The European Commission has approved an amended recovery and resilience plan (RRP) for France, modifying the 13 July 2021 Implementing Decision, following France's reasoned request of 29 May 2026. The amendment adjusts 17 measures that are partially no longer achievable due to objective circumstances, such as administrative burden, technical difficulties, and industrial delays. Freed-up resources from downscaled measures—including digital upgrade, hydrogen IPCEI, and railway support—are reallocated to increase support for demand for clean vehicles (target 10-13). The total estimated cost of the amended RRP is EUR 40,310,303,896, while the financial contribution remains unchanged at EUR 40,269,973,178. Climate objectives represent 48.43% of total allocation, and digital objectives 21%. The Commission's positive assessment of the RRP remains unchanged.
The amendment follows France's request to modify its plan due to evolving circumstances since the original approval in July 2021. Four measures are amended to implement better alternatives, including in the circular economy law, the 3DS Law, and health reform. Five measures are amended to reduce administrative burden while achieving objectives in areas such as daily mobility, aeronautics, and culture. The reallocation of funds to clean vehicle support reflects a shift in priorities without altering the overall financial envelope. The Council is expected to formally adopt the implementing decision in the coming weeks.
The amendment impacts several stakeholders. French authorities will benefit from reduced administrative burden and more achievable targets, but may face scrutiny over the downscaled measures. The clean vehicle sector stands to gain from increased demand support, potentially boosting production and sales. Conversely, sectors such as digital infrastructure and hydrogen may see reduced funding, slowing their development. EU taxpayers and the European Commission will monitor the plan's implementation to ensure objectives are met, with no change to the overall financial contribution or positive assessment.