Mature economic ties between Poland and France continue to grow, with France ranking as Poland’s third-largest export partner and a top investor.
Economic Relations
Economic relations between Poland and France are highly mature and stable yet dynamically developing. Around 1,200 French-invested firms operate in Poland, accounting for 4% of employment and revenue among companies with over 10 employees, and approximately 5% of value added and investment expenditures by Polish enterprises.
France is Poland’s third-largest trading partner by export value and ranks sixth by import value.
Investment Scale
Cumulative French direct investment in Poland reached 114 billion zł by the end of 2024, a one-third increase over five years. France is now Poland’s third-largest foreign investor.
Poland is a key partner for France in Central and Eastern Europe, hosting nearly half of all French investments in the region, primarily in industry, transport, logistics, services, trade, and finance.
Strategic Partnership
The Treaty of Nancy marks a significant step, showing Poland and France’s commitment to strategic, long-term cooperation. The treaty identifies specific areas for mutual growth and European competitiveness, including energy, innovation, and defense.
Rising Polish investor activity in France, with companies like InPost and Comarch, is notable. Cumulative Polish investment in France nearly doubled between 2017 and 2022.
Energy and Innovation
Energy is a major focus, encompassing nuclear and renewables. France offers unique expertise and proven nuclear technology, while significant potential exists in renewables, biogas, and emission-reduction technologies.
Innovation and digitalization form a second pillar. Poland provides strong tech talent and growth dynamics, while France possesses robust R&D capabilities. Cooperation in AI, quantum tech, biotechnology, and robotics could drive the European economy.
Business Cooperation
French firms in Poland extensively collaborate locally; nearly two-thirds work with over 100 Polish companies, and one-fifth partner with more than 1,000, boosting Polish suppliers’ access to global value chains.
Treaty provisions are already translating into concrete projects, such as Arabelle Solutions supplying turbines for the Choczewo nuclear plant, cooperation between PGZ/Mesko and Eurenco on a propellant factory, and Airbus aircraft purchases for LOT.
The French-Polish Chamber of Commerce will catalyze these efforts, hosting the largest Poland-France business forum at the European Economic Congress in Katowice in April, alongside ongoing regional collaborations.