Main Points:
- Discussion between Samson Mow and MEP Sarah Knafo on integrating BTC into France’s reserve assets
- Significant corporate Bitcoin accumulation by French firms and public investment banks
- Surge in French citizen interest: 33% plan new crypto purchases, second only to Italy
- EU’s MiCA framework enabling Coinbase and other platforms across 27 states
- Societe Generale launching a dollar-backed stablecoin “USD CoinVertible”
- France poised to lead Europe’s national-level Bitcoin strategy
Dialogue Between Samson Mow and MEP Sarah Knafo
At the BTC Prague conference on June 22, 2025, Jan3 founder Samson Mow met with French MEP Sarah Knafo to explore the possibility of France adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset. Mow expressed hope that France—and by extension Europe—would spearhead national-level Bitcoin adoption, citing his advisory role to leaders like the President of El Salvador. Knafo described the meeting as “very meaningful,” highlighting Mow’s expertise in national Bitcoin strategies and emphasizing that “France must seriously pursue national-level Bitcoin integration.”
This exchange marks a pivotal step: France’s political interest in Bitcoin is no longer theoretical. By inviting Jan3’s team to Paris, France signals intent to build the regulatory and technical infrastructure needed for sovereign crypto reserves.
French Corporate Bitcoin Accumulation
Private-sector momentum is tangible. Paris-based crypto firm Blockchaingroup announced on June 3 the acquisition of 624 BTC (≈ $68.7 million USD) this quarter, bringing its total holdings to 1,471 BTC (≈ $161.9 million USD, assuming $110,000/BTC). Meanwhile, government-backed investment bank Bpifrance allocated €25 million (≈ $27.5 million USD) in March to foster domestic blockchain innovation.
These moves underscore a broader trend: French institutions are diversifying balance sheets with digital assets, seeking both returns and strategic positioning in a crypto-enabled economy.
Rising Public Interest in Cryptocurrency
Interest among French citizens is growing rapidly. An April 2025 survey by industry group Adan and Deloitte found that 10% of the population already hold crypto-assets, up from around 9% last year. Importantly, 33% of respondents said they intend to purchase or hold crypto in 2025—second-highest among six surveyed European countries, just behind Italy at 37%.
This uptick suggests a widening base of retail investors, setting the stage for increased trading volumes and mainstream adoption in France.
EU Regulatory Framework and Coinbase Expansion
The full enforcement of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation at the end of 2024 created a unified licensing regime for crypto firms. Under MiCA, platforms licensed in one member state can operate across all 27 nations. Recently, Coinbase secured its license from Luxembourg, positioning itself to expand services throughout the EU. This regulatory clarity addresses past fragmentation and paves the way for smoother cross-border crypto services.
France’s Leadership in European Bitcoin Strategy
Combining high-level political dialogue, institutional investment, and growing citizen interest, France appears ready to lead Europe’s national Bitcoin agenda. With the Franco-American partnership of Mow and Knafo, plus potential national budget allocations for BTC, France could become the first European nation to hold Bitcoin on its balance sheet. Success here may influence EU-wide policy, prompting other member states to consider similar strategies.
Concurrently, France’s banking sector is innovating: Societe Generale’s upcoming “USD CoinVertible,” a dollar-backed stablecoin on Ethereum and Solana, is set to begin public trading in July 2025, marking a significant step by a major bank into regulated crypto markets.
Conclusion
France’s evolving stance—from parliamentary discussions to corporate acquisitions and consumer enthusiasm—signals a transformative moment in European crypto adoption. As France forges ahead with national-level Bitcoin considerations, supported by robust EU regulation and pioneering financial institutions, the country is on track to set a benchmark for other nations. For investors seeking new assets or blockchain use cases, France’s crypto trajectory offers fertile ground for exploring the next wave of digital innovation.
