Spain and France conclude the Economic Forum with a commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation through regular high-level dialogue

The Minister for Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, and his French counterpart, Roland Lescure, during the meeting they held in Paris

Spain and France share one of the strongest bilateral economic relationships in the European Union, with trade in goods and services exceeding €130 billion, 26% more than seven years ago. France is Spain's main export market, and Spain is among France's top five trading partners. Bilateral investment stocks exceed €100 billion in both directions, with more than 800 Spanish companies operating in France and almost 3,000 French companies established in Spain.

The forum, organised by the business organisations Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE) and Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), brought together senior executives from leading Spanish and French companies to explore opportunities for expanding operations and partnerships.

The two ministers agreed to hold high-level meetings twice a year to strengthen coordination on key priorities, including deepening integration and removing remaining barriers to trade and investment. The first meeting is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.

The Minister for Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, stated that "Spain and France share one of the closest economic partnerships on the continent, highlighted by the dynamism of our private sector. In a world of increasing uncertainty, deepening these ties is a strategic imperative. The stronger Spain and France are together, the stronger Europe will be.

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the European Union's competitiveness agenda through frameworks such as the European Competitiveness Lab and the E6 group, which are essential spaces for ministerial coordination and joint initiatives. A deeper and more integrated European single market-with stronger capital markets and Europeanised supervision that improves the effectiveness of oversight for all actors, as proposed by the Commission, a "Regime 28" for European companies, the reduction of internal barriers, and a genuine energy union-is the most powerful tool available to businesses and citizens in both countries.

The governments of Spain and France will continue working to further integrate their economies, reduce trade barriers, and deepen energy interconnections. At the same time, both countries will pursue the European Union's strategy of expanding the network of partnerships with strategic allies to diversify trade and investment relations through ambitious, balanced, and sustainable agreements.

Spain and France reaffirm their shared responsibility to the international community as a whole, working together to strengthen the multilateral system and ensure that the most vulnerable economies are not left behind as global economic conditions deteriorate. Furthermore, they will continue to advocate for an international economic architecture that is fair, stable, and fit for the challenges of our time.

Non official translation