Defense, a crucial issue addressed by Groupe BPCE
Financing the Defense sector is a crucial issue at a time when geopolitical events are accelerating, placing sovereignty issues at the heart of concerns. Aware of these challenges, Groupe BPCE is enhancing its support for actors in the defense industrial and technological base (BITD, all French industries involved in defense activities) as part of its strategic project VISION 2030:
- First financial institution in Europe to issue a dedicated obligation to the defense sector – European defense bond, serving sovereignty and financing needs of defense companies.
- Almost one-third of the BITD companies are clients of the group (Groupe BPCE internal calculations, December 2025).
- Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, the first French banks to sign an agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support Defense SMEs. This loan of 300M€ will allow Groupe BPCE, through Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, to increase its financing to the sector. A first tranche of 150M€ is currently being deployed within the two networks.
Main figures of the Defense Industrial and Technological Base (BITD)
4,500 companies (SMEs and ETIs). Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance, conference on March 20, 2025.
220,000 direct and indirect jobs. Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance, conference on March 20, 2025.
