrance Investissement and CDP Venture Capital, and between Business France and the Italian Trade Agency.
Developing sustainable European partnerships
Beyond the institutional discussions, the France–Italy Business Forum offered a valuable networking opportunity for companies seeking to expand their activities, identify new partners or gain a better understanding of economic developments across the two countries.
For R2M France, this initiative fully reflects our commitment to European cooperation. The development of innovative projects depends on the ability of different stakeholders to share their expertise, connect their networks and build strong, sustainable partnerships.
At a time of major economic, industrial and environmental challenges, cooperation between French and Italian stakeholders represents an essential driver for accelerating innovation and supporting the necessary transitions.
A promising dynamic for new opportunities
The France–Italy Business Forum once again demonstrated the importance of professional meetings and international exchanges in supporting the emergence of new joint projects.
R2M France would like to acknowledge the work of the organisers, speakers and all participants who contributed to the success of this day, which was rich in discussions, opportunities and prospects for cooperation.
To learn more about the France–Italy Business Forum, visit the event’s official website:
