MIPIM 2025: Key takeaways

Introduction

European investment promotion agencies at MIPIM 2025: Key takeaways. MIPIM, despite being a sector-specific event, has increasingly become a barometer for assessing the European investment attraction landscape. Each year, it provides a unique opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, gauge investor sentiment, and identify emerging trends. This year, through discussions at the FT Locations’ European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 awards ceremony and wider interactions with investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and FDI experts, three major themes emerged from an investment attraction perspective:

1. Sentiment: Uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions

From the opening keynote by Dr Mario Draghi to individual client discussions, one overriding theme was unavoidable: geopolitical instability is reshaping investor sentiment across Europe. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, combined with shifting global trade alliances, are forcing investors to adopt a more cautious approach.

2. Challenge: Readiness and the need for strategic agility

For years, investment promotion agencies have worked within existing frameworks to attract FDI, but the current landscape demands a fundamental reassessment. Many locations now recognise the urgency of reevaluating their priority sectors and target markets to remain competitive. Notably, several IPAs shared plans to shift their focus towards Aerospace and Defence, citing the accelerated militarisation of Europe as a key driver of industrial policy and investment. The European Defence Fund, which has allocated €8 billion for R&D and defence innovation, exemplifies how the investment landscape is evolving. This shift highlights the necessity for IPAs to develop sector-specific expertise and foster closer ties with emerging industries.

3. The bright side: Growing sense of European unity

Even before recent global trade disputes, there was a consensus that Europe required a structural economic overhaul to remain competitive. With the US leading in tech-driven economic policies and China continuing its rapid expansion, Europe faces a pivotal moment. However, a notable shift in mindset was evident at MIPIM 2025—a growing sense of unity among European nations. Leaders and economic development professionals acknowledged that collaborative policymaking, regional partnerships, and coordinated investment attraction efforts are essential for long-term success.

Final thoughts: The road ahead for Europe

Ultimately, the future of Europe’s investment attractiveness hinges on strong leadership and a comprehensive economic competitiveness strategy. Policymakers and IPAs must focus on regulatory efficiency, incentives for high-value industries, and digital and green transformation initiatives. While the road ahead is complex, proactive planning and a spot-on execution will determine whether Europe can continue to thrive as a global investment destination.

If you missed us at MIPIM this year, and would like to discuss how our products and services can enhance your investment attraction efforts, please get in touch