France May Create Europe's First National Bitcoin Reserve
Date: 2025-10-29 Author: Gabriel Deangelo Categories: IN WORLD
The French Parliament is considering a bill that could fundamentally change the state's approach to digital assets. According to Member of Parliament Eric Ciotti's proposal, the Ministry of Finance would be authorized to acquire up to 2% of the total supply of Bitcoin—approximately 420,000 BTC—over eight years. These assets would be accounted for similarly to the country's gold and foreign exchange reserves.
The author of the initiative envisions three sources for the formation of a national crypto reserve. The first involves using excess energy from nuclear and hydroelectric power plants to mine Bitcoin for the state. Since approximately 70% of France's electricity is generated by nuclear power plants, the surplus could be used for cryptocurrency mining, allowing the state to independently replenish its reserves.
Ciotti proposes using Bitcoin seized in criminal and judicial proceedings as a second source. Instead of being sold on the market, these assets will be transferred to the state and become part of a strategic reserve.
A third option is to partially use funds from Livret A savings accounts, popular among French citizens. According to the MP, part of the capital from such accounts could be used for regular purchases of small amounts of Bitcoin for long-term accumulation.
Furthermore, the bill provides for the possibility of paying certain taxes in Bitcoin. Ciotti believes this step will strengthen France's economic sovereignty and reduce dependence on American financial institutions. The politician also argues that a state-owned crypto reserve will help protect French tech companies involved in artificial intelligence and mining from acquisition by foreign entities.
The initiative comes amid a strengthening of French regulators' stance on the crypto industry. The Financial Markets Authority (AMF) recently warned that it could restrict the activities of companies registered in other EU countries if they seek to operate in France. According to AMF representatives, crypto platforms will need to comply with national licensing standards to obtain a license to operate, otherwise they may be denied.
If Ciotti's proposal is adopted, France will become the first European country to include Bitcoin in its strategic financial reserve. This could be an important step toward integrating digital assets into the country's economic system and strengthening its position in the global financial market.
