In a move that could put France at the forefront of Europe’s digital money push, lawmakers put forward a significant bill on October 28, 2025, suggesting the creation of a national BTC Strategic Reserve. Led by Éric Ciotti, head of the center-right Union of the Right and Center (UDR) party, the plan aims to accumulate up to 420,000 BTC—approximately 2% of all BTC in circulation—over the next seven to eight years.
Called “digital gold,” this reserve would serve as a safeguard against monetary fluctuations and integrate public BTC mining into France’s power infrastructure. The proposal leverages surplus nuclear and hydroelectric power to run government-backed mining operations. If passed, France would become the first European country to adopt BTC as a national holding, challenging the U.S.-led narrative and sparking discussions about the future of the euro in a world increasingly shaped by digital tokens.
The bill’s origins date back to July 2025, when French lawmakers initially discussed converting excess electricity into economic value through BTC mining. As a major nuclear player producing over 70% of its electricity from atomic plants, France frequently experiences surplus output, often selling extra power at low prices due to grid constraints. Ciotti’s concept aims to transform what he calls “financial money and power waste” into a strategic opportunity.
Under the plan, publicly operated mining facilities powered by low-carbon hydroelectric and nuclear energy would mine BTC directly for the national reserve, retaining all coins without selling. This approach aligns with France’s current cryptocurrency framework, which includes Capital B—a government-backed treasury that already holds 2,249 BTC—as well as BTC assets seized in court cases linked to the dark web, which could be funneled into the national vault.
Politically, the bill faces an uphill battle. The UDR holds only 16 of 577 seats in the National Assembly, meaning Ciotti will need support from President Macron’s centrist coalition and Marine Le Pen’s right-wing bloc to secure approval. Debates began on October 28, with committee reviews and potential amendments ahead. Additionally, ongoing European Union work on the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation could dilute some of the mining-related components. Nevertheless, the government’s subtle endorsement—evidenced by reduced taxes for miners—suggests growing momentum.
If adopted, France’s initiative could catalyze a Europe-wide movement: Germany is reportedly considering reusing BTC assets seized by authorities, while Italy is exploring stablecoin pilot programs. The implications for BTC mining are significant. France’s leadership in green power—with nuclear plants delivering a steady 90% uptime, outperforming the intermittent nature of solar energy—could attract global hash power and boost domestic companies like The Blockchain Group.
Public mining operations might set rigorous environmental standards, potentially sidelining less sustainable “dirty” mining farms. On a global scale, this strategy reconceives mining as a national asset, echoing China’s 2021 ban and addressing energy concerns seen in the U.S., where miners consume about 2% of the electricity supply. France’s model could influence future regulations emphasizing carbon capture and clean energy use in mining.
Broader effects also include financial independence. By accumulating BTC, France diversifies away from dollar dominance and addresses euro vulnerabilities, reminiscent of Charles de Gaulle’s gold repatriation. The move also challenges centralized bank digital currencies (CBDCs) through stablecoin innovations, empowering users over traditional banks. For everyday individuals, the prospect of no-tax small transactions could push cryptocurrency into the mainstream, while institutional-level benefits might attract investments comparable to BlackRock.
Of course, risks remain, including regulatory shifts and emerging threats like quantum computing. Still, the bill treats BTC not as a speculative asset but as critical financial infrastructure.
As the Eiffel Tower’s lights shimmer over the Seine, Ciotti’s vision positions France as the seed of a European crypto hub—with mining operations located in the City of Light itself. Should the bill pass parliamentary hurdles or survive committee revisions, it could signify Europe’s BTC awakening, where “digital gold” and atomic energy converge to forge a robust financial foundation.