The French Law on Foreign Interference and Reporting Obligations to the HATVP
The enactment of Law No. 2024-850 of 25 July 2024, aimed at preventing foreign interference in France, represents a pivotal step in the protection of the French public sphere against undue influence from external powers. Adopted in a context of increasing global geopolitical tensions and cross-border influence campaigns, this legislation positions France among the democratic nations that have chosen to make foreign interference more transparent and accountable.
From the standpoint of an external commentator observing French institutional evolution, this law and its implementing decree (Decree No. 2025-733 of 31 July 2025) reflect a strategic choice: to make all foreign interference targeting public decision-making visible, trackable, and subject to legal scrutiny. The central role in this system is entrusted to the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life (HATVP), which now carries new and enhanced responsibilities in this domain.
Context and Purpose of the Law
The French government has been increasingly concerned with the risks posed by foreign interference. Across the democratic world, it has become evident that certain states, corporations, or interest groups can attempt to shape national policies or influence public debate in ways that compromise sovereignty. By introducing this law, France seeks to bolster public trust and ensure that the decision-making process remains anchored in the general interest, free from opaque or undisclosed foreign interference.
The law explicitly grants the HATVP a supervisory role over influence activities conducted on behalf of any foreign principal. This regulatory expansion acknowledges that foreign interference can manifest in subtle forms, ranging from direct lobbying to indirect public campaigns.
Legal Framework and the Implementing Decree
The implementation of this law is detailed in Decree No. 2025-733, which lays out the operational framework for identifying and declaring activities constituting foreign interference. A key innovation of this decree is the creation of a digital registry, designed to centralize all relevant data for easy monitoring and public access.
Starting on 1 October 2025, any individual or legal entity acting on behalf of a foreign principal must register with the HATVP within 15 working days of meeting the statutory conditions. This registry will serve as the official reference point for all declared cases of foreign interference, ensuring that the French authorities can maintain an updated, comprehensive overview of external influence activities.
Scope of Influence Activities
The law identifies three main types of actions falling under foreign interference:
- Direct communication with public decision-makers – including meetings, email exchanges, or phone calls aimed at influencing governmental decisions.
- Public-facing communication campaigns – such as sponsored media content, social media campaigns, or other awareness efforts initiated on behalf of foreign principals.
- Fundraising or fund transfers without consideration – financial flows that can act as channels for indirect influence or create dependencies.
Each of these actions, when carried out for a foreign entity, triggers reporting obligations to the HATVP. By establishing a systematic reporting requirement, France aims to limit the risks of hidden or untraceable foreign interference.
Reporting Procedures and Timeline
The reporting process is fully digital. A dedicated online portal will be available from 1 October 2025, allowing stakeholders to fulfill their legal duties securely and efficiently.
- Initial Registration: Must be completed within 15 working days once the legal conditions are met.
- Quarterly Reports: Beginning in January 2026, all actors involved in foreign interference must file quarterly reports within one month after each civil quarter. The first reporting cycle will cover activities conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025.
This schedule ensures the HATVP has a near real-time understanding of foreign interference trends and can respond swiftly to any irregularities.
Public Transparency and Democratic Oversight
A major innovation of this legal framework is its public transparency component. As of January 2026, selected data from the registry will be made available to the public. This means that journalists, academics, and citizens alike will gain visibility into the mechanisms of foreign interference affecting French decision-making.
Publicly disclosed information will include:
- The identity of the declarant (individual or entity);
- The identity of the foreign principal;
- The nature and scope of activities carried out in the context of foreign interference.
This approach fosters democratic vigilance and acts as a deterrent to those considering covert foreign interference.
Control Powers and Sanctions
The law and its decree also strengthen the enforcement powers of the HATVP. It now possesses the authority to impose financial penalties and daily fines (astreintes) for late or missing filings. Any actor engaged in foreign interference who fails to comply with registration or reporting requirements may face these sanctions.
Furthermore, the HATVP is empowered to conduct document-based audits as well as on-site inspections. Persistent non-compliance could lead to cumulative penalties, signaling France’s firm stance against any attempt to conceal foreign interference.
Supporting Stakeholders in Compliance
Recognizing that the law introduces new and complex obligations, the HATVP will launch a comprehensive support initiative starting in September 2025. Practical guides, FAQs, and step-by-step tutorials will help potential declarants understand how to comply with the reporting system for foreign interference.
This educational approach aims to encourage voluntary compliance, reduce administrative errors, and accelerate the full implementation of the law.
A Strategic Tool for National Sovereignty
From an international perspective, France’s approach aligns with broader trends seen in other democracies, such as the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) or Australia’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme. By targeting foreign interference, the French legal system enhances its resilience against covert lobbying and influence operations.
In practice, this means:
- Increased accountability for any foreign entity seeking to affect French policy;
- Enhanced protection of decision-making processes from external pressures;
- A clear signal to the international community that foreign interference will be met with structured, legal oversight.
Implications for Policy and Society
The implementation of this law could have several long-term consequences:
- Deterrence: Potential foreign actors may reconsider opaque influence strategies once they understand the scope of monitoring.
- Public Confidence: By shedding light on foreign interference, the government strengthens trust in democratic institutions.
- International Reputation: France positions itself as a leader in the fight against hidden influence campaigns.
Observers from abroad may also note that this law strikes a balance between transparency and openness. While it targets foreign interference, it does not outright prohibit foreign engagement or lobbying. Instead, it establishes a framework that ensures any such activity occurs under the scrutiny of law and public opinion.
In conclusion, Law No. 2024-850 and its implementing decree No. 2025-733 represent a decisive step in France’s strategy to protect its democratic life from foreign interference. By creating a centralized registry, imposing reporting obligations, and granting the HATVP enforcement powers, the country has established a clear line of defense against covert influence.
For external observers, this development is a signal of France’s determination to preserve national sovereignty in an era of complex global interdependencies. Foreign interference, once an opaque and difficult-to-measure phenomenon, will now be monitored, reported, and, where necessary, sanctioned.
As January 2026 approaches and the first public reports emerge, the international community will gain new insights into the scale and nature of foreign interference in France—an exercise in transparency that could inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.
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